Host of Univision’s “Cita Con Nelly” show often called the “Latin American Oprah”
PORTLAND, Ore. — Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon today announced it awarded Portland television host Nelly Rodriguez the 2008 Latino Hero Award. The award represents Regence’s ongoing commitment to the Latino community, honoring individuals of Latino descent who have given back to the community and have impressive professional or educational accomplishments.
"Nelly Rodriguez, who hosts the popular “Cita Con Nelly” television show, is a vibrant leader and trusted source of information for Latinos in our community," said Francisco Garbayo, Regence emerging markets manager. “Her tireless energy and commitment to community truly embody the spirit of Regence’s Latino Hero Award."
Ms. Rodriguez has been the host of her Spanish language television show called “Cita Con Nelly” (An Appointment With Nelly) for the past five years. The program focuses on empowering the Latino community and is Univision’s first and only local Spanish language program to air in Oregon and Washington.
In addition to her role as television host, Ms. Rodriguez has her masters degree in clinical psychology and is a licensed loan officer. She is also active with Catholic Charities and helped organize the Health Promoter Program to provide free health screenings to community members. Ms. Rodriguez immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1993.
“The Regence Latino Hero Award was created to honor Latinos making significant contributions to the community, and it is part of Regence’s larger Latino outreach program focusing on health education,” continued Garbayo. “At Regence we understand and honor the changing face of our communities.”
As the recipient of the Hero Award, Nelly Rodriguez will receive $2,000, and be featured in a Regence advertising campaign. For more information about Regence in Spanish, visit http://www.regence.com/Spanish.
About Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is a leading health plan in Oregon, with nearly one million members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest / Intermountain Region, serving three million members as Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueShield (in Washington), Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield of Idaho. Each plan is a not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is committed to improving the health of our members and our communities, and to transforming our health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com.