Sroka named to PRWeek’s 2012 ‘40 Under 40’ List.

Porter Novelli announced that Sonia Sroka, senior vice president and director of Hispanic marketing, has been honored by PRWeek as one of the industry’s most influential communications thought leaders under the age of 40. The magazine’s annual “40 Under 40” list profiles the young professionals whose innovative work serves as a powerful look at the future of the industry.

“Sonia Sroka has established herself as a vocal advocate in the industry, both as a Hispanic marketing leader and proponent of the businessimperative of diversity and inclusion,” said Michael Ramah, acting CEO, Porter Novelli. “Early on she understood the power of the $1 trillion U.S. Hispanic market and its importance to clients. Further, she offers deep expertise and insight into how to navigate the delicate balance between assimilation and cultural preservation within the Hispanic community.

“Sonia is emblematic of what Porter Novelli prizes in our talent: leadership, commitment to the business and a singular pursuit of driving measurable results for clients. Great work always starts with great talent,” Ramah added.

In addition to leading the agency’s Hispanic marketing practice from Porter Novelli’s New York headquarters, Sroka, 35, serves as the chair of Porter Novelli’s National Diversity Council, which has chapters in seven U.S. offices and is populated by approximately 50 mid- and junior-level executives who are responsible for executing diversity initiatives in their local markets. She is a member of the Omnicom Diversity Development Advisory Committee and has served two terms as the national chair of the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Diversity Committee.

In January of this year, Sroka was named one of the top five 2011 LATINA Corporate Executives of the Year by LATINA Style magazine for excellence in corporate leadership, mentorship and dedication to working with the community. In April she was named a “CSR Professional of the Year” by PR News for leading Porter Novelli’s diversity initiatives. In May she was chosen to participate in the Top Blogueras Retreat sponsored by LATISM, the largest organization for Latinos and Latinas engaged in social media. Sroka attended as a leading Latina executive invited to mentor up-and-coming Latina bloggers.

“Our Hispanic marketing practice has grown and expanded its capabilities every year under Sonia’s leadership,” said Karen van Bergen, senior partner, managing director, Porter Novelli New York. “On top of that, Sonia has built our diversity programming from the ground up into an award-winning and industry-recognized standard. Her commitment to building our business and ensuring the continued expansion of diversity and inclusion across the communications field is unparalleled. We are delighted that the industry continues to honor Sonia’s achievements.”