Though she’s been involved in the childcare industry for over fifteen years, Susy Caracas spent most of that time observing the growth of the industry and pining for a more inclusive industry that embraced Spanish- speaking nannies like herself.
“After being on the sidelines for so long, I could no longer remain content with the lack of representation of my community in the industry,” shared Susy, and so she began her journey into advocacy, which over the last three years has grown into her becoming a national advocate for the Hispanic nanny community.
At first, her advocacy started with involvement. She began volunteering with the US Nanny Association, which gave her a platform to reach her community more effectively. Now her role in the association has grown and is focused on specifically supporting the Hispanic community in hopes of motivating others to invest in their education.
“I had always desired for a more inclusive industry, seeing that there were not many opportunities for Spanish-speaking nannies like myself,” reflected Susy.
So Susy created those opportunities.
Through her volunteer work with the US Nanny Association, Susy has brought Spanish speakers to their national conference, which is held virtually every year. She has also led workshops that focus on ensuring other Spanish-speaking nannies have access to quality, meaningful education.
Through a Facebook group that she started called Nannies Hispanas, she built an online community and fostered camaraderie with other Spanish- speaking nannies across the United States. It is through this group that she has brought to light the lack of educational opportunities available to Spanish speakers, which sparked the mission for Cuidando Angeles NCS Training, a business that she began with her friend and co-founder Kelly Rodas. The first of its kind in the US industry, Cuidando Angeles NCS Training offers training exclusively in Spanish and is designed to equip those interested in a career as a newborn care specialist or as a nanny who provides newborn and infant care.
The response and involvement from her local community have been impressive. In 2022, together with Cuidando Angeles NCS, she sponsored an International Nanny Training Day live event that was held in Long Beach, California, which brought training to 150 Spanish- speaking nannies in her local community.
“I am a firm believer that education is the key that leads you to open the doors of opportunity and walk in confidence into success,” said Susy, who is passionate about giving Spanish-speaking nannies the tools and education needed to help them achieve their professional goals and increase the quality of services provided to families.
And Susy takes her own advice to heart. Though Susy graduated in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences with a specialty in public relations, throughout the years she has continued learning. In fact, she has taken the training necessary to become a certified postpartum doula, certified newborn care specialist, CACHE-certified newborn care specialist, newborn and infant care professional, and sleep coach. She currently working on her certification as a lactation educator.Though she’s been involved in the childcare industry for over fifteen years, Susy Caracas spent most of that time observing the growth of the industry and pining for a more inclusive industry that embraced Spanish- speaking nannies like herself.
“After being on the sidelines for so long, I could no longer remain content with the lack of representation of my community in the industry,” shared Susy, and so she began her journey into advocacy, which over the last three years has grown into her becoming a national advocate for the Hispanic nanny community.
At first, her advocacy started with involvement. She began volunteering with the US Nanny Association, which gave her a platform to reach her community more effectively. Now her role in the association has grown and is focused on specifically supporting the Hispanic community in hopes of motivating others to invest in their education.
“I had always desired for a more inclusive industry, seeing that there were not many opportunities for Spanish-speaking nannies like myself,” reflected Susy. So Susy created those opportunities.
Through her volunteer work with the US Nanny Association, Susy has brought Spanish speakers to their national conference, which is held virtually every year. She has also led workshops that focus on ensuring other Spanish-speaking nannies have access to quality, meaningful education.
Through a Facebook group that she started called Nannies Hispanas, she built an online community and fostered camaraderie with other Spanish- speaking nannies across the United States. It is through this group that she has brought to light the lack of educational opportunities available to Spanish speakers, which sparked the mission for Cuidando Angeles NCS Training, a business that she began with her friend and co-founder Kelly Rodas. The first of its kind in the US industry, Cuidando Angeles NCS Training offers training exclusively in Spanish and is designed to equip those interested in a career as a newborn care specialist or as a nanny who provides newborn and infant care.
The response and involvement from her local community have been impressive. In 2022, together with Cuidando Angeles NCS, she sponsored an International Nanny Training Day live event that was held in Long Beach, California, which brought training to 150 Spanish- speaking nannies in her local community.
“I am a firm believer that education is the key that leads you to open the doors of opportunity and walk in confidence into success,” said Susy, who is passionate about giving Spanish-speaking nannies the tools and education needed to help them achieve their professional goals and increase the quality of services provided to families.
And Susy takes her own advice to heart. Though Susy graduated in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences with a specialty in public relations, throughout the years she has continued learning. In fact, she has taken the training necessary to become a certified postpartum doula, certified newborn care specialist, CACHE-certified newborn care specialist, newborn and infant care professional, and sleep coach. She currently working on her certification as a lactation educator.
It is Susy’s hope that as the industry continues to grow, it will also grow in its support of continuing education and certifications that signal continued learning.
But what she hopes for most is to truly encourage others to make a difference in their communities.
“I encourage nannies to take advantage of quality training programs and reputable courses, and to join an association so that they can start building up their community too.”
Source: Nanny Magazine, Fall 2022
