Congratulate Ms. Maria Torres, Spanish Language Liaison for NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley, as NOAA Employee of the Month for January 2015

NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley Forecaster Maria Torres (right) received NOAA Employee of the Month Certificate for January 2015 from Steve Drillette, Meteorologist-in-Charge

NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley Forecaster and Spanish Language Liaison Maria M. Torres is Presented with the NOAA Employee of the Month Award for January 2015 by Meteorologist In Charge Steve Drillette

NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley Forecaster Named NOAA Employee of the Month
Maria M. Torres Earns High Recognition and Praise for Outreach Efforts

Silver Spring, MD, December, 2014 – Maria M. Torres, Spanish Language Liaison/Program Leader and Forecaster, was named NOAA’s Employee of the Month for January, 2015! In three short years, Ms. Torres has become the friendly face of NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley to the unique bilingual community along the Texas/Mexico border by the sea. Her leadership and vision to increase the office’s footprint in some of the more vulnerable communities where Spanish is spoken as the primary language is critical to building a more resilent, Weather Ready region. The staff of NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley is proud to call Ms. Torres a great asset.

The following abbreviated citation was provided to support Ms. Torres selection:

Maria M. Torres is cited for the January 2015 NOAA Employee of the Month for her outstanding efforts to build a ready, responsive, and resilient Rio Grande Valley by fostering trusted relationships with Spanish-language media partners, and grow her influence in the community as an authority on weather preparedness and an advocate for the Spanish speaking population through: Numerous community safety presentations, promotion and quality assurance of two new Spanish-language NOAA Weather Radio transmitters, development of the first Spanish-language Hurricane Local Statement, and organization and participation in service activities to feed disadvantaged residents. Ms. Torres’ sunny disposition and leadership skills have increased the office’s profile in the community, and built camaraderie and morale among the office team, which has resulted in a highly productive, energetic, and friendly work culture.

Congratulations, Maria!

NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley Forecaster Maria Torres received NOAA Employee of the Month Certificate for January 2015

Portrait of NWS Brownsville/Rio Grande Valley Forecaster and Spanish Language Liaison Maria M. Torres