Sonia Mercado, The Hertz Group
2003 President's Award

Ms. Mercado is the Director for M/W/DBE Programs & Contract Administration at world headquarters of The Hertz Corporation and is responsible for the supplier diversity initiative of the company and coordinating the efforts of over 180 airport and suburban car rental locations nationwide. Ms. Mercado serves as the Chair for the New York Certification Committee of the WPEO. Ms. Mercado served as Grand Marshal in New York City's 2002 Mexican Day Parade, provided corporate support to the General Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., volunteered for Seagram's Extended Day Program tutoring a Bronx P.S. 198 student, and volunteered for the Orange County Public School Program in Florida mentoring an at-risk high school student. Ms. Mercado was honored in 2004 as one of "50 Influential Minorities in Business" and received an "Award of Excellence" from Odyssey International Production, received WPEO's 2003's "President's Award," and in 1996 received Turner Construction's "Champion Award," and Central Florida YMCA's "Black Achiever Award." Ms. Mercado received her A.A. from Valencia Community College and continues to further her education.