The National Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) is proud to recognize Ilia Calderon, co-anchor of Noticiero Univision and Jorge A. Plasencia, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Republica, as recipients of the 2018 BRAVO! Journalist and Pioneer of the Year Award, respectively.
“Every year, HPRA identifies trailblazers in our industry of media and public relations, whose impact on the Hispanic community at-large give a voice to those who most need it,” said national HPRA President Veronica Potes. “Ilia and Jorge have been galvanizing our industry for decades and shaped the future for our next generation of journalist and communications leaders. HPRA is thrilled to recognize both of these innovators for their relentless efforts and outstanding achievements throughout their years of influence.”
Before becoming co-anchor of Univision Network’s flagship evening newscast, “Noticiero Univision,” she served as co-anchor of “Noticiero Univision Edición Nocturna” and “Primer Impacto.” Prior to joining Univision, Calderon anchored several news casts including “Cada Día con María Antonieta Collins” and Telemundo’s weekly morning newscast covering major national/international events and interviewed prominent politicians and celebrities. She is a native of Colombia and lives in Miami with her husband and daughter.
More than a decade ago, Plasencia co-founded Republica, an international marketing agency creating relevant, enduring connections between brands and people across culture, language, and technology. Prior to that, he held leadership roles with Univision Radio, Estefan Enterprises and the Florida Marlins. At age 17, Plasencia co-founded Amigos For Kids, a nonprofit organization serving abused and underprivileged children and their families. He serves as vice chairman of the board of the Miami Dade College Foundation, and on the board of trustees of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Friends of The Underline. Plasencia is a Cuban-American and lives in Miami.
Hosted in New York City for the fourth consecutive year, the 2018 National BRAVO! Awards celebrate the best corporate, agency, and non-profit PR and marketing teams, and the breakthrough work they produced. Taking place on October 2nd, the event is made possible in part by the generous contribution of The Coca-Cola Company, Wells Fargo, Moet Hennessy USA, Havas FORMULATIN, Cision and HispanicAd.com, who are returning sponsors of the awards.