Meet Mercedes Quiroga a 2015 Hispanic Woman of Distinction

Dr. Quiroga is Campus President of the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus at Broward College where she coordinates all campus academic, business and student affairs activities. Prior to joining Broward College she was President at  MDC Wolfson Campus in Miami.   Her career in education began in the early 1980’s after attending the University of Florida in 1977, then earning her Master of Arts at the University of Miami and her Doctor of Philosophy in 1996.

Her passion for the arts and cultural programs throughout her career has led her to working with some of the finest cultural arts groups in the country.  She is with the Broward Cultural Public Arts programs, assisting them in the selection process of artists that will create artwork for a public building or park in Broward County.

Taking her love of the arts on a state level, Mercedes is serving a second term on the Florida Humanities Council, an independent organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities where she helped explore the stories of Florida.  She was also the Provost and CEO of the New World School of Arts where she established a $3 million dollar endowment.

A proud Cuban-American,  Mercedes says; “ My culture is part of who I am in making decisions.  I also bring my own personal uniqueness to the table during times of reviews and voting.  It is important to be involved in the community organizations to ensure that my views and opinions as a Latina are heard and hopefully will serve others.”

Mercedes also serves on the United Way Women’s Leadership Council, a role that brings awareness to the residents in Broward County.  She is on the advisory board for the Key Clubhouse of South Florida, dedicating to eradicating the stigma associated with mental illness and a graduate of Leadership Florida Class XXX11.

Mercedes believes strongly that our younger generation should be encouraged to step up to prepare for leadership roles.  By coaching and educating other women to take on roles in our society, she believes there will be a time when there is equal collaboration and representation between men and women in leadership roles.  “Keeping the role of Hispanic women is vital to our country’s success”.

Mercedes will be celebrated as Hispanic Woman of Distinction on August 14, 2015.

Meet the other 2015 Hispanic Women of Distinction:

Andreina Ojeda

Maylen Montoto

Eugenia Millender

Julie Kime

Maria Hernandez

Maria Elena Ferrer 

Silvia Cobo

Claudia Bartra

Marielena Villamil

Yvette Aleman

Daisy Baez

Kattia A. Castellanos