Emilio Estefan, Jorge Plasencia, Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, and Nina Vaca join an esteemed group of thought leaders to increase economic opportunity and build intergenerational wealth in Latino communities
Contact: Lizette Olmos Godfrey
The Aspen Institute
lizette.olmosgodfrey@aspeninstitute.org
Washington, DC, April 8, 2024 – Renowned Producer, Director, Entrepreneur, Author, and Songwriter, Emilio Estefan, Jorge Plasencia, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Republica Havas Group, Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, Chief Executive Officer and Group Publisher of Variety, and Nina Vaca, Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Group have joined the Aspen Institute Latinos & Society Program’s Advisory Board. These four trailblazers will advance the Aspen Institute’s mission to ignite human potential, fostering connections across diverse communities as we address global challenges.
“The Aspen Latinos Advisory Board stands as a cornerstone of collaborative innovation, deep industry insights, and powerful networks to accelerate inclusive economic growth for the U.S,” said Francisco Sanchez, Chair of the Aspen Latinos Advisory Board. “We’re honored to welcome these distinguished entertainment, media, and workforce solutions leaders to our esteemed group of change-makers to enhance the narrative of Latinos and our economic contributions to society at large.”
“Driven by an unwavering dedication to empower and cultivate top talent within diverse communities, we proudly welcome Emilio Estefan, Jorge Plasencia, Michelle Sobrino-Stearns and Nina Vaca to our Aspen Institute Latinos and Society board of advisors,” stated Domenika Lynch, Executive Director of the program. “Their unmatched expertise, steadfast passion, and visionary leadership will unquestionably enrich our collective endeavors to foster Latino leadership and excellence across industries.”
Emilio Estefan is an internationally acclaimed music, television, and film producer who has been instrumental in shaping, developing, and directing the careers of his superstar wife, Gloria Estefan, as well as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and Jon Secada among many others. Emilio has achieved incredible success throughout his career, boasting more than 40 years of industry-leading achievements, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and induction into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame and 21 GRAMMY Awards.
“I have been an avid supporter of Aspen Latinos,” said Estefan. “Its mission closely aligns with my passion for unlocking the economic and cultural power within the Latino community, highlighting Latinos as multifaceted groundbreakers, and elevating their transformative stories to help reshape our perceptions of this vibrant and resilient community.”
Jorge A. Plasencia, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of Republica Havas Group, a global communications company brings his expertise in providing culture-forward marketing solutions to Fortune 500 brands. Plasencia is currently vice chair of the Miami Dade College Foundation, and serves on the boards of PBS, Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino, and Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
“I have long admired the work of the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program, and today, I am honored to join its Advisory Board. I look forward to serving alongside some exceptional leaders as we continue to elevate the Latino brand and narrative and shine a light on the infinite power and vast contribution of the Hispanic community to America’s past, present, and future.”
Michelle Sobrino-Stearns as the President and Group Publisher of Variety has led the company’s transformation into a multifaceted media organization with a strong focus on digital, social, print, and broadcast platforms. She has been instrumental in the brand’s editorial excellence and strategic growth and has won over 173 nominations and 37 wins for her editorial prowess. She also spearheaded the multiple Emmy-winning “Actors on Actors” series in partnership with PBS. In 2020, Editor & Publisher Magazine named her one of the “10 Publishers Who Do It Right.” Michelle serves on the board of City Year Los Angeles, the board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and the board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“I’m humbled and honored to be appointed to the Advisory Board,” said Sobrino-Stearns. “I look forward to collaborating with visionary leaders and advancing the national dialogue on inclusive representation for Latinos and other communities. When enterprises adopt inclusivity and media outlets advocate for accurate portrayal, we can rectify disparities and pave the way for a more accessible and equitable economy.”
Nina Vaca is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, director, and philanthropist on a mission to improve lives globally. In 1996, she founded Pinnacle Group, the largest Latino-owned global workforce solutions company in the country. Serving 20% of the Fortune 100, Pinnacle Group’s global reach spans five continents. Among the few Latinas serving on the boards of public companies, Nina was named one of the top five 50 Most Powerful Latinas by Fortune Magazine. As a civic leader and philanthropist, she has worked to increase diversity at the board level and served as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship through the White House. She is also a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations. In recognition of her professional and philanthropic achievements, she has been awarded three honorary doctorates and was inducted into the Minority Business Hall of Fame.
“Since beginning my journey as a Henry Crown Fellow eight years ago, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact the Aspen Institute creates in all they do. I am confident the Latinos & Society Program will help shape the future of the country and beyond. Contributing to this program as an Advisory Board member is aligned with my purpose and my passion of improving lives and connecting people with opportunity. I could not be more proud to serve this worthy cause and this tremendous institution.”
The Aspen Latinos Advisory Board members play a pivotal role in providing essential strategic direction to amplify the Institute’s positive impact at every level of society. Leveraging their extensive networks and impressive profiles, they strengthen our mission of uplifting the invaluable contributions of American Latinos across the United States.
MORE INFORMATION: Please visit our website for a full listing of our Aspen Latinos Advisory Board members.
CONTACT: Members of the media interested in conducting interviews should contact Lizette Olmos Godfrey at lizette.olmosgodfrey@aspeninstitute.org.
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The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
The Aspen Institute founded the Latinos and Society Program in 2015 to identify and promote solutions that foster greater opportunity for American Latinos, and enable a more prosperous, inclusive America. Through proprietary research, partnerships with the private and public sectors, high-level gatherings, and community-building initiatives, Aspen Latinos ignites Latino growth and resiliency for the benefit of all Americans. To learn more, visit www.aspenlatinos.org.