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This past October 11th, 2024, during the height of LATIN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, YAI hosted for the 20th year YAI Latino Conference! As they in their website: “Today YAI celebrates our 20th Latino Conference! We are so proud to support the Latino community by hosting this important event each year. Our gratitude also goes out to the NYC Council for their support! Gracias.”  

The joy of this conference it’s totally conducted in Spanish. That’s the joy of the conference. The audience knows they’ll be treated well, they know they’ll be getting great support from the staff and other organizations present that day. 

The keynote speakers that day were:

  1. Dr. Marisa Azaret, the clinical director of the Psychology Department of the Nicklaus Children's Hospital. And she is a member of the faculty of the hospital's Pediatric Residency Program, training the next generation of doctors. Dr. Azaret also has extensive experience in broadcasts, as she worked as a CNN presenter at Esoaiiof. She was also the Medical Collaborator and host of "Vive la Salud con la Dr. Azaret" from 2011 to 2023.
  2. Susana Montes, a devoted mother of a child with special needs, serves as a board member of Families for Disability Rights Inc. (FDR) and the Coalition for Self-Director. Both talked about self advocacy and supported each other. Azaret said, “We must support each other, give each other confidence, never look down on no one.” Montes added, “There’s a success story today, we are all here to learn and support.” For many in the audience they felt the same way.

One parent said, “I come here cause I know here I feel welcomed.”  

Another parent said, “When I see other groups here it means a lot. My child is happy and I know I will be happy there’s support for us.”

By 1pm there were celebrations, combined with music and dance. YAI staff and people shouting proudly, “ARRIBA, WEPA, ADELANTE!” Despite the pandemic! Nosotros Sabemos! (In English, “we know”). Nosotros vamos estar aqui siempre! (In English, “we will always be here again!”) Can’t wait for the 21st conference! ADELANTE YAI LATINO!