About HMA
Communicators Who Connect
We bring your vision to life.
HMA, a pioneer in the field of cultural communications, specializes in elevating campaign messages through strategic and innovative communication solutions.
Let’s connect to deliver your communications goals.
Digital Communications
Engaging Audiences
Tailored, impactful, resonate campaigns
that inform your audience.
Trusted messengers and influencers drive your message(s) above the noise.
Storytelling
Compelling Narratives
Compelling, captivating narratives that evoke
emotions, and connect with your audience
to leave a lasting impression.
Delivered on strategic cost-effective platforms
to reach your audience.
Community Engagement
Interactive Experiences
Experts design interactive campaigns to effectively
communicate your message through a network of trusted
messengers and stakeholders.
Health Communications
Strategic Campaigns
Building trust through effective messaging tools that promote healthier behaviors for all communities and individuals.
Arts Marketing
Brand Management
Connecting artists, arts organizations, and their creative work with audiences to drive engagement, attendance, visibility, and sales.
Our Team
Meet Our Experts
Our team of communication specialists is committed to delivering unparalleled expertise and creativity. Get to know the professionals who drive our agency's success.
J. Carlos Velazquez, President & CEO
With over 30 years of experience as a communications professional, he has developed award-winning national campaigns that aim to improve the quality of life for all Americans but especially those who are most disenfranchised. Carlos has worked with clients across sectors including federal and state agencies, nonprofits and corporate entities. His commitment to community is demonstrated through his leadership for organizations dedicated to the arts, older adults, veterans, and human rights. He is the host of the second most downloaded theater weekly podcasts in the United States--Embracing Arlington Arts Talks.
He is an award-winning speaker, author, and communicator who is highly skilled at managing large projects with excellent results. His work is highly respected to develop community engagement campaigns that build trust and leverage resources.
Irma Maldonado, Creative Director
Irma Maldonado, founder of HMA Associates, brings 30 years’ experience in communications and marketing, with an emphasis on health promotion. She developed the first communications response that addressed the needs of Latinas for HIV/AIDS prevention in the United States. Her creative expertise has been engaged by the CDC, FDA, ALA, HHS, SAMSHA, NIH, and the DC Department of Health. Her volunteerism has elevated the efforts of such groups as the Mexican American Women’s National Association (MANA), Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Inc., and Hispanic Designers, Inc.
Alfonso Pernia, MBA, Marketing and Research Manager
Alfonso is our Digital Specialist, shaping conversations that amplify a campaign's messages. He has over 15 years of experience as a marketing and cultural communications professional. He has supported campaigns for CDC, SAMHSA, HUD, EPA, Department of Energy, the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy, the Office of the People's Council, DC Department of Health, Wellpoint, and NIH. He has also managed large-scale media buy campaigns in urban and rural target markets for the Virginia Department of Health.
Lucas Collazo, Digital Marketing Specialist
Lucas brings over ten years of experience to the HMA team to help elevate client messages and brands. He develops engaging digital content for Aging Matters--a television, radio, and podcast program that informs older adults and their caregivers of valuable community resources to help older adults age in place. He has supported campaigns for the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, ImmunizeVA, the National Association of Letter Carriers, and SAMHSA.
Patricia Green, MSW, Community Engagement Manager
Her public relations expertise has been well established through her support of large-scale communications campaigns that target Black, female, and medically vulnerable populations. Patricia consistently demonstrates a unique proficiency in forging strategic partnerships and leveraging diverse media channels to engage targeted audiences through impactful messages.
Janet Kopenhaver, MA, Writer/Editor
With over 25 years of expertise supporting engagement efforts on Capitol Hill, she brings her writing and editing skills to the HMA team to deliver clear and concise content. In addition, her engagement background allows her to support research recruitment efforts.
Alexis Ramirez, IT Intern
Alexis assists with logistics for community events in addition to lending his IT skills to troubleshoot any technology challenges for clients. He provides technical support for client meetings, trainings, and webinars for a seamless execution.
Ashton Graham, Digital Art Intern
Ashton provides support for creating video content. He helps identify, recruit, and book guests, drafts interview scripts, and edits video/audio files.
Manuel Coronado, Marketing Intern
Manuel Coronado is a junior majoring in communications with a minor in marketing at Marymount University with a strong background in public relations, social media, and marketing. Manuel brings discipline and excellence both on and off the court. Manuel having grown up in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, offers a diverse global perspective that shapes his adaptability, character, and drive for success.
Contact
Get in Touch
Reach out to us to explore how we can support your communications needs. Whether you have inquiries, require a consultation, or seek to embark on a project, we are here to assist you.