Latina Cuban American Making Strides in Pediatric Psychology

Meet Marisa Azaret, Psy.D., 2025 Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Clinical Director of the Psychology Department and Faculty Member of the Pediatric Residency Program, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

“Be ready to accept the many challenges of a fast moving, uncertain world because the rewards can be extraordinary.”

Marisa Azaret, Psy.D. was born in Cuba and raised in Cádiz, the city where her father was born. It’s an Andalusian town, affectionately known as “la tacita de plata” (the tiny silver cup).

In school, she forged lifelong friendships, discovered a passion for flamenco, and delighted in the simple pleasures of “pescaito frito” (fried fish) along with a fine sherry under endless skies of sun, sea, and wind.

At the age of 19, destiny carried her across the Atlantic Ocean to Miami. As a newlywed and expectant mother, she confronted the challenges of a new language, culture, and reality. Though the transition was daunting, she embraced motherhood twice and the promise of a bright future. Too soon she found herself as a single parent but welcomed the fears, doubts, and insecurities with determination and courage, by constantly affirming that she must forge a future for herself and her family. Marisa’s days became a vibrant blend of college, graduate studies, internships, and a dissertation intertwined with baseball games, homework, and parent-teacher meetings.

Today, Marisa’s two boys, the loves of her life, have grown into remarkable individuals: One son is a well-respected doctor and the other is a talented software engineer. Like their mother, both embodied excellence in every aspect of their lives.

Over time, Marisa channeled her passion for psychology. At present she is the Nicklaus Children’s Clinical Director of the Department of Psychology, a faculty member of the Pediatric Residency Program and spokesperson for the Digital Safety Alliance. Along this journey, she discovered a new calling by connecting with Hispanic audiences through media sources. As a guest, producer, writer, and host on many respected outlets, she earned several nominations and three coveted Emmy Awards along with two Sentinel Awards.

Marisa’s journey has been challenging yet profoundly rewarding. Every step along this winding journey has deepened her resolve and fueled her continued passion by combining her love for her culture, upbringing, children, grandchildren, and profession.

For more information, visit http://www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com

THE 2025 HISPANIC WOMEN of DISTINCTION ARE:

1. MARISA AZARET, PsyD,
Clinical Director, Nicklaus Children’s Psychology Department  MIAMI-DADE
2. INES BAUTISTA CAPOTE
President/CEO of Mayor Poder Foundation/Senior Power- MIAMI
3. NATY L. DIAZ,
Founder, CEO, Prestige Clinical Research Center, Inc. – BROWARD
4. JESSY ALLAIN MENA
Donor Relations Mgr. Kids in Distress & Family Central – BROWARD
5. YESENIA MORENO
Managing Partner, New Edge Associates, CEO Florida Banking Forum – MIAMI-DADE
6. MARCELA MUNERA
Campus Director, Ana G. Mendez University – BROWARD
7. DANAY RODRIGUEZ-ARRITOLA
Chief Nursing Officer, Larkin Community Hospital – BROWARD
8. MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ
Attorney, GEICO Insurance Company – BROWARD
9. DIANA SANTA MARIA
Founder/Managing Attorney, Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, PA, Bilingual Mediators, Inc. Founder & Mediator – MIAMI-DADE

10. ESTRELLITA S. SIBILA–

Real Estate Attorney, Sibila Law – MIAMI-DADE

11. INGRID GUEVARA VANALSTYNE
VP of Learning & Culture, Hanley Foundation – PALM BEACH

12. CAROLINE VILLANUEVA
South Florida External Affairs Director, Florida Crystals – PALM BEACH

2025 LATINA PIONEER of the YEAR
MARIBEL PEREZ WADSWORTH

President & CEO John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the first Hispanic Woman & First Woman to head Knight Foundation, overseeing a $2.5B endowment to support  journalism, community and the arts. –  MIAMI-DADE

2025 UP & COMER honoree:
ANGELINA NICOLE CAMPOS
Title Assistant, American Title Solutions, Phi Beta Kappa honoree, community service advocate and volunteer – BROWARD

  TICKETS $110 per person. Sponsorships begin at $1500.  For more information, visit:  www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com

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