Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita.
Hi Rita, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Meet Rita Hernandez: The Miamense Visionary Behind ASPIKA, the Largest Global Platform for the Neurodistinct Community
At the heart of one of the world’s most inclusive, future-forward platforms is a woman raised right here in Miami, Florida—a city known for its rhythm, resilience, and rich cultural tapestry. Her name is Rita Hernandez, and what began as a local journey has exploded into a global movement that now supports thousands of neurodistinct voices across 55+ countries.
Rita’s story is uniquely Miami. From elementary school through university, she built her foundation in the very streets, classrooms, and studios of this city. At just 17 years old, she began working in media—breaking through an industry not known for making space, let alone for a young neurodistinct woman. But Rita didn’t just make space. She created an entire universe.
Today, Rita is recognized as a groundbreaking pioneer in media, marketing intelligence, and inclusive innovation, earning global recognition, multiple awards, and international accolades for her visionary leadership. Rita’s work has been celebrated and replicated in countries such as Dubai, South Korea, Turkey, among many others. Her visionary approach has caught the attention of institutions, governments, and global brands—all looking to replicate the success of what she’s built: ASPIKA and We Are Aspika.
What is ASPIKA?
ASPIKA is more than a platform—it’s a global force for transformation. It stands today as the largest ecosystem for neurodistinct empowerment in the world, born in Miami and built for the future.
With a presence in over 55+ countries, ASPIKA delivers visibility, training, education, advocacy, and opportunity through a fully integrated structure of visionary divisions—each one built to disrupt, elevate, and evolve.
ASPIKA Talks- ASPIKA Talks is an organically designed, fully accommodated storytelling experience—created to honor the neurodistinct voice. It is not a traditional interview space; it is a space of belonging, where individuals share the chapters of their life journeys with authenticity, care, and purpose. These stories are captured as impactful mini-documentaries, each speaker receiving a professionally produced, evergreen global profile. ASPIKA Talks now features thousands of voices from across the globe and is recognized as the benchmark for inclusive and legacy-driven storytelling.
ASPIKA Alliance
A global network of over 20 universities and institutions, ASPIKA Alliance applies the ASPIKA philosophy to real-world settings—transforming curriculum design, therapeutic models, and community programs. These partnerships are not symbolic—they are active, working relationships, redefining what inclusion looks like in classrooms, boardrooms, and beyond.
ASPIKA Summits
ASPIKA powers and supports major international summits—from the World Autism Summit to regional and cultural conferences—bringing production expertise, strategic messaging, and speaker amplification. We help recognized neurodistinct leaders rise to global platforms, ensuring their presence is not only seen but heard, honored, and celebrated.
ASPIKA Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
Our PSA campaigns are emotionally gripping, globally relevant, and produced for impact. These pieces are currently being aired by major networks around the world, offering powerful messages around neurodistinct empowerment, early diagnosis, mental health, workplace inclusion, and more. Media outlets are invited to request ASPIKA PSAs for broadcast—every message is a catalyst for change.
NeuroUniversos Podcast
ASPIKA’s podcast division, NeuroUniversos, is a space of ownership, innovation, and expression. We equip students, professionals, doctors, educators, and organizations to launch their own podcast series—while ASPIKA handles the distribution, promotion, and platform building. It’s not just a podcast—it’s a microphone handed directly to the neurodistinct world, and it’s reaching listeners everywhere.
ASPIKA Media HUB (NEW)
The ASPIKA Media HUB is an open call to the unheard. This brand-new division was created to collect, support, and promote all forms of media created by neurodistinct talent—films, shows, series, music, illustrations, journalism, and beyond. We believe the world is full of masterpieces no one knows exist. The Media HUB exists to change that. It is a discovery engine, and ASPIKA is its amplifier.
ASPIKA is not a moment. It’s a global movement. From international distribution to university partnerships, from executive training to grassroots storytelling, we are building the future of equity, one story—and one brilliant mind—at a time.
We Are Aspika: The Blueprint for a New Kind of Education
The traditional classroom has long failed neurodistinct learners. Rita knows this not just as a visionary, but as a mother. That’s why We Are Aspika was born—to reimagine education through a neurodistinct lens.
The foundation provides tailored learning structures, flexible pacing, and therapeutic environments—far beyond any standard model. Its success has led to strategic partnerships with over 20 universities worldwide, applying the ASPIKA Philosophy to create adaptive curriculums that meet students where they are.
Whether it’s offering positive behavior support, integrated AI skills training, or launching global certification programs, We Are Aspika has become the gold standard for neurodistinct advancement.
A Miami Legacy, A Global Impact
ASPIKA’s roots may be in Miami, but its reach is undeniable. Through Rita’s leadership, thousands of voices from every corner of the world have been amplified—many for the first time. These are the voices of engineers, parents, artists, students, doctors, creatives, and innovators who now have a seat at the table.
“ASPIKA was created because I never wanted another person to feel invisible,” Rita shares.
“We are not broken. We are powerful—and the world needs to see that.”
But beyond visibility lies understanding. It is crucial that society truly grasps the meaning of neurodiversity—that being different is not a deficit, but a form of brilliance the world desperately needs.
ASPIKA is about more than support—it is about justice, equity, and honoring every neurodistinct soul. It is about advocating for those who are most vulnerable in our communities, and for the rest of the world to listen, learn, and evolve.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles? If there were no struggles, there would be no ASPIKA and no We Are Aspika.
I still struggle—every single day. Whether it’s navigating systems, pushing through barriers, or responding to the unexpected, the challenges never stop. But that’s exactly why ASPIKA exists. We don’t hide from the struggle—we build from it.
Coming from an industry like media, where everything revolves around credits, accolades, and what you’ve done for your résumé, I had to unlearn what “success” meant. And while I am forever grateful to the incredible mentors who took me by the hand and guided me through that immersive, high-stakes world—I’ve realized something deeper. If you ask me today to choose between a decorated media career and the ASPIKA community, I would choose ASPIKA—without hesitation.
At ASPIKA, everything is real. The people are real. The struggles are real. The feelings are real. And that kind of authenticity changes you. You see so much. You feel so much. And it makes you want to work around the clock to make things better—not for praise, but because someone out there needs a chance. Someone needs to be seen. Someone needs to be believed in.
That’s why I do what I do. And that’s why the struggle, as hard as it is, will always be part of the mission.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is rooted in advocacy, philanthropy, and human connection. I am the founder and driving force behind ASPIKA and We Are Aspika, the largest global ecosystem dedicated to the empowerment of neurodistinct individuals. My mission is to build visibility, structure, and opportunity around those who for too long were left unseen—and to do so with innovation, integrity, and global impact.
I specialize in creating entire systems—from education to media, from summits to employment pipelines—that give the neurodistinct community a stage, a support network, and a future that reflects their brilliance. Whether through ASPIKA Talks, our university partnerships, global campaigns, or the newly launched ASPIKA Media HUB, I lead with purpose and compassion.
But what I am most proud of… is personal. My children, Gabriel and Angelina Rubalcava, are the light that fuels everything I do. Every day, they push me to rise to new, more enlightened limits. They are my grounding and my inspiration.
And of course, I could not move a single muscle without the unwavering support of my husband, José. He gives me the space and freedom to serve more than 15 countries every single day—to lead, to advocate, and to speak life into others. I will forever be grateful for the quiet strength behind everything I do.
What sets me apart from others is the way I see the world. I love being Rita. I love being different. I love being a neurodistinct professional. Because if I hadn’t been born with this unique way of thinking, feeling, and navigating life, none of this would have happened.
ASPIKA wasn’t created in spite of who I am—it was created because of it.
I believe life gives us a roadmap. And when you follow your truth—your real, raw, beautiful truth—it leads you exactly where you were meant to be. I’m just grateful that my road led me here
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I must admit—I was a very strange child.
I don’t recall having many friends. In fact, I only remember two: Ruth, who has never let go of my hand through time, and Carlos, whose memory still lives with me even though he’s no longer here.
I wanted friendships. I longed for them. But connection never came easily for me. It was as if there was an invisible wall between my spirit and the world around me. A part of me always knew I was different—my rhythms, my ways of seeing, my way of feeling everything so deeply.
But even in that quiet distance… I was never unloved.
My most beautiful childhood memories are not filled with crowds or noise—they are filled with the embrace of my father and the gentle presence of my mother. I remember their love not in moments, but in a language beyond time. Their way of loving me didn’t need words. It was a feeling. A presence. A knowing.
To this day, if I close my eyes, I can still feel it.
There is no happiness in the world that compares to that feeling.
It was safety. It was softness. It was unconditional love in its purest form.
And maybe that’s why I do what I do now. Because when you’ve felt that kind of love, even once—you spend the rest of your life trying to build that same sense of belonging for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aspika.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspikaofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASPIKAofficial
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernandezrita/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Aspika16
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aspikatv
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@aspikaorganization_2021?lang=en
Image Credits
Photo Credits – ASPIKA Global Community
Pic #1:
The ASPIKA Global Community
Pic #2:
Dr. Abraham Ros, Pamela Di Pascuale, Rita Hernandez, and Dr. Hernan Cerna
Pic #3:
The ASPIKA Global Community
Pic #4 – From Miami:
Julio Bevione, Rita Hernandez, Barbara Bermudo, Dorcas Gonzalez, Dr. Abraham Ros, Dr. Hernan Cerna, Pamela Di Pascuale, and Durinda Luzardo
Pic #5:
ASPIKA’s Global University Methodology
Pic #6 – “Pancita Feliz” Founders:
Andreina Escalante, Rose Finol, and Rita Hernandez
Pic #7:
Roxana Corcuera Wilson and Rita Hernandez
Pic #8:
ASPIKA Global Conferences
Pic #9:
Lucia Barbeyto, Dr. Abraham Ros, Silvia Mendez, Tony Hernandez Pumarejo, and Rita Hernandez
Pic #10 – ASPIKA Global Production Team:
Angel Matos, Eduardo Bores, and Dr. Angel Reverol
