In recognition of the new and growing role Hispanic journalists will play at the annual Hispanicize event, Hispanicize 2013 organizers today named CNN “Starting Point” anchor Soledad O’Brien co-chair and unveiled the agenda for its inaugural Hispanic Journalist Showcase.

Hispanicize 2013 (www.hispanicizeevent.com / #Hispz13) will take place April 9-13, 2013 at the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach. At the fourth annual Latino trends event, bloggers, filmmakers, journalists, marketers and music artists will convene throughout the course of five days for more than 80 sessions to hear 200 speakers present about every facet of media, social media, entertainment and marketing.

“Soledad’s example of enterprising journalism, integrity and her marketing savvy skills are in many ways a terrific road map for success for all Hispanic journalists,” said Manny Ruiz (@MannyRuiz), founder and creative director of Hispanicize 2013.

Mike Valdes-Fauli, co-chair of Hispanicize 2013 and President of JeffreyGroup, adds: “Soledad’s prominent role in the event underscores how committed we are to making Hispanicize 2013 an uplifting and career-changing platform for all Hispanic journalists regardless of whether they work in Latino or non-Latino media.”

"These are challenging, fast changing times for Hispanic journalists and for Latinos in general," said O'Brien. "It's a true honor to co-chair Hispanicize 2013 because in the midst of this huge cultural shift in our nation we should welcome an event that provides opportunities of journalists to hone their skills and network with Latinos in media, social media, entertainment and marketing."

In addition to serving as the event’s co-chair, O’Brien will also be recognized as one of 2013’s six Latinovators.  In 2012, the event named Univision network anchor Maria Elena Salinas to its inaugural list of Latinovators—the highest honor Hispanicize bestows to Latinos who have been trailblazers or whose achievements are inspirational.