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# Vanguard Communications Partners with GW’s Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute to Fund Paid Internships
- URL: https://capitolcommunicator.com/vanguard-communications-partnering-with-gws-cisneros-hispanic-leadership-institute-on-new-initiative/
- Published: 2017-03-07T22:40:38.000Z
- Updated: 2017-03-08T00:59:03.000Z
- Author: Capitol Communicator
- Tags: Agency, Communications, #Import 2026-10-08 18:48

**To invest in the future workforce and increase diversity in the communications**, **PR and marketing fields**, D.C.-based Vanguard Communications is introducing *Comunicadores* *for the Future* in partnership with the George Washington University’s (GW) Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute. Launched in conjunction with Vanguard’s 30th anniversary, the program will fund six- to nine-week paid internships with non-profit organizations in the D.C. area beginning in June 2017.

“We are excited about the potential of *Comunicadores for the Future* because we know internships give students a competitive advantage when applying for jobs,” said **Maria Rodriguez**, president and founder of Vanguard Communications and a GW alumna. “With unpaid internships not an option for many students, this investment begins to level the field, attract more diversity to our profession and hopefully create a pipeline of Latino talent that will lead the PR workforce of the future.”

Participants are [Cisneros Scholars](https://cisneros.columbian.gwu.edu/cisneros-scholars?ref=capitolcommunicator.com), academically talented students at GW who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to serving the Hispanic community. Selected *Comunicadores* will be paired with D.C. metro area non-profit organizations who are working on equity issues such as health, education, civil rights and economic justice.

“There has never been a more critical time for our students to engage in issue campaigns advanced by local nonprofits that are directly affecting the Latino community,” said **Elizabeth Vaquera**, director of the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute. “We are grateful to Vanguard for their vision, financial support and shared commitment to our mission of creating a comprehensive learning experience that includes academics, leadership, community engagement, mentoring and career development.”

As part of the *Comunicadores for the Future* program, Vanguard staff — led by **Noralisa Leo**, vice president of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion practice — will provide one-on-one mentorship to each student participant, as well as develop a series of professional development trainings. Collectively, this support will build understanding and skills regarding important issues in PR, strategic communications and leadership development. Housing assistance also will be provided to the selected students.

For more information about the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute at GW, visit [https://cisneros.columbian.gwu.edu/about](https://cisneros.columbian.gwu.edu/about?ref=capitolcommunicator.com).