MillerCoors Selects American Dream Academy director for Líderes Campaign

PHOENIX – MillerCoors is honoring Maria Luisa Ramos, Director of Arizona State University’s American Dream Academy, in this year’s Líderes campaign for her work as a leader in the community.

Ramos will be highlighted among 12 other Hispanic Líderes from across the country through a national and local print campaign and the MillerCoors Líderes web site. One leader among the 12 will be selected as the Líder of the Year through a public online vote at www.MillerCoorsLideres.com open now through Nov. 20. The winner will receive a $25,000 grant for a community leadership project with their non-profit organization and MillerCoors.

“The 2009 Líderes are a diverse group of respected community leaders and MillerCoors is proud to highlight their achievements,” said Joedis Avila, multicultural relations manager for MillerCoors. “Through Líderes, we hope to support national and local leaders within the Hispanic community who serve as an inspiration and examples of what one person’s dedication can accomplish. They are all deserving of the Líder of the Year honor.”

Ramos was chosen as part of Líderes because of her involvement in the American Dream Academy, a project of the ASU Center for Community Development and Civil Rights. As part of the American Dream Academy, she helps parents of at-risk students become more involved and transforms their children’s educational experience. By adapting and improving an existing curriculum, finding ways to recruit parents, and obtaining support from local school districts, Ramos and the Academy have trained more than 8,000 parents who have more than 21,000 children in public schools.

“We are honored that Maria Luisa Ramos was selected as one of the 2009 MillerCoors Líderes,” said Raul Yzaguirre, executive director of the ASU Center for Community and Civil Rights and Professor of Practice. “Thanks to MillerCoors, Maria Luisa’s commitment to the Hispanic community will be highlighted, hopefully inspiring others to stand out for their leadership in their own communities.”

The 2009 Líderes were selected for their leadership and desire to make a difference in their communities. These individuals, ranging from national figures to individuals who are driving forces in their local community, were nominated by MillerCoors’ Hispanic partner organizations.

Since 2006, Líderes has raised awareness and highlighted the achievements of a diverse group of respected national and local leaders within the Hispanic community. In past years, the program has included a series of workshops held across the country where participants were able to network and explore themes related to leadership. For more information about Líderes, visit www.millercoorslideres.com.

For information about the American Dream Academy, visit http://cdcr.asu.edu. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Corey Schubert
Manager of Media Communications, ASU College of Public Programs
602.496.0406 office
602.370.6128 cell
Corey.Schubert@asu.edu