Get to know our Ambasadors! Jorge Ramos Padre Alberto

MIAMI, FL (April 2, 2009) – AARP, one of the world's largest member organizations with over 40 million members and the leading organization for people 50+, today announced  that it has named renowned ESPN sportscaster Jorge Ramos and radio and TV personality Father Alberto Cutié, better known as Padre Alberto, as the organization’s new Hispanic Ambassadors. As a well-respected Spanish-language sportscaster, Jorge Ramos’ focus will be on health & fitness and enjoyment, providing AARP members with information on the important role of having an active and healthy lifestyle. AARP members will also get life navigation guidance from Padre Alberto, who will focus on relationships, financial well-being and staying involved in the community.

“It’s key for us to reach the 50+ Hispanic community and deliver the information and resources that are most relevant to them,” said Emilio Pardo, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, AARP. “Both Jorge Ramos and Padre Alberto’s expertise on these important topics make them ideal resources for our members and we look forward to working with them on reaching the millions of Hispanics in our country.”

Hispanics age 50+ make up 8.3 percent of the total U.S. population—a number that is expected to double by the year 2040. Ramos and Cutié will engage AARP’s Hispanic members through various activities in 2009 including AARP’s Vegas @ 50+ national event this fall and the upcoming AARP Life Festival in San Antonio, TX, which kicks off on May 15th.

A household name for Hispanic sports followers, Jorge Ramos is one of the most respected Spanish-language Sportscasters/Journalists in the United States and has witnessed the importance of staying fit and healthy, as well as enjoying sports and activities with friends and family. As Hispanic Ambassador, Ramos will provide tips like how to reduce the risk of diabetes, enjoying a healthy game day, indoors and out, and living a healthy life after 50, among others. Ramos will reach out to the community through monthly Web casts and blogs, which will be posted on AARP’s Web site (www.aarp.org/espanol).

“An active lifestyle that includes exercise and a balance diet plays such an important role in ensuring that we remain healthy as we grow older,” said Jorge Ramos. “My hope is to provide health and fitness tips based on my experiences to help Hispanics 50 and older and their families stay fit and enjoy being active.”

Just as Ramos’ role as Hispanic Brand Ambassador will demonstrate how AARP can be with you in body through health and fitness advice, Father Alberto Cutié will show how AARP can benefit your mind and soul by offering useful life navigation tips to the organization’s members. A priest of the Archdiocese of Miami and General Director of Pax Catholic Communications (home of Radio Peace in Miami), Cutié has also been referred to as “Father Oprah” and is considered to be one of the most influential Hispanics in the country. He will connect with the 50+ Hispanic community through AARP’s online community, providing insight on topics such as facing your financial future, giving back to your community, and connecting across generations. He can currently be heard on his radio shows on “Radio Peace,” and his television talk show “Hablando Claro con el Padre Alberto." His first self-help book entitled, “Real Life, Real Love: Seven Paths to a Strong and Lasting Relationship” was released in January 2006. 

“Most of my work in the media has been dedicated to offer Latinos guidance in facing life’s many changes and struggles,” said Padre Alberto Cutié. “I’m excited to be working with AARP to help the Hispanic community navigate through important life decisions, offering them advice on how to remain involved and active in their community and with their family as they grow older.”

Additional information about Ramos and Cutié can be found online at www.aarp.org/espanol.

Media Contacts:
Michelle Alvarez, (202) 434-2555, malvarez@aarp.org  
Kati Anderson, (703) 807-0500, ka@comunicad.com