JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the first time, the city of Jacksonville has a Hispanic Outreach Coordinator.
Mayor Donna Deegan appointed Yanira “Yaya” Cardona to serve in the role. She will help plan community events tailored to the needs of the Hispanic community, one of Duval County’s fastest-growing populations over the last decade.
Cardona is a familiar face you’ve probably seen around Jacksonville. You might know her as a former radio personality or the creator of the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival.
Now, she’s making history as the first Hispanic Outreach Coordinator with the city of Jacksonville.
“It’s an honor and it just shows you how far we’ve come here in Jacksonville, especially the Hispanic community,” Cardona said.
Jacksonville’s Hispanic community makes up a little more than 11% of the city’s population, according to data from the most recent U.S. Census. It’s one of the fastest-growing populations in Duval County.
But it wasn’t always like this, especially not in 2004 when Cardona first moved to Florida from Puerto Rico.
Her father, who served in the Navy, got stationed in Mayport after his base shut down in Puerto Rico.
“I moved here my senior year, and at that time there were Hispanics obviously, but it was still not as big as it now,” Cardona said. “There weren’t as many restaurants or Hispanic businesses as there is now. So, it’s great to see the growth from 2004 to 2024, 20 years later, and now to be able say that I’m the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for the city of Jacksonville is just a blessing.”
Cardona said her first priority will be building a bridge between the Hispanic community and the city of Jacksonville, between their services and programs.
“I want to be meeting with all kinds of businesses, nonprofits, to make sure and learn what services they have and make sure that my Hispanic community has these services,” Cardona said.
Cardona acknowledged she has a long journey ahead but hopes every step along the way offers inspiration and proof that anything is possible.