This November, Senior Planet will be opening a brand-new center located in Miami! To celebrate, we caught up with Cesar Mendez Rijo, the Center Manager in Miami, all about his hopes and dreams for the new location.
When he’s not at work, you can find Cesar volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or going out dancing (he loves merengue, salsa, bachata!) with friends.
What’s your relationship to Miami?
I was born in the Dominican Republic but moved to Miami in 2005. I grew up here! It’s the place I consider to be home.
What do people have to look forward to at the new Senior Planet center in Miami?
So much! We’re going to have a recording studio, a computer lab, virtual reality devices and more. Sometimes older people will think that that certain technology isn’t “for them.” I’m excited to help regain control of the narrative and say, “No – this is for you.”
What are some of your hopes for this new Center?
I’m an immigrant and Miami, in general, is a big city of immigrants. So I’m excited for people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about tech to be able experience that.
I also hope that people are able to find community amongst each other at the Center. I hope that they are able to be themselves, be playful and explore life as an older person without any judgement.
For people from different backgrounds and different cultures, it will be a place where they can be themselves.
What language will the new Senior Planet center in Miami offer classes?
We’ll be offering classes in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole – a first for Senior Planet!
What does our motto “Aging with Attitude” mean to you?
To take control of the power to live your life fully and with purpose.
Your Turn
Is there a trainer you think deserves a Meet the Trainer spotlight? Let us know in the comments!
Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.
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