​Maribel Lena Memorial Scholarship Fund

The South Florida Chapter of Women in Transportation (WTS) and The Brand Advocates, Inc. have established a college scholarship fund for women interested in careers in transportation. The scholarship honors Maribel Ortiz Lena, a 30-year Florida Department of Transportation employee, responsible for educating the public about roadway safety and served as the agency's District Six Public Information Officer. Ms. Lena was killed in a car accident on her way to a press conference in June. The fund provides scholarships in the amount of $5,000 to women pursuing educations and careers in transportation at Florida colleges or universities. Scholarships are awarded annually in June. Members of The Brand Advocates team worked with Ms. Lena for over 10 years on various District roadway projects. Scholarship applications will be judged by a committee convened by the WTS South Florida Chapter. 

The Brand Advocates Academy Summer Internship Program

As part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Summer Youth Internship Program, we host high school interns each summer. Sponsored by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Foundation for New Education Initiatives and The Children’s Trust, the program provides high schools with hands-on internship opportunities to enhance their skills in communications, PR and outreach. During the five-week paid internship students accumulate 150 hours of experience.  The Brand Advocates coordinates weekly outings for the interns that allow them to get exposure to opportunities in the communications field including a lunch session with a local news reporter, a tour of a major transportation project and a behind-the-scenes look at how a local newscast is produced. Each intern receives a new laptop, a backpack and other back-to-school gear as part of the internship. For more information on the 2020 Brand Advocates Summer Academy, please contact Myrick Mitchell, Director of Marketing & Communications for more information or to apply for the 2020 program.