PRESS RELEASE: LATINO LEADERS OF NEW YORK TO BE HONORED BY HPNG AND FORD

3rd Annual HPNG Latino Leadership Conference to Include Awards Ceremony for First Time

New York, NY (April 16, 2012) – The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group (HPNG), in partnership with Ford Motor Company, announces the first annual HPNG Latino Leaders Awards.

The HPNG Latino Leader Awards will be presented as part of the 3rd Annual HPNG Latino Leadership Conference to be held in New York on June 12, 2012. Four individuals who have provided industry-leading solutions within one of Ford's Four Pillars of Excellence will be honored.

“We are delighted to be hosting the Latino Leader Awards with Ford and excited to see them recognizing the stellar achievements of the Latino community. It makes a very powerful statement to have a classic American company recognize the achievements of a group that is so integral to this country and the American way of life,” says Ali T. Curi, HPNG President. “It is going to be an incredible event!”

The Awards will be presented at a reception immediately following the HPNG Latino Leader Conference – a multi-disciplinary forum dedicated to exploring effective leadership development tools for middle-management corporate Latinos.

“Ford is committed to supporting the progress and achievements of Latinos making an impact in a variety of sectors,” said Alvaro Cabal, Multicultural Communications Manager at Ford Motor Company. “Partnering with HPNG to honor local Latino Leaders in New York is a privilege for Ford.”

The Four Pillars of Excellence that define the HPNG Latino Leaders Awards are Technology, Quality, Environment, and Safety. A panel of cross-industry leaders from various companies representing each category will serve as judges. Nominations can be submitted on the Ford Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/fordenespanol on the HPNG Awards Tab. Awards submissions have begun and will be accepted until May 11, 2012.

About HPNGLaunched in 2003, HPNG hosts networking events in New York and Miami and offers career management and leadership development workshops and conferences. Contact:Ali CuriHPNG 917-860-5673

ali@hpng.net

Andy Checo

Ford Hispanic Communications Team/RLPR

212-206-8668

Andy.checo@rlpublicrelations.com