MIAMI, Jan. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) Miami chapter proudly announced today its newest members for the 2015 board of directors. Comprised of a diverse group of senior communications professionals from various sectors of the industry, the new board looks to not only continue growing the chapter, but also to expand professional development opportunities for the region’s ever-evolving population of PR executives.

“We have an incredibly talented group of executives on our board this year that reflect the diverse nature of the PR industry in Miami,” said Sonia Diaz, HPRA Miami president, national HPRA board member. “In addition to offering networking events and professional development workshops with top notch PR and media experts, we are also hoping to grow our student membership and strengthen our relationship with local universities.”

The HPRA Miami 2015 Board includes: President, Sonia Diaz, Communications Manager, Balsera Communications; President-elect, Jackie Cardozo, Client Services Manager, Business Wire; Treasurer, Margarita Hernandez, Executive Account Director, PR Newswire; and Secretary, Ana L. Ruedaquintero, Marketing Manager, Vme Media.

The 2015 Board of Directors includes: Carla Santiago, Managing Supervisor, Fleishman Hillard Miami; Lauren Cortiñas, Managing Director, Pinta; Gorki de los Santos, Senior Manager Public Affairs & Communications, Coca-Cola; Julie Jimenez, Account Director, rbb Public Relations, Joseph Ramirez, Managing Director, Burson Marsteller Miami, Bill Gato, CEO, Hispanicize Wire, Lisa Zayas, Senior Communications Consultant; Alex Rodriguez, Digital Communications Specialist.

Daisy Cabrera will serve as founding President and immediate past President of the chapter.

To join, individual HPRA membership is $125, $30 for students and corporate members receive a 15% discount on a minimum of five (5) individual memberships. 

HPRA Miami will offer its members an interesting and informative variety of opportunities:

“Meet the Media” sessions with U.S. Hispanic and Latin America media discussing relationship-building strategies, news trends, the importance of culturally-relevant information, etc.

Professional development seminars hosted by communications industry experts and forward-thinking thought leaders sharing case studies, best practices, insights, research, career advice, etc.

Panel discussions with leading social media influencers focused on the powerful Latino blogosphere, creating meaningful online interactions, etc.

Exclusive networking opportunities with industry peers, discounts to conferences, discounts or free entry to HPRA sponsored events, and leadership roles on committees (i.e. Membership, Programming, etc.)

HPRA continues expanding with established chapters in Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. To learn about HPRA and become a member, visit http://www.hpra-usa.org, find HPRA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/HPRA-USA/10698327804 and follow HPRA on Twitter @HPRAusa

To learn more about HPRA Miami, join the online conversation on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groups/HPRA-Miami-5089647/about or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HPRAMiami 

About the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA)

Established 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 meets the 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. For more information please visit www.hpra-usa.org.