RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING WOMEN WITH VERIZON’S

More than 600 nominations were received during the sixth annual campaign of this program

that recognizes the admirable work of Latina women in the Midwest.

In the last six years Verizon has recognized the important role that Latina professional women play in society within the Midwest. Through the Nueva Latina Estrella Award (NLEA) Verizon aims to showcase the dedication, hard work and leadership of these exemplary women, as well as the difference they make in their communities. On Thursday October 1st, The Sophisticates’ Luncheon took place in Block Thirty Seven where the five winners of the annual “Nueva Latina Estrella Award” (NLEA) program were announced.

At this successful event organized by Latino Fashion Week, Verizon recognized professional women who have demonstrated success in the areas of technology, business, education, health and community service.

The committee that selected the winners of each category was comprised of leaders from Chicago and Minneapolis who work in diverse industries which include companies, non-profits, community service and media.

The contest prized each winner with $1,000 and a Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone.

“I am very excited, honored and humbled to be the 2015 Business Nueva Estrella Latina Award recipient. This award means not only a wonderful recognition for my business accomplishments but also a meaningful empowerment to all Latinas business leaders in the United States. As I saw the number of extraordinary women I was surrounded by, I was reminded and reassured of the incredible contributions Latinas make to our economy, arts, academia and public service. This country would not be the wonderful country it is without the Latina’s presence, determination and power and that’s why an acknowledgement such as the Nueva Estrella Latina Award means so much to me,” stated Ana Dutra, the president of The Executives’ Club of Chicago.

Miguel Bassaíl-Cultural Engagement Strategist for Verizon, posing next to the semifinalists for the category of business for Nueva Latina Estrella Award 2015 (NLEA). From left to right: Trina Fresco, Angélica Atondo, Ana Dutra-winner of NLEA 2015 and Dr. Suzane Flores.

“It is an honor to have been recognized with the Nueva Latina Estrella Award in Education. This recognition empowers me to continue working towards the transformation of education. A holistic education that is grounded in multicultural responsiveness, community service, global citizenship, and leadership” mentioned Monica Haydee Ramos, the director of community engagement at National Louis University.

Four of the NLEA 2015 finalists from left to right: Elizabeth Florez (Health, Illinois), Mónica Haydee Ramos (Education, Illinois), Paulette Santiago (Technology, Kansas) and Ruby Azurdia- Lee (Community Service, Minnesota).

“Verizon feels proud to recognize the outstanding work of Latina professional women in our society through the “Nueva Latina Estrella Award,” expressed Miguel Bassail, Marketing and Multicultural Strategy Manager at Verizon in the Midwest area, “It is a privilege for Verizon to be able to recognize through this program these leaders who have made a difference in their industries and communities.”

The winners from each category were:

BUSINESS: Ana Dutra, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Executive Club of Chicago, from Illinois.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Ruby Azurdia-Lee, President of CLUES, from Minnesota.

EDUCATION: Monica Haydee Ramos, Director of Community Engagement and Student Success Coach at National Louis University, from Illinois.

TECHNOLOGY: Paulette Santiago, Manufacturing Technology Engineer at DuPont, from Kansas.

HEALTH: Elizabeth Florez, Assistant Professor at DePaul University-School of Nursing, from Illinois

With this initiative Verizon not only awards the work of today’s Latina, but also highlights that she is bilingual, bicultural and a college graduate. They are women who envelop their culture and heritage, and at the same time advance in their distinct industries, acquiring experience and serving their communities.