Duval County is home to one of the largest Hispanic and Latino populations in North Florida, but resources for this growing community have not always been readily available.

However, there is one woman who has been making waves in the Hispanic community for more than a decade.

Her name is Yanira “Yaya” Cardona, and she’s been the driving force behind many initiatives for the Hispanic and Latino community as the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for the City of Jacksonville — the first position of its kind.

RELATED | Hispanic community in Duval County has grown nearly 26% since 2020, US Census estimates show

But Cardona’s journey began years ago.

The self-proclaimed Navy brat was born in Long Beach California, and has lived in Panama, Virginia, Puerto Rico and Florida.

The Sandlewood High

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