Colombian American Latina Helps Students Thrive
Meet Marcela Munera, 2025 Hispanic Woman if Distinction, Campus Director, Ana G. Méndez University
“Latina women must embrace their unique perspective and lead with both strength and compassion. Our heritage gives us resilience, while our passion creates opportunities not just for ourselves, but for generations to follow.”
Born in Colombia and raised with the tenacious spirit that defines her heritage, Marcela Munera has always believed in pushing boundaries. When she first arrived in Miami as a young girl, she carried with her not just dreams, but an unwavering determination to excel In whatever she did in life. Her educational leadership journey would translate into transforming countless lives along the way.
As campus director at Ana G. Méndez University (AGMU), Marcela oversees all aspects of campus operations while fostering an environment where students thrive academically and personally. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes community, excellence and perseverance. These are values she instills in both her team and students daily.
In addition to her role at AGMU, she also has held upper administrative positions for more than 25 years at other schools of higher education including International Education Corporation (FCC), City College in Miami, and Florida Technical College. Marcela has created strategic partnerships with organizations such as Kids In Distress, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Miami/Dade County public schools, the Women of Tomorrow scholarship program, Ronald McDonald House of Charities and other non-profits.
Active in educational advocacy, Marcela serves on several advisory boards dedicated to expanding opportunities for underrepresented students. Her professional achievements include recognition for outstanding leadership, and four consecutive President’s Awards that reflect her commitment to excellence in educational administration.
Marcela and her husband, Carlos Yanes, who owns a mortgage company, and their son, Juan David, and her step-daughters, Lexie and Kayla enjoy spending family time and traveling to Spain, their favorite vacation destination.
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
- 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
Related content:
The 19th Annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity Luncheon
