Hispanic Public Relations Association(R) to Honor Top Communications Professionals and Award Scholarships

“The Hispanic Public Relations Association(R) (HPRA), a non-profit organization founded to advance the careers of Hispanics in the field of Communications, will be celebrating a night of excellence at its annual PRemio Awards & Scholarship Dinner on Wednesday, October 3, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The theme for the evening is “Adelante con Pasión,” in honor of those who strengthen our foundation and those who move the message forward.

During the event, HPRA will recognize the following outstanding Hispanic communications professionals: Patricia Perez from Valencia, Perez and Echeveste Public Relations with the Public Relations Award; Steve Lopez from the Los Angeles Times with the Journalism Award; Sara Ramirez from ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” with the Arts & Entertainment Award and Toyota with the Corporation of the Year Award.

“PRemios “Adelante con Pasión” is an event that showcases the essence of HPRA. It celebrates the advancement of the public relations field, helps build future talent and honors Hispanic professionals who have exhibited excellence in their respective practices,” said Romina Bongiovanni, HPRA president and vice president at Edelman Multicultural. “We invite the industry to join us in an effort to continue moving the message forward.”

In addition, the organization will grant scholarships to the following deserving Hispanic undergraduate students pursuing a communications degree at local universities or a career in the field:

1. Mary Lou Pinedo – California State University, Fullerton
2. Cecilia Chavez – California State University, Fullerton
3. Gabriel Lobato – California State University, San Bernardino
4. Laura Cruz-Atrian – California State University, Los Angeles
5. Lizbeth Gonzalez – California State University, Los Angeles
6. Irene Ramirez – University of Southern California
7. Jacqueline Guzman – California State University, Northridge
8. Melissa Vasquez – University of California, Los Angeles
9. Giovanna LaRussa – University of California, Los Angeles
10. Noel Viramontes – University of Southern California

“It is a great honor to be recognized by HPRA for my educational achievements. This scholarship will help me reach my dreams of earning a degree that will be useful in serving the community and becoming a role model for others,” said Mary Lou Pinedo, student recipient of the HPRA’s top scholarship. “I feel especially proud because, being the first in my family to earn a college degree and as a single mother, this award only confirms the power and rewards of education.”

In the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month and to support and highlight the works of Latin American artists, this year’s PRemio dinner will take place during LACMA’s special exhibition featuring richly diverse objects of Latin America. The exhibition, titled “The Arts in Latin America, 1492–1820” highlights more than 200 works of art created in the Spanish viceroyalties of New Spain.

Serving as emcee for the evening is Gustavo Arrellano, author of “Ñ–Ask a Mexican!” and contributing editor to The Los Angeles Times. Additionally all PRemio attendees will receive a complimentary one-year membership to HPRA at the dinner.

Sponsors for the event to date include CA Wellness, Edelman Multicultural, Farmers Insurance Group, Microsoft, PR Newswire, RL Public Relations & Marketing, Taylor PRimero, Toyota, Valencia, Perez and Echeveste Public Relations, Verizon Communications, The Walt Disney Company, Washington Mutual and Wells Fargo.

For additional information about the HPRA PRemio Dinner and/or to schedule an interview, please contact Edna Silva at (213) 253-3733 or edna.m.silva@wellsfargo.com.

About Hispanic Public Relations Association(R) (HPRA):
HPRA was founded in 1984 as a non-profit 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 agencies, government, non-profit and corporate companies. HPRA is dedicated to the advancement of Hispanic professionals and provides educational seminars and workshops throughout the year. The organization has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to Latino students pursuing a career in communications during the last 10 years. HPRA strives to be a resource for communications professionals and for those seeking insights into the Hispanic market. For more information please visit

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