MEET THE AWARDEES
YVETTE YOUNG
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
The Village for Families and Children
Yvette Young is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Yvette has over twenty years of experience working for non-profit organizations as a leader, director, trainer, advocate, and clinician. She is currently working as the Associate Vice President of Community Services at the Village for Families & Children. She is a consultant for the National Human Trafficking Technical Assistant Center. She is an appointed co-chair for the CT Advisory Council for Victims of Crime, Chair for ROCA’s Advisory Board and Chair for the Underground NE Board of Directors. She is a member of the Trafficking in Person Council, and a board member of Prospect Avenue SDA Church. She is a co-lead for DEI and racial justice issues at the Village for Families & Children, and she is a member of the DCF Statewide Racial Justice Committee. Yvette is the host of the Village for Families & Children Facebook show, Lunch Break with the Village. Yvette is a co-lead for Shopblackct.com a website that is committed to elevating and amplifying black-owned businesses in CT. Yvette has expertise related to racial justice, human trafficking, mental health, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Yvette is a TEDX speaker on the topic of human trafficking. She is a published Forbes author on the topics of Human Trafficking and Anxiety. Yvette is passionate about having a positive impact on the trajectory of people’s lives. As an advocate and, leader she is committed to pouring into others and elevating the voices of those who feel unseen. Her mission is to enrich the lives of those she encounters.
CATHY MONTANO
JOURNALIST & VICE PRESIDENT
The Committee of Colombians United in Connecticut (CUCT)
Cathy Montano is a Colombian journalist and communications professional with more than 20 years of amplifying voices and telling stories that matter across New England and the world. She is the host and investigative journalist of Edición Estelar, a community-focused show streamed on the Spanish-language streaming platform MuvliMax, produced by the film production company Revilla Films. Through Edición Estelar and her impactful documentaries, Cathy brings to light the stories and achievements of Latino leaders and small business owners who are transforming their communities. Over the years, she has led advertising and awareness campaigns driven by creative ideas that have meaningfully impacted the Hispanic community. Recognized as an opinion leader with a powerful and trustworthy voice, Cathy continues to use her platform to elevate authentic narratives and spark positive change. As Vice President of the Committee of Colombians United in Connecticut (CUCT), Cathy works to preserve Colombian culture, support the local diaspora, and strengthen ties with the Consulate of Colombia in New York. Driven by faith and purpose, Cathy inspires others—especially women entrepreneurs—to believe in their potential, pursue their dreams, and lead with courage. Her voice continues to echo as a bridge of connection, inspiration, and opportunity within Connecticut’s vibrant Latino community.
MILDRED RODRIGUEZ
REGISTERED NURSE
Abuelos Home Care
Mildred Rodriguez, RN, is a compassionate and resilient healthcare professional with over 12 years of experience in critical care and home health nursing. She currently serves as a Registered Nurse at Abuelos Home Care, where she is widely respected for her clinical excellence, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to patients and families with complex healthcare needs. Raised in a low-income, single-parent household in Hartford, Connecticut, Mildred’s life journey is a testament to perseverance and faith. A graduate of Prince Technical High School, she became the first in her family to attend college. While working two jobs and raising two sons as a single mother, she earned her nursing degree from Goodwin University in 2014—an achievement grounded in determination, prayer, and purpose. Deeply shaped by the strength of the Latino community that helped raise her, Mildred is devoted to giving back through service, mentorship, and generosity. She believes her calling extends beyond nursing to uplifting humanity as a whole. Mildred Rodriguez is honored to be recognized at the 5th Annual Mujeres Imparables Awards, celebrating women whose lives exemplify courage, faith, and unstoppable impact.
AURELIE (GIGI) MARTINEZ-KENNEDY
COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
Aurelie (Gigi) Martinez-Kennedy is a dedicated professional and community advocate with more than three decades of service and leadership. After 31 years at Yale University as a Research Administrator, she retired having made significant contributions to advancing research excellence and operational support at one of the nation’s premier institutions. For the past nine years, she has been an active member of a women-led social justice initiative focused on education, equity, and empowerment in underserved communities—particularly within the Hispanic community. Her efforts have centered on increasing estate-planning awareness, supporting college preparedness, and providing emergency readiness resources to families. Through this work, she has become a trusted community ambassador and connector. As a small business consultant, Gigi advises entrepreneurs on strategic planning and organizational development, helping them build strong foundations for long-term success. She offers a range of services that safeguard business owners, employees, and their families, including legal and identity-theft protection plans and employee-benefit solutions. Her approach emphasizes meaningful connections, reliable resources, and community-centered growth. Committed to service and empowerment, Gigi continues to support individuals, families, and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce and is a graduate of the Cornerstone Church International School of Ministry. Gigi’s desire is to always remain prepared to serve the community and in living the life of a pilgrim. A native New Yorker originally from the Bronx, Gigi lived in Puerto Rico for part of her life and now resides in Branford, CT with her beloved son, Sean.
Mujer Imparable is a vibrant celebration of women who lead with courage, purpose, and heart. Through powerful storytelling, annual awards, and community-driven experiences, Mujer Imparable honors trailblazing women who are creating impact in their families,
workplaces, and communities. More than
an event, it is a movement, one that
uplifts voices, builds opportunity, and
inspires the next generation of
women to rise boldly, support one
another, and step fully into their power.
%20(2).png)
