Local leader receives prestigious Community Service Award

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 19, 2009 -
PROFESA, the Puerto Rican professional association of South Florida, recognized Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona, Campus Director for Ana G. Méndez University System – South Florida Campus, for her long-standing commitment to education and community service.  She received the 2009 PROFESA Community Service Award during PROFESA’s fundraising gala “My Flag: A Tribute to Excellence” at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa on October 17, 2009.

The PROFESA Community Service Award winner is chosen annually to recognize outstanding members of the South Florida community who demonstrate strong leadership through education, community service and commitment to social responsibility.

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” quoted Syndia A. Nazario-Cardona as she accepted her award. “I am honored to receive this prestigious award and encourage all of those committed to the community in South Florida to live by these words,” she claimed after thanking her daughter and parents for being part of her inspiration.

Nazario-Cardona’s passion for education has always kept her close to the academic environment. First as a teacher at a pre-school and later on at ASPIRA of Florida, Inc., an organization dedicated to leadership development through education. Her thirteen years at ASPIRA afforded her the opportunity to inspire youth to develop as leaders in the community as well as motivate them to pursue an education in order to become productive and successful citizens. Her commitment towards education motivated her to raise thousands of dollars to be given as scholarships to youth graduating from high school.

In 2006, Nazario-Cardona joined the Ana G. Méndez University Systems team which provided her a new opportunity to use her talents to open educational doors for Hispanics. She is currently the Director of the South Florida Campus located in Miramar, Florida. Through the AHORA program the University provides the first accelerated, dual language program for adults in the nation. She is heading this new venture which allows adults to continue their post-secondary education while strengthening their bilingual skills.  Nazario-Cardona sees this as one more way that she can continue to promote educational excellence and serve the Hispanic Community that she holds so dearly.

“PROFESA is honored to recognize Syndia’s contributions to our community over the past fifteen years,” stated Sandra Rosa, president of PROFESA. “Her committed to the development of the Hispanic community in South Florida through empowerment, networking and service to the community, make her an incredible asset in our community.”

Other award recipients included Frank Unanue, president of GOYA; Victor Ortíz, vicepresident of El Centro Cultural de Puerto Rico en el Sur de la Florida; Nestor Torres, Grammy winner and world-renown flutist; and Joseph Acaba, NASA’s first Puerto Rican austronaut. The talented Puerto Rican actress  Cordelia González served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Established in 1999, PROFESA seeks to establish a platform that unites Puerto Rican professionals through empowerment, networking and service to the community.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/10381004/1