Dear Hispanic Image family, As I close this year, my heart is full. This has been a powerful year — challenging, stretching, refining, and deeply rewarding. A year that tested my faith, my vision, and my ability to sustain a dream born many years ago: this magazine, this platform, this voice — a place where we honor the essence, strength, and brilliance of our community.
I end this year doing what I love. And that, in itself, is a gift.
2025 was not an easy road. It demanded courage, resilience, clarity, and growth. It required decisions, rebuilding,
realignment, and new beginnings. But it was also a year filled with light — open doors, divine timing, and a faithful God
who never left my side.
We hosted conferences, business breakfasts, the Hispanic Image Awards, our gala, special events and community
gatherings. These visions took form, took shape, and came alive. And even though I directed them, I did not
accomplish them alone.
I succeeded because of a passionate, dedicated and extraordinary team — people who walked beside me, held my
hand, stood by me, and believed with me, even when the weight felt heavy. To all of you: thank you.
This year also gifted me the joy of connecting with extraordinary human beings — among them, the remarkable Evelyn Betancourt. Interviewing her, sharing time together, and meeting her husband, Lalo — as she lovingly calls him — was truly special. I learned from her wisdom, her grace, her heart. She offered a piece of advice I treasure deeply — words that marked something inside me:
“Don’t step out of the picture.”
That sentence changed everything. I learned to hold my place — to stay present, visible, and unafraid to stand inside my own story. Thank you, Evelyn. Your light left an imprint.
I felt incredibly comfortable during our interview; distance was not a barrier — it felt as if we had known each other for years. We talked, we laughed, and we connected soul to soul. I discovered an extraordinary human being, genuine and powerful. There were tender, emotional moments, especially when we touched on memories of her mother. I felt deep empathy. In that sacred space, I was able to see beyond the public figure — I saw the heart, the strength, and the spirit of a warrior. It was a moment that will stay with me, because I was not just interviewing a woman, I was meeting her soul.
Our gala this year was unforgettable. Witnessing brilliant, talented women being honored, celebrated, and uplifted was magical. That night carried beauty, dignity, sisterhood, excellence and power. To all the honorees — thank you for
inspiring the world.
I also want to express my gratitude to the designer of my gown — thank you for creating something so elegant and
empowering. I felt beautiful, confident, and strong. And to my dear friend who completed the look with jewelry —
thank you for that final touch that made me feel truly amazing.
Looking ahead, I feel energized, focused, and expectant. Our next major event is already set: October 3rd, 2026.
A new chapter. A bigger stage. A wider horizon.
Today, I close this year grateful. Deeply grateful.
To my team.
To my family.
To our readers.
To every woman who stepped into our spaces.
To every leader who believed in the mission.
To every story shared.
To every life touched.
Thank you for walking with me, for trusting this vision, and for making Hispanic Image Magazine a home.
Let us raise a glass to what is coming — To expansion, elevation, healing, abundance, and purpose.
The best chapter has not yet been written.
With love and admiration,
Yudith Álvarez
Executive Director
