Hispanic PR Association Appoints 2003 Board.

The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) announced that President Brenda Mendoza, senior communications specialist of Kaiser Permanente, and Vice President Sandra Bernardo, senior account executive of Magnet Communications, will lead its 2003 executive board for a second consecutive year.

Also being appointed to the executive board are Laura Hernandez, an assistant account executive of Rogers and Associates, as Secretary and Rosio Corza, an account executive for Durazo Communications, as Treasurer.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead such an esteemed organization again this year,” said Mendoza. “I am fortunate to work with such a great group of officers. Last year was one of the most successful years for HPRA, and we hope to continue to build on our success and provide our members with the best programs and educational opportunities.”

Returning President Mendoza brings more than six years of experience in media relations and employee communications. Prior to Kaiser, she worked for Hill and Knowlton and Valencia, Perez & Echeveste. Mendoza serves as a board of trustee for HOPE-PAC (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality).

Vice President Bernardo joined Magnet Communications in July 2002 from Golin/Harris International. She has more than six years of experience in public relations and marketing and handles accounts both for the general market and Hispanic practice. Some of her clients include Lactaid, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Sprint PCS. She is on the board of directors of MANA of Orange County, a national Latina organization.

About HPRA

HPRA was founded in 1984 as a nonprofit organization to establish a network of Hispanics employed in the public relations profession in the Southern California area. HPRA has more than 150 members representing public relations, marketing and advertising professionals from both agencies and corporate companies. HPRA is dedicated to the advancement of Hispanic professionals and provides educational seminars and workshops throughout the year. HPRA also grants scholarships to Hispanic students attending Southern California universities and honors notable individuals in the communications field at its annual PRemio Awards.

For more information at http://www.hprala.org