Hispanic Executive’s annual Leading Latinas issue spotlights exemplary Latinas who are breaking barriers and paving the way for the next generation. Seton Hill Distinguished Alumna Giovanna Genard ’94 was one of thirteen high-profile women featured.

In the article, titled “Giovanna Genard Continues a Career of Giving at PRA Group,” Giovanna talks about how her career in marketing and communications working for higher education institutions led to her current role at PRA Group, a global financial services company. In July 2022, she started her role as Vice President of External Affairs & Marketing Leader at PRA Group, where she develops and oversees their global external communication, public relations and brand strategy to advance PRA Group's international reputation. 

The article said, “The eldest of eight says her calling card is not backing down from a challenge. Being offered the chance to tell the story of PRA Group’s giving activities on a global scale was just too great of an opportunity to pass up. But Genard urges those earlier in their careers to consider that she didn’t seek out leadership roles or feel naturally comfortable speaking up. In short, she built up the courage to lead out of a desire to give back or when there was a need for someone to step up and take action.”

Giovanna said, “It has been an honor to share my story—and the story of PRA Group’s philanthropic giving and volunteerism—alongside those of the incredible women executives and innovators selected for the 2023 Leading Latinas list. Hispanic Executive does critical work to highlight Latino and Latina voices across the nation, and I am grateful for any part I can play in advancing their mission.”

Prior to her role at PRA Group, Giovanna Rivera Genard served as Assistant Vice President for Public Relations and as Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communication and Chief Marketing Officer at Old Dominion University.

An inclusive leader and mentor, Giovanna co-founded the Remote Experience for Young Engineers and Scientists (REYES) global virtual STEM program, which serves to increase science literacy and to diversify science fields with statistically underrepresented students, including women. She also serves on the nonprofit executive board of the YWCA South Hampton Roads.

Read Giovanna's full article at Hispanic Executive.