NAMIC Announces Ana Maria Polo as Recipient of the 2011 Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) has named Ana Maria Polo, host of Telemundo's "Caso Cerrado," recipient of the 2011 Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award.  Presented annually in conjunction with the NAMIC Conference, the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award was established in 1992 in memory of the late Congressman from Texas for his lifelong advocacy of social justice and equality for people around the world.  The 25th Annual NAMIC Conference is scheduled for October 4-5, 2011 at the Hilton New York in Manhattan as part of Diversity Week.   Polo will be honored at The Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award Luncheon, which takes place Wednesday, October 5th from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton New York's Grand Ballroom.  

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Since the inception of the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award, NAMIC has continued its tradition of honoring individuals and organizations affiliated with the communications industry that demonstrate a commitment to advancing the concerns of people of color.  A breast cancer survivor, Polo serves as a role model for women, while working with various organizations with the common goal of finding a cure for the disease.  Additionally, Polo is a proponent of human rights, committed to fighting against discrimination.  

"We are pleased to continue paying tribute to Congressman Leland's legacy by honoring Ana Maria Polo," said Kathy Johnson, president, NAMIC.  "Her dedication to fostering social justice and equality symbolizes the spirit of advocacy that the Congressman exemplified."  

Maintaining a connection with the nation's Hispanic community for the past 10 years, Polo is recognized as one of Hispanic Television's most prestigious personalities within the United States and abroad.  With more than 20 years of experience as a lawyer, Polo began hosting Telemundo's program "Sala de Parejas" (Couples' Room) in 2001.  "Sala de Parejas" was relaunched as "Caso Cerrado con la Dra. Ana Maria Polo" (Case Closed with Dr. Ana Maria Polo) in 2005.  Highlighting lawsuits and legal situations, the original series holds the distinction of being the first Spanish-language program nominated for a Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award.  In 2010, based on the success of "Caso Cerrado," Polo's on-air hosting role was expanded to include "Caso Cerrado Edicion Estelar" (Case Closed Primetime Edition) and "Persiguiendo Injusticias" (Pursuing Injustices).  An accomplished author, Polo's first book, "Querida Dra. Polo Las cartas secretas de Caso Cerrado" (Dear Dr. Polo: The Secret Letters of Cased Closed) has sold out its first edition since being released November 2, 2010.  

Past recipients of NAMIC's Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award include: MTV Networks; award-winning journalist and author, Charlayne Hunter-Gault; Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television; Governor Bill Richardson, former ambassador, United Nations; award-winning journalists and CNN on-air personalities, Anderson Cooper, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Soledad O'Brien; Kweisi Mfume, former president, NAACP, and Christina Saralegui, host of the Galavision/Univision "Christina Show," among others.

"I feel very honored to receive this important recognition from the National Association for Multi- ethnicity in Communications, and I am humbled to join such a distinguished list of recipients," said Ana Maria Polo.  "I am strongly committed to serve as an advocate for justice within the Hispanic community, and I am pleased to continue Congressman Leland's legacy."

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the 25th Annual NAMIC Conference.  Co-Presenting Sponsors include A+E Television Networks and Scripps Networks Interactive.  Motorola Mobility Foundation is the Silver Anniversary Sponsor.  Other event sponsors include AMC Networks, BET Networks, Comcast, Cooking Channel, Cox Communications, Food Network, NAMIC-New York, NBCUniversal, NCTA, Suddenlink Communications, the Walter Kaitz Foundation, and WE tv.  Media partners include Broadcasting and Cable, CableFAX Daily, Hispanic MPR, LatinVision Media, MediaBiz, Multichannel News, Portada and The Network Journal.

For more information on the 25th Annual NAMIC Conference, contact Sandra Girado, director of Meetings and Events, NAMIC, at 212-594-5985.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Inquiries pertaining to sponsorship should be directed to Daniel J. McGlone, vice president of Membership and Fund Development, NAMIC at 212-594-5985.  Online registration for 25th Annual NAMIC Conference can be accessed by visiting http://www.namic.com.  Group registration discounts are available for multiple attendees from the same company.

ABOUT NAMIC

NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) is the premier organization focusing on multi-ethnic diversity in the communications industry. Founded in 1980 as a non-profit trade association, today NAMIC comprises over 2,300 professionals belonging to a network of 16 chapters nationwide. Through initiatives that focus on education, advocacy and empowerment, NAMIC champions equity and inclusion in the workforce, with special attention given to ensuring that the leadership cadres of our nation's communications industry giants reflect the multi-ethnic richness of the populations they serve. For more information, please visit www.namic.com and stay connected to NAMIC on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and DiversityLive: The Business > Social NAMIC Network.

SOURCE NAMIC