Emilio Estefan and Gary Nader: Two Latinos Transforming Culture

Under the motto " Own Your Joy, Choose to Be Happy ", the seventh edition of the Days to Shine event celebrated an unforgettable day this Saturday with the private conversation "The Culture Shapers: Transforming Passion into Power", featuring two iconic figures: music producer Emilio Estefan and art collector Gary Nader .

In a meeting full of inspiration, anecdotes, and learning , both shared their life stories, their struggles, and the keys to their success.

Moderated by Evelyn Betancourt, director of Newsgroup and co-founder of Days to Shine , the discussion offered an intimate journey through the lives of two leaders who have transformed Latin art and music into global phenomena.

Emilio Estefan 's story is, at its core, one of faith, struggle, and resilience. He left Cuba as a teenager, leaving his mother behind and crying throughout the flight to Spain.

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He later arrived in the United States, where he worked from the age of 15 delivering papers for Bacardi and playing the accordion for tips in restaurants.

"There are two ways to do it: either you're negative or you're positive," Estefan told the audience, highlighting how the need to help his family drove him to find a reason to live in music. With no formal studies, but with an unwavering passion , he learned everything by ear. "I don't know how to write music, but I have passion. And passion is what saved my life."

The producer, with more than 40 Grammy nominations and multiple awards , has produced global events such as the Olympics, the World Cup, and 48 White House celebrations for six presidents. For him, success isn't about fame, but rather about representing the Latino community with dignity.

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" When life gives you an opportunity, you have to do it right," he insisted. "You can't just say, 'I'm going to do it,' and then not do it."

At his side, his life and career partner, Gloria Estefan , has been a key figure in his story: "We worked together to defend the image of Latinos in the United States. And I'm proud to say that she is the first Latina woman with 65 number one songs in the world."

Gary Nader , considered one of the most influential gallery owners in Latin America and the United States, is also no stranger to sacrifice . Born in Lebanon and raised in the Dominican Republic, he began his career in the art world following in his father's footsteps, accompanying him to the family gallery as a child.

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"I realized I had a photographic memory, and that I could have a future in this," he said. At 15, a visit to the MoMA in New York marked his life: "I saw a huge painting by Alfredo Lam, I went up to it, and it was Cuban. I still remember that on the fifth floor there was a Botero work. I felt that art could be my path."

In 1985, he founded the Gary Nader Art Center in Miami, from where he has promoted Latin art internationally. According to him, in the art world, as in music, talent is not enough: "An artist has to have a style, something unique that distinguishes them. But they also have to be professional, disciplined, and respect their craft ."

Gary Nader emphasized that true success lies not in external recognition, but in family and integrity: "For me, the most important thing is that my children are well, that they are proud of what we do. I have a wonderful team with my wife, and I do this for them."

With tenderness and humor, he added: "After my mom and my sister—not my brothers, who are a bunch of pains—my wife is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Both agreed that family has been the driving force in their lives. Emilio recalled the influence of his parents and figures like Quincy Jones , who mentored him musically: "He told me: 'What I did with black music, you will do with Latin music .'"

Gary, for his part, spoke of the value of his roots, his father's influence, and his commitment to his community: "I committed to our people, the Latin Americans. You can't achieve success by stepping on others. The merit lies in doing it well, with loyalty and respect."

Both emphasized the importance of preparation, perseverance, and authenticity : "Nothing is quick. Everything is done step by step, well done, with professionalism and conviction," Nader affirmed. Estefan concluded: "No matter what you do, do it with love . Even if it's shining shoes , be the best at it."

• Throughout the conversation , their motivation to leave a mark that inspires new generations was clear. For Estefan, Days to Shine represents the opportunity to " give back what she gave me." Her daughter, also a musician, excitedly called her after her participation: "Daddy, I'm so proud of you ."
• Nader closed with a call for authenticity : "You don't have to look like anyone else. You have to be yourself and do it well. The important thing is to respect what you do and not lose your essence."

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