Born in Montevideo, Oriental Republic of Uruguay, on April 6th.
Completed secondary education and began preparing for a career in medicine,
although she was unsure of the specific field. However, following the unexpected
death of her father, she changed her career path and earned a degree in Early
Childhood Education at a private school in 1973.
Soon after, she could open her own daycare, a great initiative at that time in
Uruguay.
On February 21, 1976, she married Carlos Datena. Due to the political climate in
Uruguay during that period, they immigrated to the United States on December
13, 1976, initially settling in Mamaroneck, New York. After returning briefly to
Uruguay, they permanently established their home in Palm Beach County,
Florida, in December 1980, where they have remained ever since.
Together, they raised two children, Cynthia Mabel and Carlos Luis, while building
a new life as immigrants. Like many newcomers, Mabel worked in different
occupations alongside her husband before discovering what she considers her
life’s calling.
On April 3, 1998, she joined the Hispanic Human Resources Council (HHRC)as
Assistant to the Education Coordinator. Four years later, she was selected by the
late Luciano Martinez to develop and lead a new community initiative in
partnership with Hospice By The Sea, serving Hispanic families through
education and compassionate support during some of life’s most difficult
moments.
After, the completion of that program, she transitioned back into HHRC
leadership, first as Assistant Director of the Education Coordinator of one of the
agency’s Head Start centers. When the Center relocated to a new facility, it was
renamed the Luciano Martinez Child Development Center in honor of the
organization’s founder. Serving as Director now, bearing his name became one of
the greatest honors of her professional life.
During her 27-year career with HHRC, Mabel dedicated herself to improving the
lives of thousands of children and families. Having experienced the challenges of
beginning a new life in another country herself, she understood firsthand the
struggles immigrant families faced and devoted her career to helping them
achieve educational success and stability.
She credits much of her professional growth to the mentorship of Luciano
Martinez, followed by Judy Pierman and Jorge Avellana, who continued the
organization’s mission after Mr. Martinez’s passing.
Beyond her professional career, Mabel has devoted decades to civic and
community leadership.
She joined the Asociación Cultural Uruguaya of WPB in 1995 and served as it
President in 2004. During her years with the organization, she helped preserve
and promote Uruguayan culture while representing the community at numerous
cultural and diplomatic events, including presenting recognition to Mercedes
Menafra, then First Lady of Uruguay, on behalf or children of Uruguayan
immigrant families.
Mabel also served as Vice President and later President of the Hispanic Alliance
of Palm Beach County, an umbrella organization representing fourteen cultural
organizations. Under difficult economic conditions during 2008-2009,
organizations couldn’t keep themselves, and some started feeling it and they
were struggling.
Her community service expanded through appointments to several important
boards. She joined the Advisory Board of the West Palm Beach Public Library ,
later named the Mandel Public Library on WPB, in 2008, became a Director of
the South Florida Fair (Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc.) the same year, and
was elected a Trustee in 2020, a position she continues today.
Following her retirement from HHRC in 2025, Mabel continues her commitment
to community service as an active member of Latin Quarter, participating in
projects that celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic community in Palm
Beach County. Throughout her career and volunteer service, she has received
numerous recognitions, including:
● Esperanza Community Leadership Award (2018)
● Recognition from Hospice of Palm Beach County (2018)
● Multiple employee and leadership awards from the Hispanic Human
Resources Council
● Member of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital community committee
● Volunteer with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life en espanol.
Relevo por la Vida.
● Contributor to the successful effort to name Dr. Joaquin Garcia High
School, recognizing Dt. Garcia’s lifelong advocacy and leadership in
Hispanic education.
For more than four decades, Mabel Datena has dedicated her life to
strengthening families, expanding educational opportunities, preserving Hispanic
heritage, and serving the Palm Beach County community.
