2016 Tecla Awards - Presented by Telemundo
I attended the first ever TECLA Awards last year in Miami during the Hispanicize 2015 conference.
I remember being mesmerized by the ambiance and energy around me. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. I watched winner after winner get on stage and accept their award with so much pride and joy - you could sense the passion they had for their craft.
I left that night feeling inspired and thinking to myself - next year I'm winning one!
Fast forward a year later and the TECLA Awards rose to another level.
Bigger and better in every sense!
Named after the Spanish language word for an individual key on a keyboard, the 2nd Annual TECLAS was held this year at ICON Miami nightclub in Miami Beach presented by TELEMUNDO during Hispanicize 2016, the largest U.S. Hispanic marketing, media and entertainment industries event in the nation.
The TECLAs was extra special for me this year. Not only was I a first-time nominee but I also advanced as one of the five finalist vying for the "Best Sponsored Post" award!
And guess what?
I WON!!!
My campaign with Rums of Puerto Rico took the top honor!
This year the Teclas received more than 1,000 nominations, nearly three times more than for the inaugural 2015 competition.
Finalists were determined by a public nominations process and the Tecla Awards Nominations Academy. Winners of the 2016 Tecla Awards were chosen by the Tecla Judges Academy comprised of a blue ribbon panel of leaders shaping the future of U.S. Hispanic social media, entertainment and marketing. The judges included senior brand executives, influencer network leaders, publicists and other experts in the online content development industry.
Immediatley after I won, I was whisked away for pictures and interviews.
Part of my interview with Telemundo is featured on their TECLA Awards 2016 Recap video.
“This is the Golden Age for Latino creators as brands, agencies and media companies themselves recognize that all traditional media paradigms are shifting to online,” said Manny Ruiz, founder and creative director of Hispanicize and the TECLA Awards.
“The 2016 TECLA Awards captures this evolution and will raise the bar for the creators, media and marketing industries that comprise the U.S. Hispanic online community.”
I'm in good company. Check out the other talented winners.
Here are few of my favorites.
Most Admired Latino Celebrity on Social Media – Adamari Lopez
Best Latino Facebook Page- Flama (Creator: Joanna Hausmann)
Best Musician/Band/Group on Social Media – Yandel
Best Fashion Creator – Annie Vazquez from The Fashion Poet
Best Instagram Influencer – LeJuan James
The special award of the night went to Pope Francis!
Borja Perez, Senior Vice President of Digital and Social Media for NBC Universal Telemundo Enterprises, took the stage to present the first NBC Innovation Award to Pope Francis. Pope Francis was recognized for his work redefining religion on social media and digital platforms, as well as his work connecting technology and art with sports to promote social good.
Last month, executives from Telemundo and Hispanicize presented Pope Francis with the award in person at the Scholas Occurrentes Interreligious Peace Soccer Match press conference at the Vatican.
I would've never imagined winning an award the same night as the Pope! So unreal!
By far, this has been the biggest achievement and recognition I've received for Metanoia Living! I'm excited for the opportunities this award will hopefully bring me.
Not sure how I will top this moment- but if you know, I'm already trying! ;)
