Somos Votantes, Somos PAC and Partners Celebrate 2023 Reed Award Wins in Four Categories
Best TV Ad for IE - House/Senate (Democratic), Best Spanish Language TV Ad (Democratic), Best Radio Ad for Public Affairs or Ballot Initiative, and Best Spanish Language Email Campaign
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, Somos Votantes and Somos PAC, the largest independent Latino voter engagement programs in the country, and our partners released the following statements to celebrate the news that the organizations became 2023 Reed Award Winners in four categories:
“Latinos are a growing political force on the ground, behind the scenes and at the forefront of campaigns and elections,” said Melissa Morales, Founder and President of Somos Votantes and Somos PAC. “These wins are proof that Latinos can not only knock on doors but can also create award-winning political ads that communicate the true power of our community. When people like us have the tools and opportunities we need to tell our own stories on the airwaves and online, change happens. Muchisimas gracias to our Somos team, Winning Jobs Narrative Project, 76 Words, Do Big Things, and Rising Tide Interactive. ¡Sí se pudo!”
“The midterm election was very personal to me,” said Vanessa Barreat, owner of La Vecindad Restaurant in Las Vegas, who was featured in the ad that won best TV ad for IE House/Senate (Democratic). “I wanted to share my story because I wanted everyone, especially Latinas, to know how truly powerful our stories can be and to show how we can create change together. I am overjoyed that not only did we win the election for La Senadora Catherine Cortez Masto but that our ad won this incredible award. Con mucho orgullo y corazón, gracias.”
The Reed Awards & Conference took place earlier this week in Las Vegas, NV. It is a campaign industry event that brings together the very best Democratic and Republican political campaign professionals. The Reed Awards are produced by Campaigns & Elections, the journal of the political campaign industry.
WIN #1
Best TV Ad for IE - House/Senate (Democratic)
Somos PAC, 76Words and Winning Jobs Narrative Project
“Our goal was to tell a simple, honest story about one small business owner and how her business was able to thrive despite the pandemic because of her hard work and the work of Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto,” said Sarah Flowers, founding partner of 76 Words. “Thanks to Democratic policies, she was able to create a good life for herself and her employees. Somos PAC and the Winning Jobs Narrative Project knew it was important to center real people and real work. Additionally, Somos PAC had the courage to believe that both Latino and non-Latino voters would respond to a universal message, and to put resources behind positive messaging when conventional pundits only believed in going negative. And the results showed in Senator Cortez Masto’s victory.”
WIN #2
Best Spanish Language TV Ad (Democratic)
Somos PAC and 76Words
“For too long, the power of the Latino community in deciding not only the future of elections, but the future of the country has been ignored or seen as secondary,” said Colin Rogero, Chief Creative Officer with 76 Words. “To have the opportunity to work with a Latina-led organization fighting to change that and helping lead an all Latino creative team, including Gretchell Aguilar, Cristian Arevalo and Andres Roa to create inspiring content for Latinos by Latinos is an honor. Being recognized for that work, winning Spanish Language Ad of the Year, is a preview not only of the strength of these two teams coming together, but a small example of the power of our community. We are honored to do the work and honored to be recognized by Campaigns and Elections this year.”
WIN #3
Best Radio Ad for Public Affairs or Ballot Initiative Contagious Common Sense Counterpoint Messaging
Somos Votantes and Do Big Things
“We are thrilled to support Somos Votantes in their Get Out the Vote efforts,” said Henri Makembe, CEO of Do Big Things. “As a certified minority-owned company that is 50% people of color, creating culturally competent ads is a core value. We worked with polling and voter data to identify our key targets and incorporated cultural touchstones and accents to build an ad that resonated with Latino voters.”
WIN #4
Best Spanish Language Email Campaign
English and Spanish Toggle Feature
A custom feature built into the user experience so that people could more easily toggle between languages and better engage in our email program.
Somos Votantes, Somos PAC and Rising Tide Interactive
“We’re honored to have worked with Somos last cycle and proud of our team for innovating with a fresh approach to bilingual communication in email fundraising,” said Neeraja Koneru, Vice President of Client Strategy with Rising Tide Interactive. “It was important to us that supporters felt seen and knew we were committed to communicating in an inclusive and authentic manner.”
To arrange interviews in English or Spanish, please contact Emmanuelle Leal at emmanuelle@somosvotantes.org.
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