The Next Generation of Latinas

A successful conference

Hispanic Media LLC, home of Latinas LifeStyle, confirmed its commitment to the Latina woman by recognizing the professional work of outstanding professionals at “The Next Generation of Latinas” event.

It was a very important night, the event also served to make the official launch of the Latinas LifeStyle project and its 360° communication and informative radius action. The ceremony was celebrated on March 29 following the protective measures against COVID-19 transmission.

Ricardo Hurtado, President and CEO at Hispanic Media expressed he was proud to highlight the Next Generation of Latinas and pointed out the role Hispanic Media plays in the city while facing a future marked by new challenges “I’m excited because Hispanic Media is writing history,” he stated.

It has been an honor for this editorial group to award well-deserved recognitions to Diana Cortés, Philadelphia’s first Latina City Solicitor; Damaris Feliciano, Director of Community Relations and Strategic Initiatives at the City of Philadelphia; Irene Contreras Reyes, Director of Communication and Digital Engagement at the City of Philadelphia; as well as Christina Hernández, Deputy Chief of Staff.

Important personalities from the city’s Latino community attended as Mayra Hernández, Vice President of Communications at PECO ENERGY and one of the main speaker of the event; Joanna Otero-Cruz, Director of Community Services of the City of Philadelphia; Nilda Ruiz, President and CEO of Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) and Lola Mananova, CEO of Aurora Home Care.

El Sol Latino’s Advisory Board member, Lissy G welcomed the select audience of this important ceremony and thanked the significant support from sponsors and allies of this Hispanic editorial group, namely: Aurora Home Care, Hispanic Community Counseling Services (HCCS); Asociación de Puertorriqueños en Marcha for Everyone (APM) and Uno Más Home Care.

“They are a continuous inspiration to me”

The first personality recognized was Diana Cortés who outstands as Philadelphia’s first Latina City Solicitor, and responsible for general counseling to the Mayor Administration and all city agencies, boards and commissions.

In her speech, she revealed her deep pride in being Latina and the important role her family heritage has played in the consolidation of her roots. “They are a continuous inspiration to me,” she said.

Cortés also explained that the success in her professional performance as City Solicitor has been nurtured by the combination of proud for her cultural roots, hard work, perseverance and courage.

“If there is something valuable to work on, I will do that, but always remembering all my values, this Latina confidence has been essential all my life, in my career. In the words of my mother: You have to show them a Latina can do it, and even better.”

An important time for women

As one of the main speaker of the event, Mayra Hernández, Vice President of Communications at PECO ENERGY congratulated the honorees and celebrated the Latinas Style launch. She underlined the significance of the event “during an important time for women and for Latinas specifically.”

She added that “it´s time to celebrate our accomplishments and how far the women movement has come. And it´s also a time to recognize the tremendous amount of work that is still left to do for Latinas.”

Our honorees

Council Member David Oh presented this year’s awardees, four remarkable women that were honored with the Powerful Latinas Awards. “I am so proud of our Latina leaders, their sacrifice and their commitment. I´m honored to be here, because I´m too a citizen of this city, a resident of this city and we need and appreciate the Latinas leadership,” the Councilmember said.

Damaris Feliciano was the next awardee. Upon receiving her well-deserved recognition, she expressed her enthusiasm for being able to share this important moment with her colleagues. “It´s so nice to be here celebrating my colleagues and celebrating the Latinas,” she said.

Then came the participation of Christina Hernández who is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff at the City of Philadelphia. She celebrated the reception of his award with an emotional statement that symbolizes the solid conformation of his identity: “I am Boricua,” she cried full of proud.

The Deputy Chief added that she has “worked hard for the skills and education that I acquired for the benefits of my community, and to be recognized for that work is a tremendous honor.”

Irene Contreras was the last awardee of the evening, but it was impossible for her to assist to the reception. Contreras is currently the Director of Communication and Digital Engagement at the City of Philadelphia Managing Director’s Office.

The meaning of “essential”

Ricardo Hurtado also had some words for the performance of the editorial group he represents. He pointed out that the evolution of the media product has been materialized thanks to the local investment.

For closing the event, the Hispanic Media CEO, invited the audience “to invest in the relationship that you have, make the community survive by what we are doing locally.”