Latin Times Magazine Volume 14 No 2 | Page 12

Florida’s Latina Leaders Latin Times Magazine had the pleasure of catching up with Maryza Sanz of Latino Leadership! Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Tell us how and you got started as a business woman and community leader Marytza Sanz: My journey as a community leader began under my organization Casa Las Américas. I saw a need and knew I could make a difference in the lives of Latinos in Central Florida. My commitment to community then and now has been unwavering. 15 years ago I developed Latino Leadership which allowed me to extend my reach and accomplish my objectives for improving the community. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Please tell us about the Organization Latino Leadership Marytza Sanz: Latino Leadership is a 501(c) 3 community-based organization who is committed to making a difference. By focusing on three pillars - real estate, health, and social services - we've been able to use education as an underlying tool to improve the lives of our community. 12 Latin Times Magazine Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Tell us about your position with Latino Leadership, what are some of the initiatives or goals that you have set for the coming year.. Marytza Sanz: As President/CEO of Latino Leadership I've had the pleasure of overseeing initiatives that improve the lives of individuals in our community. This year our main initiative is the Santiago & Friends | Family Center for Autism. Our mission is to provide culturally- and linguistically-responsive, family centered interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders through services of early intervention and applied behavior analysis. Through Santiago & Friends we are filling a gap in service. has been opening the Santiago & Friends | Family Center for Autism. I am excited for opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of families impacted by Autism. Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: Tell us about the other hats you wear Marytza Sanz: My other hats are the best. When I'm not overseeing our day-to-day operations, I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. My family provides me my greatest joy and sense of accomplishment. Marytza Sanz Jolie Gonzalez-Padilla: What has been your greatest obstacle, and how did you overcome it? Marytza Sanz: My grea \