NHCA News
Debra Cruz Named a 2009 Hispanic Achiever
December 08, 2009
Debra Cruz, Assistant Vice President, Global Brand & Marketing Services, was honored as a 2009 Hispanic Achiever at the recent 26th Annual National Hispanic Corporate Achievers Awards Gala in New York City. The National Hispanic Corporate Achievers (NHCA) program provides an opportunity for major corporations to gather and honor the accomplishments of their top employees of Hispanic descent.
Since joining MetLife in 2000, Debra has formed and led a team comprised of useability and content specialists focused on user research and the creation of educational and engaging Web experiences. Her effectiveness is reflected in the number of significant awards the team and MetLife has received under her leadership, including Web Marketing Association Internet Ad Awards, Insurance & Financial Communicators Association awards, Webby Awards and Interactive Media Awards.
Debra also leverages opportunities to mentor people both in and out of the workplace. Besides her work responsibilities in Global Brand & Marketing Services, Debra tutors children in basic math skills, spends time with family and friends and loves domestic and international travel.
The Awards Gala culminated a week of NHCA events. Early in the week, MetLife associates participated in the Annual Empowerment Forum. The forum’s theme was “Enhancing Your Leadership Footprint During Volatile Economic Times,” and featured individuals from Baruch College and other sponsor companies. MetLife participants included members of the MetLife INROADS Alumni Network (MIAN), Technology & Operations Diversity Committee and Multicultural Marketing.
Melba Cruz Vasti, Assistant Vice President of International Compensation & Benefits, and current President of NHCA’s Operating Board, headed this year’s planning. “I am proud to be part of this organization, representing MetLife and its commitment to the advancement of our Hispanic leaders,” said Melba, who also served as the day’s host.
The program included a panel discussion on “Turning Economic Adversity into a Positive Experience,” and various workshops that focused on professional development. Felipe Botero, Vice President, Technology & Operations, led a MetLife-sponsored session titled “Coaching and Mentoring.”