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.comTHE 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
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 WADSWORTHPresident & 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
