ITZA CABRERA; 2023 Top Lideres Awards: Jacksonville

What is your Hispanic Heritage: 

ITZA: Puerto Rico

What area of Florida do you live in? 

Jacksonville, Florida 

What is your profession: 

Secretary and Zumba Instructor

Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it.

Itza: I am a secretary at Global Outreach Charter Academy that specializes in Languages like English, Spanish and Russian. I have been in the education system for about 12 years. Love it. I have friends that work in Education and they told me about it.

Latin Times Magazine: In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition.

Itza: Be the best at what you do, I’m very happy, Positive, friendly, Organized, and very passionate.

Latin Times Magazine:  Why do you feel you were nominated?

Itza: I was nominated by my friend and boss Georgette. I feel honored, excited, and surprised. She believes in me and what I do.

Latin Times Magazine:  During Covid-19, tell us about your Biggest Challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it

Itza:  The biggest challenge was Social Isolation, Losing family and friends with the covid. Thanks to technology we can see Family and friends. 2. The best way to overcome  obstacles is to fear determination, creativity and innovation, and working together  towards  a common purpose.

Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about your biggest achievement, and how you achieved it.

Itza:  One of my biggest achievements when I moved to Jacksonville. About learning the English language.. Now I can speak it. So proud. I’m very positive.

Latin Times Magazine:  What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you? 

Itza: I will keep working and learning things. In the school the opportunity to develop further skills. And at the YMCA continue to motivate people. I feel blessed. What can people expect about me? Each person is unique. We are all shaped by our own personal experiences. I feel blessed.

Latin Times Magazine:  What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you?

Itza: I will have the right to vote, travel with a passport, and become eligible for many government benefits. And will also get the responsibility of obeying US laws, paying taxes and performing other things.

Latin Times Magazine:  What is your opinion of the state of affairs in our nation?

And what role do you see Hispanics/Latinos playing in the future of our nation?

Itza:  My opinion will significantly influence your ability to make decisions for the state we are in. The Latinos are shaping the future of the United States. Among the most important Hispanic cultural influences is the world of entertainment. Salsa, merengue, reggaeton, consolidate a stable market not only for the Spanish natives but for the Americans as well.

Latin Times Magazine: What is the best lesson that you have learned in leadership and how has it helped your career?

Itza:  Communication, be present, decision making, employee motivation, relationship building, self confidence, love people, show up, listen. It has helped me a lot in my career. 

Latin Times Magazine:  Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to share? 

Itza: I feel so happy and proud of myself to be a latina. Latinos are unique. Excited to be in this contest.

Latin Times Magazine:  What is YOUR comida Latina favorita? 

Itza:  I love to try different foods from around the world. Mi comida favorita es Mofongo, ensalada de pulpo, arroz, habichuelas, frijoles, ropa vieja etc.