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NewPublica was founded in 2014 by Alberto Monserrate and Melisa Lopez Franzen as a way for government agencies, companies, organizations, and nonprofits to reach multicultural audiences. Since its inception, NewPublica has become the preferred firm for multicultural communications consulting in Minnesota. The work that is done encompasses and utilizes diversity, engagement, and creativity. NewPublica has developed long-term, mutually-beneficial relationships with members of BIPOC communities that have allowed the company to be both recognizable and trustworthy.
We are a proudly diverse team with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, skills, and talents. We’re excited for the opportunity to work with you!
Expertise: Alberto is a leading authority on multicultural communications and marketing in Minnesota. As the CEO and co-founder of Latino Communications Network (LCN), now NewPublica, he produced the weekly Spanish newspaper La Prensa de Minnesota and the weekly Spanish publication Vida y Sabor. LCN also operated 24-hour Spanish radio stations 1400 and 1470 AM La Invasora between 2005 and 2013. Alberto is a seasoned expert on marketing to the Latino community and is a regular commentator in the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Minnesota Public Radio, and other Minnesota business media. Alberto was elected to the Minneapolis School Board in 2010, serving as chair from 2012 to 2014. He is the former board chair of Hiawatha Academies, served on the founding boards of KIPP Minnesota and Twin Cities Academy, and served on the board of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association and the advisory editorial board of Minnesota Business Magazine.
Professional Work: Radisson Hotels International, Ameriprise Financial, Wells Fargo Advisors, Latino Communications Network, Minnesota Senate
Expertise: Melisa is an attorney with extensive experience in government affairs, community relations, and public policy. She served in the Minnesota Senate for a decade since her first election in 2012 and was elected Minority Leader by her Caucus in 2021. Before co-founding NewPublica, Melisa worked at Target Corporation, holding various roles in real estate, government affairs and community relations teams. She serves on various boards, including the Alliss Educational Foundation, FairVote Minnesota, and is Chair of the Minnesota is Ready Coalition. Melisa is an entrepreneur with a strong community focus on the progression of multicultural voices within a mainstream marketplace.
Professional Work: Minnesota Senate, Target
Expertise: Carmen is a versatile leader and relationship builder with cross-functional, multicultural, and international experience in various industries, including technology, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, government, and hospitality. She has corporate experience in engineering, marketing, operations management, and sales. Carmen has also worked in non-profit team leadership roles focusing on the advancement of communities of color. At NewPublica, her passion for making meaningful connections throughout the community not only shines through in her work but enhances the opportunities for current and future generations.
Professional Work: Xerox Corporation, Patrice & Associates Hospitality Recruiting
Expertise: Marc has over twenty years of experience in sales, business development, and marketing in the United States, Latin America, and Canada. He has launched product lines in new markets, built and led cross-functional teams, and pioneered businesses and organizations toward transformative and sustainable growth domestically and internationally. Marc is also passionate about private-public alignments that improve education, health, and the tangible quality of life for children and families of color. He is currently a board member in LatinoLEAD. At NewPublica, Marc works with community engagement projects regarding infrastructure, health, education, and others in Minnesota.
Professional Work: Kraft Foods, MOM Brands
Expertise: Luis is a business and community leader with over fifteen years of experience in marketing and strategy in multiple global companies. He has worked in the U.S. and Latin America, creating strategic marketing plans and leading cross-functional teams for successful market introductions. Luis has experience in multiple industries, including manufacturing, food, food service, education, and financial services. He has a passion for talent development and building new team skills and capabilities. Luis has built strong relationships with multiple communities and has collaborated with numerous colleges and universities, schools, and non-profit organizations to create professional opportunities for people from various diverse communities. Luis leads the largest team at NewPublica, ensuring that collaboration, communication, and creativity are at the forefront of each project.
Professional Work: Cummins Engine, Ecolab, General Mills, Land O’Lakes, GE
Expertise: Edwin Torres is a political strategist with nearly a decade of electoral campaign experience at local, state, and national levels. Edwin brings his unique upbringing as a DACA recipient, innovative ways of thinking, focus on community-centered solutions, and ability to build authentic relationships and coalitions to win historical campaigns. He has been at the forefront of Minnesota’s most recent historic election, serving as the Political Director for the re-election campaign of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, which resulted in a DFL trifecta for the first time since 2012 and only the second time since 1983. As Vice President of Public Affairs at NewPublica, Edwin brings his passion, winning record, and relationships to deliver unassailable results.
Professional Work: Walz-Flanagan for Minnesota, Tina Smith for Minnesota, Amy for America, Minnesota Department of Health, MN Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Expertise: Jorge has more than 20 years of experience in the creative process of visual design, including website development, graphic design, branding, photography, and video production. He has worked with a wide range of agencies and organizations, from small businesses to leading non-profits. He has been involved with social projects, the creation of visual campaigns, the development of annual reports, rebrandings, and website creation and redesign. At NewPublica, he creates designs for newspapers, magazines, and social media, as well as builds functional, user-friendly websites. Jorge understands each client’s unique needs and has a passion for projects that generate social impact. Jorge is a wealth of knowledge about design, and his expertise in reaching diverse communities serves NewPublica’s mission to connect to new voices and new audiences.
Professional Work: Latino Communications Network, Jorge Amerigo LLC
Expertise: Maria is a creative communications professional with experience in copywriting, advertising, and digital media. Maria works closely with organizations to ensure their communication channels align with their business goals, customer needs, and project timelines. At NewPublica, she collaborates with members of diverse communities to capture their input and insights on programs, initiatives, and campaigns. She has strong expertise in social media strategy as well as writing blog posts, press releases, and articles for various audiences. Maria utilizes the organization, delegation, and communication skills gained from being a collegiate athlete to lead team members through projects to exceed client expectations. Maria is currently the Head lacrosse coach for the youth lacrosse club team, Minnesota Lakers Select.
Professional Work: Greater Midwest Realty, Creative Writing Programs – Hamline University, Cool Money Coach, Minnesota Lakers Select
Expertise: Marian has over a decade of experience in event planning and managing events producing galas, conferences, festivals, and fashion shows both locally and internationally. She has managed large-scale events, including Taco Tour on Lake Street, Minneapolis Cinco de Mayo, and the Lake Street Festival, attracting thousands of participants. At NewPublica, Marian utilizes her experience in marketing to exceed client expectations of high-impact events execution and community engagement. She also manages the publication, distribution, and interpersonal communication within NewPrensa Media.
Professional Work: Utku LLC, Latino Communications Network, Gente de Minnesota
Expertise: Hamza is a results-oriented accounting professional with broad experience in a deadline‑driven environment. He has a proven track record in consistently and effectively delivering accounting services that enhance the company’s purpose and profitability. At NewPublica, Hamza demonstrates his experience in reconciliations, AP/AR, reporting, P&L analysis, and the management of general accounting functions.
Professional Work: Kaah Express, Jones Lang La Salle
Chris is a communications professional with experience in social media strategy and video and photography production. Chris brings his passion for creativity and community to each project and utilizes his past experience in digital arts as well as within the political sector when he can. At NewPublica, Chris works alongside various organizations to ensure that their marketing goals are understood and that their audience is reached effectively.
Professional Work: Office of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Eleven Design Co.
Expertise: Marcia is a communications professional with experience in teaching, community engagement, and web development. Marcia is a quick learner and is able to adapt to various tasks within her roles. At NewPublica, Marcia meets with community members to inform, listen to, and learn from. She also manages NewPublica’s internal digital media content to ensure that the most relevant information is at the forefront of what we do. Marcia uses the organizational skills learned from teaching every day in both communications work and public engagement.
Professional Work: Bethune Community School, Partnership Academy
Expertise: Sandra determines the best course of action and seeks the best solutions for our client’s advertising needs by utilizing her solutions-oriented mindset and interpersonal communication skills. At NewPublica, she executes the purchases of advertisement spaces by understanding clients’ marketing goals and target audiences. She works hard to maintain relationships with a variety of publications to ensure our clients are able to receive the media space they need. Sandra is also in charge of keeping our Latino Communications Network, both online and printed publications, relevant, engaging, and fun.
Professional Work: Latino Communications Network, Pamela Coleman Office of Eurology, Justo Gonzalez Office of Eurology.
Expertise: Isabella is a Journalism major at the Hubbard School of Journalism at the University of Minnesota, with experience in research, volunteering, education, and communications. She has worked with different schools and organizations in Argentina, the Twin Cities, and Denver to promote language efficiency skills in Spanish and English. Always advocating for communities of color and the local community, she has pursued the gift of leadership to create close relationships with members of the community. Isabella continues to advocate for communities of color at NewPublica, as a contributor to the NewPrensa newsletter. In her role, Isabella utilizes her research and communication experience to approach each project with a creative mind and is always eager to learn more.
Professional Work: Wells Fargo, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver, Best Prep
Nyabang is a natural people-person with experience working in the political sector, social work, and as an entrepreneur. Her professional background has granted her a versatile skillset, which includes community outreach, marketing, and research. At NewPublica, Nyabang is a key member of public engagement projects and utilizes her experience, as well as her upbeat attitude, to successfully reach various communities.
Professional Work: Community Care Services LLC, Minnesota House DFL Caucus
Expertise: Orion loves people and languages. He is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and German and knows words and phrases in multiple other languages. His unique ability to retain and understand languages is unmatched. At NewPublica, Orion helps review and edit articles for Latino Communications Network publications. He is focused, engaged, and loves working and collaborating with others!
Professional Work: Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), Kaposia.
2909 Bryant Ave S, Suite 301
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-729-5900
2909 Bryant Ave S, Suite 301
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-729-5900
