Little Havana’s Own Emerald Tellez is Making Waves in the Ivy League

With every twirl, their flowing, colorful skirts create a mesmerizing blur of motion. They dance with passion—celebrating their heritage, representing their school, and uplifting one another.

“Dance is more than just movement; it’s a powerful expression of Hispanic culture,” said Yaretzy Martinez, a senior at Young Women’s Preparatory Academy, a public magnet school in Miami that serves students from grades 6 through 12.

Yaretzy Martinez and her classmate, Emerald Tellez, came together to co-found Las Paisanas, a dance troupe dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich tradition of Central American folk dancing. Through their performances, they bring history to life, honoring the cultural roots that have been passed down for generations.

“For me, it’s an incredibly empowering experience,” Emerald shared. “Not only are we creating a strong sisterhood among ourselves, but we’re also paying tribute to our ancestors and the beautiful traditions they left for us to carry forward.”

At her school, Emerald Tellez is a true powerhouse, balancing an impressive array of leadership roles. She serves as senior class president, leads the Science Honor Society, heads the Model United Nations team, and is actively involved in numerous other organizations. Her commitment to excellence is evident in everything she does.

“I honestly feel like it’s just in my nature to strive for the best version of myself,” Emerald said, reflecting on her drive and ambition.

With aspirations to study medicine in college, she is determined to make a lasting impact in the field. Her dedication and work ethic have not gone unnoticed—Principal Maribel Rivera, who has been an educator for 23 years, describes Emerald as the single best student she has ever had the privilege of knowing.

Emerald Tellez’s journey at Young Women’s Preparatory Academy has been nothing short of remarkable. Since arriving as a sixth grader, she has grown into an accomplished and confident young woman, earning admiration from peers and educators alike.

“She’s been with us since middle school, and each year, we’ve watched her blossom into the incredible person she is today,” said Principal Maribel Rivera. “We’re just so proud of her. I think what drives her forward is her deep belief in herself.”

Beyond her academic and leadership achievements, Emerald has also made an impact through storytelling. She co-founded a podcast dedicated to amplifying student perspectives at her all-girls school, a place where she has transformed from a mentee into a mentor for others.

Reflecting on her journey, Emerald describes the experience as deeply meaningful. “Yeah, it is truly a full-circle moment,” she said.

Her positive influence is felt by everyone around her. “She brings amazing energy to any situation,” said her classmate Nupia Fernandez. “No matter what we’re doing, she always has a great attitude and pushes herself to take on more challenges.”

To those closest to her, Emerald is more than just a high-achieving student—she’s a steadfast friend. “She’s always there for me,” said Yaretzy Martinez. “She’s someone I can always count on.”

So, what makes Emerald a role model in the eyes of her friends? She has defied the odds, rising from Little Havana to the Ivy League. Through the prestigious QuestBridge scholarship, she has earned a place at Columbia University—a testament to her resilience, ambition, and hard work. Coming from a single-parent, low-income household, her journey has been anything but easy, yet she has never let circumstances define her potential.

“It still doesn’t feel real,” Emerald admitted. “My mom and I are still in shock.”

But there’s no doubt—it’s very real. Emerald is inspiring those around her, proving that determination and belief can turn dreams into reality. From the streets of Flagler to the bright lights of Broadway, she’s twirling her way into a future filled with endless possibilities.