Republica Chairman & CEO Jorge A. Plasencia to Be Honored With Inaugural Goya Hispanic Achievement Award

MIAMI, Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Republica, a cross-cultural advertising, digital and communications agency, announced today that its chairman and CEO, Jorge A. Plasencia, has been selected by the Spain – U.S. Chamber of Commerce as the first-ever recipient of the Goya Hispanic Achievement Award. The honor will be presented at a gala dinner on Monday, Oct. 29 at the New York Public Library.

The Goya Hispanic Achievement Award pays tribute to a Hispanic leader who has made a positive impact in the fields of business, arts, science or social responsibility. Through their commitment and dedication to making a difference in their respective fields and local communities, honorees have left an indelible mark on the Hispanic population in the U.S.

"I am extremely humbled to have been selected as the first recipient of the Goya Hispanic Achievement Award," said Plasencia. "I share this recognition with the millions of U.S. Hispanics who every day work tirelessly to fulfill the American Dream and contribute honorably to our nation for their families and future generations."

Goya Foods is a founding member of the Spain - U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber fosters the economic ties between Spain and the U.S. and represents the interests of companies that have established, or are interested in establishing, business and commercial relationships between the two countries.

"We are truly honored to host and organize this prestigious event for one of our founding members, Goya Foods," stated Xavier Ruiz, Chairman of the Spain - U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  "Mr. Plasencia will be presented with the I Goya Hispanic Achievement Award due to his great contributions to advancing the social, business and political objectives of the Hispanic Community." 

Plasencia, considered one of the foremost experts in reaching the burgeoning multicultural majority in the U.S., has had a celebrated career that spans over two decades of pioneering success in media, marketing and entertainment. Over the years, he has coupled a keen business sense with a passion for giving back to community. As a teenager in 1991, he co-founded Amigos For Kids, a nonprofit organization in South Florida that supports underprivileged children and families. Most recently, was elected the first Cuban-American, first Floridian and youngest chairman of the board of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in America.

In addition, he is a co-founder of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) and serves as immediate past chairman of the Cuban-American National Council (CNC). Plasencia is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). In 2004, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the advisory board of the Broadcasting Board of Governors' Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB). 

Plasencia has received numerous awards and honors, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the March of Dimes' Humanitarian of the Year Award.

About Republica (@RepublicaWorld)

Founded in 2006, Republica is one of the nation's fastest growing, cross-cultural marketing, digital and communications companies providing advertising, branding, promotions, interactive and communications services. Earlier this year, Republica was honored with four Telly awards, 17 Addy awards, a PRSA Silver Anvil and an Anvil Award of Excellence, reflecting its leading work for some of the world's most reputable brands. The company is based in Miami with satellite offices in Orlando, New York, Cleveland, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.republica.net or Facebook.com/RepublicaWorld.

SOURCE Republica