Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) Launches Orange County, CA Chapter

IRVINE, Calif., March 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) announced today the launch of its newest chapter, HPRA Orange County (CA). HPRA OC joins four others regional chapters part of national trade organization which launched in 2012. HPRA was first established in Los Angeles in 1984 to serve the burgeoning local population of Hispanic market practitioners.

The new HPRA chapter also announced its 2020 Executive Board of Directors. They include President Sandra Bernardo, APR, Senior Communications Manager at Experian; Vice President Lizz Mishreki, APR, Director of Public Relations at Concordia University Irvine; Secretary Gladys Hernandez, Director of Marketing and Advocacy at Habitat for Humanity of Orange County; and Treasurer Betty Franco Martinez, Account Executive at FSB Public Affairs.

"Our chapter is here to advance the large cohort of Hispanic communications professionals in Orange County and lead the conversation about the Hispanic market—where culture, community and communications intersect," said Bernardo. "We want to help organizations and communications professionals stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive, which requires understanding of the evolving demographic landscape.  Whether members are Hispanic, work with the Hispanic market, or serve the Hispanic community, HPRA OC will equip members to lead sound communication strategies—for internal or external audiences—that reflect today's diverse nation."

"The state of California has great potential for wide expansion of HPRA, and another chapter in the Southern California region is an excellent fit for our national organization," said HPRA National President Andy Checo. "Orange County is home to major brands, as well as many public relations and advertising agencies that serve the U.S. Hispanic market, so we believe the OC chapter is positioned to thrive."

HPRA OC also announced its first "road show" event, among several, that will be held for professionals to meet the Board of Directors, and to learn about member benefits and volunteer opportunities:

• Thursday, March 5, 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  FSB Public Affairs, 2099 S. State College, Ste. 630, Anaheim, 92806
  Parking is free. Registration is required at http://evite.me/11M9GWWSvU.

Membership in HPRA OC for professionals is $125 per year and student dues are $35 per year. Member benefits include access to: information and insights about the Hispanic market, diversity and inclusion best practices, leading experts in multicultural communications, professional development workshops, networking opportunities and discounted rates to HPRA functions at local and national chapter levels. Students pursuing careers in communications can join the chapter and leverage opportunities for mentorship and career development.

To join HPRA OC, visit www.hpra-usa.org. For news and events, follow HPRA OC on Facebook @hpraocchapter, and LinkedIn, HPRA-Orange County.  HPRA has established chapters in Los Angeles, New York, Carolinas and Miami. Find HPRA National on Facebook, @HPRA-USA, and follow HPRA on Twitter @HPRAusa.

According to Pew Research, the U.S. Hispanic population reached 59.9 million in 2018, comprising 18 percent of the nation's total populationⁱ. A suburb south of Los Angeles County, Orange County has a Hispanic population of 34.2 percentⁱⁱ, and boasts one of the most Hispanic-populated cities in the state (Santa Ana), a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, weekly Spanish-language newspaper, monthly Spanish-language magazine and three universities that are designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI).

About Hispanic Public Relations Association
The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) is a national organization that represents public relations professionals with an interest in the Hispanic market. Founded in 1984 by a group of Latino public relations practitioners, HPRA has been advancing the practice of Hispanic public relations as a marketing discipline, serving as the voice of professionals working in Hispanic communications nationwide, empowering its members through support, resources and education; and offering scholarship opportunities to public relations college students, awarding nearly $500,000 in scholarships for over 30 years. HPRA chapters are located in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and the Carolinas. Members represent corporate, non-profit, and government sectors across industries such as healthcare, higher education, housing, retail, and technology.

ⁱ https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/10/14/facts-for-national-hispanic-heritage-month/
ⁱⁱ U.S. Census

SOURCE Hispanic Public Relations Association

Related Links

http://www.hpra-usa.org