Maria Cardona, principal at Dewey Square Group and founder of Latinovations has been selected by the national board of directors of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) to receive the organization's coveted Pioneer of the Year Award. Cardona will be recognized amongst colleagues during the 2016 HPRA National BRAVO! Awards ceremony on October 12, 2016 at The Lotte New York Palace Hotel.
Cardona has been leading and shaping the opinion of many of our nation's leaders over the past two decades. Regarded as one of the nation's most influential Latinos, Cardona's roles have included serving as press secretary to two Secretaries of Commerce (William Daley and Mickey Kantor), lead communications strategist for NAFTA, senior advisor to the Hillary Clinton for President Campaign, Director of Communications for the United States Department of Justice's Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Communications Director of the Democratic National Committee. Additionally, she currently serves as democratic strategist and commentator on American politics on CNN and CNN en Español.
"As a public affairs and communications professional, and as a Latina, Maria has paved the way for many of us to strive and create an impact starting in our Nation's capital," said Antonio Hernandez, ServiceMaster (NYSE: SERV) communications director and president of HPRA. "Her trajectory is exemplary of a Latina who positively contributes and defends the values of our community. These are times when our voices must be heard and we are proud to have Maria at the forefront of the Latino voice. We are honored to present this recognition to Ms. Cardona. "
The HPRA National Bravo Awards recognize the communication industry's finest campaigns across several categories including technology, sports, digital, non-profit and integrated marketing communications among others. The event will be co-hosted by Cristy Marrero, editor at HOLA! USA and Bryan Llenas, national correspondent at Fox News.
The HPRA National Bravo Awards are made possible by the generous contributions of Platinum Patrons: The Coca-Cola Company and Wells Fargo, Gold Patron: Moët Hennessy, Bronze Patrons: Havas FORMULATIN, Ogilvy Public Relations and PR Newswire. The event is co-chaired by Andy Checo, senior director at Havas FORMULATIN and Veronica Potes, marketing manager at E!, Eonline and Esquire Network.