NEW YORK -- Alejandra Calatayud, general manager of the Small, Midmarket Solutions & Partners & East Region Emerging Markets at Microsoft Corp., has been named recipient of the prestigious Corporate Citizen Achiever Award by LISTA (Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association) for her contributions to developing a pool of future Latino talent in the engineering and computer science fields.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be counted among the luminaries who compose the LISTA Awards' list of achievers," Calatayud said. "This award is a nod to Microsoft's commitment to help Latinos realize their full potential as the future leaders in the IT industry."

According to LISTA, the Corporate Citizen Achiever Award recognizes the achievements of a deserving professional. "Ms. Calatayud's commitment to serving the Hispanic community is a model for others to follow," said Jose A. Marquez-Leon, president and CEO of LISTA National. "She holds herself responsible for expanding opportunities for tomorrow's leaders through her efforts with youth and as a mentor to many professionals."

Calatayud's work with Latino youth has been extensive. She was instrumental in LISTA's recent launch of the L2 Initiative, which provides Latinos and members of other underserved communities with the opportunity to enter the information technology industry as members of a technical staff or as entrepreneurs. Microsoft has provided access to its New York headquarters to start training New York students and professionals looking to gain the skills to enter the IT field.

"One of the greatest joys of working for Microsoft is the opportunity the company gives in working with community programs," Calatayud said. "Microsoft encourages employees to give back to our communities; it is part of who we are and the culture we promote. We are passionate about helping others realize their full potential."

Calatayud is a Microsoft veteran of more than a decade, with extensive international experience in consulting, sales, marketing and business management. She is currently responsible for creating the sales and marketing strategy, business execution framework, and business processes for the organization and for sales and services to 19,000 medium-sized businesses in the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and all emerging markets in the East Region (New England to Florida). In this role, Calatayud leads an organization that is responsible for delivering $350 million in revenue to the company.

Annually the LISTA Awards honor Latinos in IT for their contributions to educational opportunities, promotion of professional and personal growth, and reinforcement of the vital role of U.S. Hispanics in the IT industry.

About Latino in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA)
LISTA (www.a-lista.org) promotes the utilization of the technology sectors for the empowerment of the Latino community. We are an organization that is committed to bringing various elements of Technology under one central hub to facilitate our partners, members and the community with the leverage and education they need to succeed in a highly advanced technologically driven society.

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