Hispanic Public Relations Association announces 2017 National Board of Directors

The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) voted to elect Yvonne Lorie—founder ReFresh PR and 2013 HPRA PRemio PR Achievement Award recipient— president of the 2017 National Board of Directors. Lorie served as president-elect of HPRA in 2016, after joining the national board in 2014 where she served as Secretary and then VP of Programming.

As the only non-profit association dedicated to Hispanic communications professionals and those seeking insights into the Hispanic market, HPRA provides professional development tools and resources on the latest trends, issues and best practices in the field.

Since 2014, HPRA hosts the annual National ¡Bravo! Awards providing a forum that reflects the innovative, creative, and cultural competence of Hispanic market campaigns across several categories including: technology, food & beverage, healthcare & nutrition, sports, automotive, digital, non-profit and integrated marketing.  Additional categories are planned for 2017.  

“I’m honored to collaborate with some of the best minds in the Hispanic public relations industry to bring forth expertise and resources that cultivate leadership and propel the industry,” said Yvonne Lorie, President of HPRA’s National Board.   “Thanks to our volunteer board, supporters, valuable members and corporate sponsors, HPRA advances development for Hispanic PR and marketing practitioners across industries and markets.  In 2017, we’ll be launching new initiatives that will further help shape our future leaders.”

The HPRA 2017 national officers include: President, Yvonne Lorie founder of ReFresh PR in Miami; President-Elect, Veronica Potes, Director Integrated Marketing of NBC Universal in New York; Treasurer, Lourdes Rodriguez of Saban Community Clinics in Los Angeles; Secretary, Esther-Mireya Tejeda, VP Corporate Communications, Entercom in New York; VP of Membership/

Operations, Melissa Smith, EVP, Group Director Brand Marketing Practice of Ogilvy Public Relations in New York; and VP of Membership/Business Development, Mayra Ramos-Miro, President Red Heels International in Orlando.

With a focus on enhancing resources for members during 2017, the HPRA national executive board includes four VP’s of Programming:  Maria Amor, V.P. Havas FORMULATIN in Miami; Daisy Cabrera, Hispanic PR and Social Media Consultant, HPRA Miami chapter founder and former national board member; Evelyn Galarza, Director Corporate Communications, Charter Communications in Stamford; and Sonia Diaz, Director of PR & Digital Strategies of Balsera Communications in Miami.

The 2017 Board of Directors includes former officers who continue leadership in critical areas: Director of Bravo Awards, Andy Checo, 2015 HPRA Past President, Senior Director Havas FORMULATIN in New York; Director of Digital Engagement, Stephen Chavez, 2014 Past President, Principal Chavez Marketing and Communications in Los Angeles; Director of Social Media and Creative, and Mario Flores, founding Executive Board Member, Co-Founder/Managing Director of Sportivo in Los Angeles.

Antonio Hernandez, Corporate Communications Director of ServiceMaster Global Holdings in Memphis, who elevated the organizations membership roster in 2016, serves as immediate past President managing HPRA’s branding.

In addition to national HPRA’s professional development and leadership opportunities, its local chapters and in Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Chicago offer on-the-ground professional development initiatives, including exclusive networking opportunities with top journalists and industry thought leaders.

HPRA also raises much-needed scholarships for full-time Hispanic college students pursuing a career in communications. In fact, more than a quarter million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to date.

For more information on HPRA, become a member and/or to donate to the scholarship program visit www.hpra-usa.org.

About the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA)
Founded in 1984, the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) is the foremost organization of Hispanic public relations practitioners in the U.S. HPRA is a resource for communications professionals and for individuals seeking Hispanic market expertise. It is dedicated to the recognition and advancement of Hispanics in public relations through year-round programs, professional development seminars and networking.  HPRA hosts one of the most anticipated annual events and industry awards: the HPRA Bravo Awards, recognizing the most outstanding campaigns in the marketplace. The national organization aims to meet the professional needs of the growing number of Hispanic PR practitioners, independents and agencies throughout the U.S. HPRA National, its Chapters and those Chapters in formation are paving the way for the next phase of growth and evolution in the PR industry, especially in the Hispanic market space.

 

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