Now Accepting Applications For Southwest Airlines Lanzate Travel Award Program For College Students
Southwest Airlines and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities keep students who are pursuing higher education connected with their families through “Lanzate / Take Off!” Travel Award program
DALLAS, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), today announced that they are accepting applications for the 12th annual “¡Lánzate! / Take Off!” Travel Award program. Prizes for the program will be provided by Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV). Online applications will be accepted through May 13, 2016, at hacu.net. The program is geared toward Latino college students with economic need who pursue higher education at least 200 miles away from home. All applicants must complete an online application including an essay describing their inspiration to pursue a college degree.
Educators and education activists from around the country will form a diverse judging panel this summer to choose the 2016 Travel Award recipients. For more information about the prize and to view the criteria for the 2016 award program, please visit: SWAmedia.
Travel has been provided to 830 students since the program’s inception in 2005. 2015 student recipient Gabriela Lopez shared, “Since receiving this award, I was able to spend this past Thanksgiving with my family. I particularly enjoyed the ease of being able to book arrival and departure dates that worked best with my school schedule without any financial limitations. I highly recommend this program to any student that lives far from the people they love and experiences financial barriers when planning a trip to visit them.”
“At Southwest Airlines, we are passionate about connecting People to what’s important in their lives,” said Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines Manager of Community Affairs & Grassroots. “Through the “¡Lánzate! / Take Off!” Travel Award program, we are proud to help Latino students stay connected to their families. That connection to family is often the difference between staying in school and dropping out. We believe in strengthening the communities we serve and we’re proud to play a part in helping these students achieve their dreams.”
“As the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities celebrates its 30-year milestone since its founding in San Antonio, Texas, we applaud the Southwest Airlines ¡Lánzate! Travel Award Program for the ongoing commitment to Championing Hispanic Success in Higher Education,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “It’s difficult to be away from family starting a new life in college. The ¡Lánzate! Travel Award Program helps Hispanic families stay connected during the higher education journey.”
More than 1,700 Southwest Airlines® roundtrip tickets have been awarded to students across the nation since the program’s inception in 2005.
ABOUT HACU
Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) represents more than 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America and Spain. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The association headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, with government relations offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California. This year, HACU is celebrating 30 years of championing Hispanic education. Information is available at www.hacu.net.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 49,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 destinations across the United States and seven additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what’s important in their lives.
From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.
Book Southwest Airlines’ low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
Carey Rodriguez Milian Gonya, LLP and Díaz-Bastien Abogados Form Strategic Alliance for New Cuba Market
MIAMI, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Carey Rodriguez Milian Gonya, LLP is pleased to formally announce a strategic alliance with Spanish law firm Díaz-Bastien Abogados in CRMG’s new Cuba Practice Group.
The two firms have a long history of cooperation, with a de facto partnership spanning over two decades. Now, as the process of US-Cuba normalization precipitates an opening of the Cuban economy, Carey Rodriguez and Díaz-Bastien are poised to provide an unparalleled level of legal counsel to US firms seeking to launch business ventures on the island.
Díaz-Bastien Abogados (DBA) has been representing the interests of European corporate clients in Cuba for over 20 years. Through this alliance, they bring to the Cuba Practice Group the kind of localized expertise that US law has impeded American firms from obtaining for over half a century.
“The idiosyncrasies of the Cuban political economy have made the island a very complicated place to do business,” says principal DBA partner Mr. Luis Juega. “Foreign investment will have a huge role to play in the future development of the country, especially as the privatization of state-owned companies gets underway.”
DBA is ideally positioned to assist clients in navigating Cuba’s transition to the market economy. The firm is one of few which has also had extensive experience representing corporate interests during mass privatizations in Eastern Europe following the collapse of the Soviet Union, making the firm an invaluable asset to the Cuba Practice Group.
“Our strategic alliance with Díaz-Bastien brings to the table concrete experience with the transformation process that Cuba will have to undergo,” said Carey Rodriguez Partner Juan J. Rodriguez. “That is what makes our Cuba Practice Group unique, allowing us to better serve clients in the future, whether they be US or European interests.”
More information about the CRMG Cuba Practice Group can be found on the firm’s website at http://www.careyrodriguez.com.
More information about Díaz-Bastien Abogados can be found on the firm’s website at http://www.diazbastien.com.
Netflix confirms new original series based on current Brazilian corruption investigation
SÃO PAULO, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Netflix, the world’s leading Internet television network, announced that filming of its new original series based on recent corruption investigation Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato in Portuguese), will begin this year in Brazil. The yet-to-be-titled series will be created and directed by José Padilha (Narcos, Elite Squad and Robocop), and written by Elena Soares (Xingu, Filhos do Carnaval and Casa de Areia).
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101014/SF81638LOGO
“Netflix recognizes José Padilha’s talent in turning fast-moving current events into compelling narratives and he is well placed to document this important time in Brazilian history,” said Erik Barmack, Netflix VP of International Original Content. The series will be the second Netflix original series produced in Brazil, following the dystopian Sci-Fi thriller 3% premiering later this year.
“This project will follow the judicial investigators in their journey to unveil the largest corruption scheme that Brazil has ever witnessed. It was fundamental for the series to be produced in an impartial way, and I have no doubt that Netflix is the best partner for the project,” said Jose Padilha.
About Netflix
Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 75 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
Cricket Wireless Spreads Smiles with New $70 Unlimited Plan on a Bigger Network than T-Mobile
ATLANTA, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Calling all smart mobile phone customers! If you’re looking for great coverage with simple plans, all-in monthly rates, and the freedom of no annual contract, we’ve got you covered. Cricket Wireless is taking a wrecking ball to long-term contracts and making everyone smarter and happier with an unlimited plan on a network that is bigger than T-Mobile’s. The Cricket Unlimited Plan includes all the talk, text and data you can use on one smartphone line for $70/month.1 And after a $5 Auto Pay credit, it’s only $65/month. 2 Yes, T-Mobile customers, that price already includes the monthly taxes and fees.
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140604/94414
T-Mobile charges at least $25 more each month for its Simple Choice Unlimited Plan for one smartphone line on a smaller 4G LTE network. Very Uncool. Plus if you join the Cricket Nation now, we’ll give you a $100 bill credit when you switch from T-Mobile.3
“We wake up every morning focused on giving our customers what they want – more network, a great customer experience, and better plans for less money,” said John Dwyer, president of Cricket Wireless. “Cricket has over 275,000 more square miles of 4G LTE coverage than T-Mobile. And our unlimited plan for a single smartphone line is $25 less a month. More coverage for a lot less money – two great reasons to make the switch.”
The new unlimited plan from Cricket Wireless is available beginning April 17, 2016. Cricket provides more 4G LTE coverage nationwide than T-Mobile, MetroPCS, Sprint or Boost*, and everyday customer benefits include:
- No annual contracts
- Unlimited talk, text and data access – in and between the U.S., Mexico and Canada – for the Unlimited, Pro and Smart plans.
- Monthly taxes and fees always included in plan price
- Access to Cricket Rewards, the only customer loyalty program of its kind offered in the prepaid industry
With the recent addition of Aaron’s and other retail distribution relationships, Cricket Wireless is now available in more than 12,000 outlets across the country, cementing its position as one of the fastest growing prepaid wireless companies in the U.S. Find a Cricket Wireless store or other retailer near you, or purchase online, at www.cricketwireless.com.
About the new Cricket Wireless
Cricket is bringing consumers more value with a simple, friendly, and reliable nationwide wireless experience with no annual contract. The power of Cricket is our nationwide 4G LTE network that covers more than 317 million people*; easy and affordable plans with prices that include monthly taxes and fees; and a great selection of phones customers love. Cricket, Something to Smile About. To check out the new Cricket or find a store near you, visit www.cricketwireless.com. And connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cricketnation and Twitter at www.twitter.com/cricketnation.
Cricket is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. Coverage not available everywhere. © 2016 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC.
1Download speeds max 8Mbps (LTE)/4Mbps(4G). Mobile Hotspot feature not avail. Activ./upgrade (up to $25) & add’l fees & restr’s apply. Pricing, avail., terms & restr’s subject to change. See store for plan details.
2 Auto Pay: Pay $70 in 1st mo. $5 auto pay credit applied after enrollment in auto pay.
3 Limited time offer. Req’s porting number from T-Mobile & activ. on qual. plan in same transaction. Must be active & in good standing for 45 days. Credit received w/in 60 days after activation. Max credit combined w/ other offers is $100. Activation Fee: up to $25. Taxes, fees, charges & restrictions apply. Offer subj. to change See store for offer details.
*Based on coverage in U.S. licensed areas. Compatible device required. Coverage not available everywhere. 4G LTE coverage is not equivalent to overall network coverage.
Statement of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health: New CDC Data Show Hispanic Tobacco Tipping Point
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “While Hispanic adults have always had smoking rates below the national average, new data released today show that Hispanic middle school students are more likely than their peers to use tobacco. It’s a tobacco tipping point. Unless Hispanic youth smoking rates are reversed it will result in a generation of tobacco related disease and early death,” said Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance), the nation’s leading Hispanic health advocacy group.
According to data published today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products in the latest issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 4.7 million middle and high school students were current users (at least once in past 30 days) of a tobacco product in 2015. Among middle school students, Hispanics were the group most likely to be current tobacco users (10.6%) compared to non-Hispanic white (6.3%) and non-Hispanic black (6.6%) students and more likely than their peers to be using two or more tobacco products.
The data also showed that e-cigarettes are now the most common tobacco products used among youth and use escalated from 1.5 to 16.0 percent between 2011 and 2015 among high school students. “No form of youth tobacco use is safe. Nicotine is an addictive drug and use during adolescence may cause lasting harm to brain development,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. in a statement.
“We know that 95 percent of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21 years of age. If smoking continues at the current rate, 5.6 million of those currently younger than 18 will die early deaths from a smoking-related illness. That’s why policies like raising the age to 21 to purchase tobacco products are so important. We have to take more action now to protect the health of our children,” emphasized Dr. Delgado. To date 136 cities, with Chicago being the most recent, and the state of Hawaii have made 21 the minimum age to buy tobacco products.
Dr. Delgado concluded, “If you need support talking to your children about not smoking or you or a loved one needs help quitting, we are here to help. Call our toll-free Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645. Together we can build a healthier and smoke-free America.”
About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (The Alliance) — The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States with a mission to achieve the best health outcomes for all. For more information visit us www.hispanichealth.org.
Nuestras Voces (Our Voices)— Nuestras Voces is a national network of over 100 organizations working for a tobacco-free world and to eliminate disparities in cancer prevention and treatment services. You can be part of this effort being led by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health! Join us at www.nuestrasvoces.org/join.
New online platform offers currency solution for Venezuelans
NEW YORK, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MercaDolar, an open and free-market solution enabling the individual purchase and sale of U.S. dollars for Venezuela, is now available through a secure & modern online portal.
Created by a team of young Venezuelans and Americans, the system is modeled after the current realities of the Venezuelan economy and performs the role of mediator for currency transactions. This is useful for many scenarios, including providing much-needed financial relief to loved ones in the country.
MercaDolar connects Venezuelans abroad who need to send money home with others in the country in search for scarce U.S. dollars – all within a secure, anonymous, and quick process. MercaDolar does not purchase or sell currency, and it does not impose any artificial exchange rate; it simply provides a market in which transactions occur within a predefined framework, thus safeguarding the best interests of both parties.
To use MercaDolar, all that is needed is to submit a one-time application, described in details in https://www.mercadolar.com/requisitos. Once the documentation is reviewed and approved – usually within 24 hours – access is granted to buy and sell dollars in the market, and a new world of freedom and economic opportunities become available. It is important to state that in order to use MercaDolar, a bank account in the U.S. is required. However, buyers can use any ACH-enabled virtual payment account, such as Payoneer, to receive their funds.
Headquartered in New York City, MercaDolar executes all its transactions within the jurisdiction of the United States, where there are no restrictions imposed on the exchange of Bolivars.
If you wish to find more information about the services offered by this initiative, you can visit their website https://www.mercadolar.com, as well as visit any of the popular social media sites, where they will gladly and promptly answer any questions.
Cornershop announces $6.7 Million Series A
MEXICO CITY, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Cornershop (www.CornershopApp.com), a Mexican-Chilean startup and the leader in fast grocery delivery for Mexico, has raised a $6.7 million Series A round of funding. The round is led by Jackson Square Ventures and ALLVP, with participation from Creandum, Accel, Endeavor Catalyst and other existing investors.
“What we find compelling in Cornershop is the strength of the experienced team combined with a massive market opportunity,” said Greg Gretsch, managing director at Jackson Square Ventures. “Furthermore, Cornershop is already showing great early traction and solid customer loyalty metrics. We are thrilled to partner with the team on this exciting endeavor.”
“Metropolitan areas such as Mexico City and Santiago de Chile have the perfect characteristics – consumer interest, geographic density, and sound infrastructure — to build and scale this service profitably,” added Federico Antoni from ALLVP, a leading early stage fund in Mexico, who will join Cornershop’s board of directors. “Cornershop has already built a solid operation from which it can now quickly scale to take advantage of the very large opportunity in the region.
With over 60% of the population using smartphones, Mexican consumers are purchasing more and more items online. Last year, e-commerce surpassed $15 billion in sales and is expected to grow 25% annually until 2019. Spending in the Mexican grocery market alone is close to $200 billion dollars a year and less than 0.1% of that spending is done online.
“We’re excited to have more great investors join a strong team of investors and help the amazing people here at Cornershop. We have the right team, product and operational model to advance faster. So we’re going to roll up our sleeves, and focus on those everyday details and incremental improvements that make this business so much fun,” said Oskar Hjertonsson, co-founder and CEO.
About
Cornershop is the leader in fast grocery delivery for Mexico and Chile. It has been operating its on-demand grocery delivery service since July 2015, in Mexico City and Santiago de Chile. Using the company’s applications for iOS and Android, customers select products from stores offered in the customer’s area and choose a one-hour window for scheduled deliveries. On-demand orders are delivered in less than 90 minutes.
Cornershop was founded in 2015 by Oskar Hjertonsson, Daniel Undurraga and Juan Pablo Cuevas.
Cornershop Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaEj0fIG5pA
(Español) Julio César Díaz Witwicki – Plantea Pasos Clave para Mejorar la Economía Venezolana
