Amazon Music joins as Presenting Sponsor of the Latin GRAMMY® Week event

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment Connect TogetHER Mentorship program, hosted by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® in partnership with She is the Music, will be sponsored by AARP

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MIAMI (OCTOBER 15, 2024) — The Latin Recording Academy® announced its 2024 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honorees. The program, created eight years ago, honors and recognizes professional and socially conscious women in the arts and Latin entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired future leaders.

This year’s honorees are:

·       Vivir Quintana, singer/songwriter and social activist for women’s rights in Mexico

·       Diana Rodríguez, CEO and founder of Criteria Entertainment, a music management and marketing firm, and Mercado Negro, a boutique management agency and label

·       Ana Rosa Santiago, Senior Vice President of Latin Music & LatAm for Universal Music Publishing Group

·       Julieta Venegas, singer/songwriter, eight-time Latin GRAMMY® Award winner

 

“It is a privilege to present this year's Leading Ladies of Entertainment honorees, an exceptional group of women who have distinguished themselves through their successful careers as well as for their continued fight for gender equity,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Our honorees are so much more than a representation of excellence; they are a group that has significantly contributed to the empowerment and growth of other women.”

 

The private event celebrating this year’s class will take place in Miami on November 11, during Latin GRAMMY® Week, with Amazon Music as the Presenting Sponsor. In addition, Amazon Music will be making their first ever donation to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®’s Scholarship Fund in support of future Latin music makers. Baptist Health South Florida and Espolón Tequila will also join as Official Sponsors of the celebration.

“Our industry is powered by incredible women, both in front of the mic and behind it, which is why we’re thrilled to team up with Leading Ladies of Entertainment to celebrate this year’s fantastic honorees,” said Rocío Guerrero, Head of Music, Latin/Iberia, Amazon Music. “Championing female talent at all stages of their career, and celebrating their impact on the success of Latin music globally, is extremely important to us so we can continue to have a thriving music industry. The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s Scholarship Fund is a brilliant way of doing this.”

Paying-it-forward and forging opportunities for future generations is a core pillar of this initiative, and the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Connect TogetHER Mentorship program has once again partnered with She Is The Music—an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in music. This year, the collaborative program led by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation will be sponsored by AARP.

 

This year’s class along with past honorees are invited to become mentors, with the goal of fostering the next generation of women in the industry.  Applications for the mentorship program are now open until November 22, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For program guidelines and to apply, please visit https://lgcf.smapply.io/. For any questions, email lgcf@grammy.com.
 

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ABOUT VIVIR QUINTANA:

Mexican singer/songwriter Vivir Quintana is one of her generation's most beautiful and powerful voices. Her songs blend folk, regional and ranchera music with lyrics full of freedom, love and poetry. Millions of women have adopted her “Canción Sin Miedo” as a global feminist anthem, making it one of the most translated protest songs in the world. Her music has been featured in films such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). In 2023, she was named a Spotify EQUAL ambassador, Forbes included her among the 100 most creative Mexicans, and Rolling Stone considers her "one of the most recognized female figures in Mexico." Following her first album, Te Mereces Un Amor; she is working on a follow up: a collection of corridos chronicling the tales of women incarcerated for standing up to their abusers.

 

ABOUT DIANA RODRÍGUEZ:

A pioneer in the music industry, Diana Rodríguez is the CEO and founder of Criteria Entertainment, a creative service and music marketing company, and Mercado Negro, a boutique management agency and label under the Criteria umbrella. Through these entities, she oversees the careers of Latin GRAMMY® winners, such as Enrique Bunbury, Mon Laferte and Diamante Eléctrico, among others. In 2009, she became the first woman to lead a multinational Latin record label in the United States. In her 32-year music career, Rodríguez has held senior positions at Phillips, Polygram, Universal Music, EMI Music, and Capitol Latin, catapulting the careers of artists like Juanes, Juan Luis Guerra and Francisca Valenzuela. Billboard and El Tiempo Colombia have recognized her in their lists of powerful women.

 

ABOUT ANA ROSA SANTIAGO:

Ana Rosa Santiago is the Senior Vice President of Latin music for Universal Music Publishing Group in the U.S. and Latin America. She leads the A&R and Sync departments, developing talent and creating global opportunities for UMPG songwriters. She has signed artists such as Ivan Cornejo, Feid, Romeo Santos and Yahritza y Su Esencia. During her 18-year tenure at ASCAP, she signed artists like Kany García, Farruko, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, among others. With over 25 years in the music industry, she is a dual member of The Latin Recording Academy and the Recording Academy, serves on the board of She Is The Music, and is the Assistant Vice President of Events for the Miami chapter of Women In Music.

 

ABOUT JULIETA VENEGAS:

Singer/songwriter Julieta Venegas, an eight-time Latin GRAMMY®-winner and GRAMMY® recipient, is one of Latin pop's foremost exponents and icons. Known for hits like "Limón Y Sal," "Me Voy" and "Lento," Venegas' versatility, coupled with the authenticity that permeates her creations, has made her the most listened-to female artist on Spotify in Mexico. Her collaboration with Tainy and Bad Bunny won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Reggaeton Performance in 2022. Her album Tu Historia won the Latin GRAMMY for Best Pop Vocal Album a year later. In 2024, she performed before 80,000 people in Mexico City's Zócalo and 85,000 at Madrid's Bernabéu Stadium. She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in Mexico and an ambassador for COMMCA.

 

ABOUT SHE IS THE MUSIC:

She Is The Music (SITM) is a global nonprofit working to increase the number of women in music and transform the gender landscape of the industry. Operating as a unifying network for the music business and beyond, SITM provides resources and support for female-focused initiatives, both through its own programs as well as external efforts worldwide. A first-of-its-kind collaboration, SITM is powered by industrywide representation: creators, publishers, record labels, talent agencies, management companies, industry groups, think tanks, media companies, streaming services and more. Entertainment Industry Foundation serves as a partner. For more information, visit sheisthemusic.org.

ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:
The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy®, with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024 the Foundation will celebrate its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated nearly $10 million dollars with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

 
MEDIA CONTACT:
 
The Latin Recording Academy
Nathalie Alberto
Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

Open Society Foundations joins as Presenting Sponsor of the mentorship program and symposium to be held on March 4 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Davie, FL

Apply to the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program by April 6, 2026

MIAMI (FEBRUARY 19, 2026) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced it will host its inaugural Leading Ladies of Entertainment Symposium on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, bringing together influential voices to inspire leadership, mentorship and the advancement of women in music at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Davie, FL.

Throughout the day, guests will hear from former Leading Ladies of Entertainment honorees as well as trailblazing women in the industry who will speak on topics ranging from entrepreneurship, branding and the future of the industry, as well as participate in networking opportunities. Panelists will be announced over the coming weeks. For more event details and to secure tickets click here.

The Foundation also announced that applications are now open for its Leading Ladies of Entertainment Mentorship Program. Paying-it-forward and forging opportunities for future generations is a core pillar of this initiative, and the program is now accepting applications for its fifth cohort of mentees looking to follow a career in the music and entertainment industry. To apply visit www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org by Monday, April 6, 2026.

This year, Open Society Foundations, the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for rights, equity and justice, joins as Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural Leading Ladies of Entertainment Symposium as well as the Mentorship Program.

“At the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, we believe access creates opportunity, and the Leading Ladies Symposium and Mentorship Program are powerful reminders of what happens when women come together with purpose and commit to ensuring that future generations have access to resources and opportunities,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director, Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We thank Open Society Foundations for sharing our vision to bring together such an inspiring group of women who are generously sharing their stories, insights and leadership to help create pathways for the next generation of women in entertainment.”

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment initiative was created by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2016 to honor and recognize professional and socially conscious women within the arts and entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired the next generation of female leaders. To learn about previous honorees click here.

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. For over a decade, the Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $15 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

The program, in partnership with Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument Initiative, expands access to music education and included a donation of instruments and musical performances by the students

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Credit: Manuel Velásquez Figueroa/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

PANAMA (JANUARY 29, 2026) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument Initiative and Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist Boza, hosted Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™, an educational experience that included a donation of musical instruments to the high school Instituto Rubiano in San Miguelito, Panama. The program—and first collaboration with Sony Music Central America and the Caribbean—included musical performances by the students and a Q&A session with the artist, moderated by renowned journalist Leonor Suárez.

Instituto Rubiano is one of Panama’s leading public educational institutions, serving approximately 4,000 students across two shifts. Recognized for its commitment to holistic development, the school emphasizes value-based learning, teamwork and community engagement to help guide young people toward positive futures. It offers high school diplomas in Science, Humanities and Computer Science, and its entire community—teachers, parents, students, and administrative staff—partners to deliver a high-quality education with the goal of becoming a national model in scientific, humanistic and technological excellence. The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s and Sony Music Group’s Beyond the Instrument Initiative’s investment will further strengthen Instituto Rubiano’s music offerings by funding new instruments and equipment, creating greater opportunities for students to explore and pursue music as part of their academic journey.

“It’s an honor for me to be part of the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program because music was the tool that helped me believe in myself and change the course of my life,” said Boza. “Sharing that experience with students and showing them that their talent, voice and culture have value is something very special. I hope this program motivates them to trust their creativity and understand that there is room for them in the industry.”

“Learning goes beyond the classroom, because at Instituto Rubiano, talent and discipline grow together,” said Elizabeth Gil de Solís, Director of Instituto Rubiano. “Thank you to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Sony Music Central America and the Caribbean for bringing this educational opportunity to our school.”

“We’re thrilled to bring Beyond The Instrument to Panama and to support Instituto Rubiano’s commitment to empowering young creators,” said Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President of Philanthropy, Social Impact and Environment at Sony Music Group. “Together with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Boza, we’re proud to help equip these students with the tools and inspiration to pursue their musical dreams.”

“We thank Boza and Sony Music Group for their partnership and commitment to our shared mission to nurture future Latin music creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Together with their support, we have ensured the legacy of Latin music at Instituto Rubiano and created what we hope will be a lifetime of memories for the student body in attendance.”

Launched in 2021, Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument Initiative is designed to advance equity and expand access to cutting-edge music technology education for students in traditionally underfunded schools and districts. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience with modern music tools and creative mentorship from Sony Music artists and songwriters. Previously, Sony Music artists Gloria Estefan and Carlos Vives joined the program through their participation in the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools. To date, Beyond The Instrument has made an impact in schools across California, Tennessee, Florida, Canada and London, inspiring the next generation of diverse creators and innovators in music.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry, supporting educational music departments that face financial limitations around the world. The Foundation invites renowned musicians, performing artists, and sound engineers to visit middle and high schools, universities, or music education institutions and share their personal stories and experiences with students, highlighting the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

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ABOUT BOZA:

Hailing from Panama, Boza is a globally recognized singer/songwriter known for fusing urban music, dancehall, afrobeat and the Panamanian canela rhythm. In 2019, Sony Music Entertainment Centroamérica y Caribe signed the Panamanian artist. In 2020, the hit “Hecha Pa’ Mi” catapulted him to global fame after going viral on TikTok. The track is featured on Más Negro Que Rojo, Boza’s debut album released in 2020, which earned him his first Latin GRAMMY® nomination in the Best New Artist category. Since then, the artist has released three additional studio albums: Bucle (2022), Sin Sol (2023), and SAN BLAS (2025). His hit “Orión,” featuring Elena Rose, has accumulated over 214 million streams, spent 14 weeks at #2 on Billboard's Latin Pop Airplay chart, and was named one of the 25 Best Latin Songs of the Year by the same magazine. In 2025, he was included in Forbes Central America’s 30 Under 30 list in the Sports and Entertainment category, highlighting his cultural influence and social impact. He also received his second Latin GRAMMY nomination in the Best Latin Electronic Music Performance category for “Orión (Sistek Remix).” With over 12.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and over 1.982 billion total streams, Boza has established himself as one of Central America’s most influential voices.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. For over a decade, the Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $15 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT SONY MUSIC GROUP’S BEYOND THE INSTRUMENT:

Marking its fifth anniversary, Beyond The Instrument continues to underscore Sony Music Group’s commitment to expanding access to music education; since its launch, the program has equipped young people across multiple regions with cuttingedge music technology and industryrelevant learning experiences. Implemented in key markets including California, Tennessee, Florida, Nevada, London, Toronto, and now Panama, the initiative has grown into a global effort that empowers students through meaningful, handson opportunities. Artists and songwriters who have contributed to the program include Cat Burns, Noah Cyrus, Sigala, DIXSON, Theron Thomas, Schak, Aqyila and Gloria Estefan, each helping to inspire the next generation of music creators.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Sony Music

Melissa Cusack

Melissa.Cusack@sonymusic.com

The immersive learning experience, presented by Coca-Cola, guided aspiring

creators on industry topics such as music business, songwriting and Latin percussion

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Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

MIAMI (JANUARY 26, 2026) – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® hosted their Emerging Talent Intensive Program at Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade over the weekend. The immersive learning experience, presented by Coca-Cola, included a full day of activities which guided 50 aspiring teen music creators through curated, hands-on workshops focused on the music business, songwriting, performance and Latin percussion.

Guest panelists included Latin GRAMMY®-winning artist Natalia Ramírez who shared insights into the wide range of career possibilities within the music industry—from performance and production to marketing and tech—while also sharing practical advice from her own professional journey. The program continued with a presentation by Latin GRAMMY® nominee and Foundation alum Nicolás González, who guided the young creators through the foundations of songwriting and live performance, covering topics like lyric development, song structure and the art of storytelling through music. Rounding out the day, Foundation alum Alexis Soto, led a Latin percussion workshop, featuring a hands-on rhythm session. Each of the presentations included engaging Q&A sessions, with renowned journalist Jessica Rodriguez serving as the moderator, where the aspiring music creators were able to engage with the speakers and dived deeper into the respective workshops.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation for bringing this transformative Emerging Talent Intensive Program to our Clubs,” said Alex Rodríguez-Roig, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential. By exposing our aspiring young music creators to world-class instruction in songwriting, performance and the business side of music, we're opening doors to career possibilities they may have never imagined. We thank the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, Coca-Cola, and all the talented guest instructors for investing in the futures of Miami-Dade's youth, and for showing them that their dreams in music are within reach.”

“Creating innovative, engaging programs that make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve is central to our purpose, and we’re proud to bring that commitment to life through our more than 75-year partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Alba Baylin, Vice President of Stakeholder and Social Impact at The Coca-Cola Company. “Together with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation we’ve created a culturally relevant and inspiring program that gives young people in Miami direct exposure to and mentorship from music industry experts, while building the workforce readiness skills they need for successful futures.”

“Together with Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and our guest panelists we are fulfilling our shared mission to serve the community and nurture aspiring music creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are grateful to them and to Coca-Cola for partnering with us for this Emerging Talent Intensive as we further advance the future of Latin music.”

The Emerging Talent Intensive Program was launched in 2025 and creates engaging, accessible experiences for aspiring performing artists. The program offers young creators the opportunity to participate in hands-on training through classes and jam sessions based on the broad and dynamic curriculum offered by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation guest panelists and their brand partners.

For more information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. For over a decade, the Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $15 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and Gibson Gives return to award additional scholarships to gifted musicians

MIAMI (JANUARY 13, 2026)—The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced two additional scholarships to be awarded in 2026 with the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and Gibson Gives returning as supporters for the second consecutive year.

“We are proud to partner with Frost School of Music at the University of Miami—with special support from Serona Elton, Interim Vice Dean and Chair of its Music Industry Program—as well as Gibson Gives, and welcome them back as part of our roster of scholarship supporters,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Together, we continue to support the next generation of Latin music creators.”

The scholarship details are as follows:

The Frost School of Music Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to a minimum of one (1) exceptionally gifted musician, who has a passion for Latin music and has financial limitations, to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, one of the top music schools in the world. The value of the scholarship ranges between $32,000 to $250,000 and will cover tuition and wrap around services provided by the Foundation. This scholarship is open to students who have already applied for admission to the Frost School of Music starting in the fall of this year. To apply visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org by February 17, 2026.

Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of the iconic instrument brand Gibson, will offer three (3) Tuition Assistance Scholarships awarded to talented students pursuing or starting a degree in music in the Fall 2026 semester. The scholarship will cover tuition costs not covered by other scholarships, with final award amount details provided to those selected to study at the music institution of their choice. This gift includes a Gibson Epiphone, Kramer, Tobias, guitar or bass. To apply, visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org by April 10, 2026.

As previously announced last month, there are several scholarships open for application this year, including the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, the Emerging Talent Scholarship from Berklee College of Music, the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship, the Kany García Scholarship, the Manolo Díaz Scholarship, as well as additional Tuition Assistance Scholarships. For more information visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded 477 scholarships, investing more than $12 million over the last 12 years. For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. For over a decade, the Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $15 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com