The Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) announced on September 30, 2026, the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, marking a record-setting year with the largest number of scholars awarded in a single year. Since the program's launch in 2022, HPRA has awarded 20 students with $50,000 in scholarships. The 2026 class includes Camila Garcia Chirino from the University of Florida, Isabelle Flores from The University of Texas at Austin, Luis David Latozefsky from Stetson University, Melanie Herrera from Florida International University, Nasaiah Algarin from American University, and Xavier Ramirez from the University of Southern California. This year also marks a new milestone with HPRA's first high school senior recipient, extending support to emerging talent earlier in their academic journey.
Recipients were selected for their academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to communications. Their interests span public relations, strategic communications, public affairs, entertainment and media, civic engagement, and social impact. The expansion reflects HPRA's continued commitment to creating greater access to opportunity and growing the program's impact nationwide.
"The growth of this program is something our leadership is deeply proud of because it reflects what is possible when our industry invests intentionally in the next generation," said HPRA National President Sonia V. Diaz. "With the support of partners like Aflac and H+M Communications, as well as individual donors, we have been able to expand our reach, open more doors, increase mentorship opportunities, and continue building a program that can make a meaningful impact in communities across the country."
HPRA's scholarship program is designed to create greater access to education, professional development, and industry opportunities for students pursuing careers in public relations, communications, marketing, and related fields. Beyond financial support, recipients are connected to HPRA's national network through mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, and exposure to industry leaders. As the program continues to grow, HPRA remains focused on reaching students at different stages of their academic journeys and strengthening the pipeline of diverse talent entering the profession.
"Our scholarship winners inspire us every year with their stories," said Natalie Asorey, Scholarship Committee Co-Chair. "We're proud to support and champion them as they chart their paths in this industry."
Among this year's recipients, Melanie Herrera of Florida International University has been selected to receive the Roshana Gossoff Memorial Scholarship, a $1,500 scholarship awarded to an FIU undergraduate student who demonstrates a strong interest in pursuing a career in public relations and communications. The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Roshana Gossoff, a beloved communicator, FIU alumna, and former HPRA Miami officer whose passion, warmth, and dedication left a lasting mark on the South Florida community and those she inspired.
In addition to the scholarship award, students will receive free access to HPRA National webinars and events, a mentorship and shadowing opportunity with a board member, and be recognized at HPRA's annual ¡BRAVO! Awards gala taking place on Nov. 19, 2026, at the LA River Center and Gardens in Los Angeles.
This year's program theme, "Legacy in Motion," honors the organization's history and the leaders who continue to shape each generation of communicators. The scholarship program represents one expression of that legacy: investing in emerging talent, creating greater access to opportunity, and helping ensure that the progress built over more than four decades continues forward. For more information, visit NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE.
