FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2022
CONTACT: Anna Verhanovitz, averhanovitz@vancomm.com

Initiative Advances Diversity in PR Workforce Through Internship Opportunities

WASHINGTON —Vanguard Communications introduced the Comunicadores for the Future program in partnership with The George Washington University’s (GW) Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute to invest in the future workforce and increase diversity in the communications, PR and marketing fields. Despite the pandemic, the program is marking its fifth summer of funding nine-week paid communications-focused internships for Latinx students with nonprofit organizations in the D.C. metro area.

“When we created this program, our goal was to attract more diversity to our profession and remove barriers to joining the field. It’s been gratifying to see several former Comunicadores pursue careers in communications and PR — some with the same nonprofits where they had their internships,” said Maria Rodriguez, president and CEO of Vanguard and a GW alumna. “I can’t wait to see how they contribute to making the world a better place through communications.”

Since 2017, the Comunicadores for the Future program has matched 27 Cisneros Scholars — academically talented students at GW who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to serving the Hispanic community — with nonprofit organizations who are working on equity issues such as health, education, civil rights and economic justice. This summer, five more Comunicadores will be embarking on their journey toward a future in communications at Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, Goodwill Industries, Oxfam International and Special Olympics.

“Comunicadores has been so impactful for both our students and the partner nonprofit organizations,” said Dr. Elizabeth Vaquera, executive director of the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute. “The skills and expanded professional networks that participants gain through the program have translated into new passions, mentors and full-time jobs, while the nonprofit partners have benefited from the diverse talents and perspectives of young Latinx individuals, the fastest growing group in this country. I applaud Vanguard for their vision and continued investment to strengthen this crucial pipeline.”

Vanguard staff provide one-on-one mentorship to each student participant and organize a series of professional development trainings for the group. Collectively, this support builds understanding and skills regarding important issues in PR, strategic communications and leadership development.

Vanguard Communications is a Hispanic woman-owned public relations and social marketing firm whose work is powered by and for people — the individuals, families and communities whose voices are the fuel for change. Since 1987, Vanguard has been working in the areas of health, wellness, energy, environment, education, international development, and diversity and inclusion to foster healthy communities and a thriving planet.

To learn more about Vanguard Communications, visit vancomm.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. For more information about the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, visit cisneros.columbian.gwu.edu.

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