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Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, host Robert Tornabene interviews Carolina Montelongo, the Public Relations Coordinator for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Carolina shares her journey from journalism to becoming a Public Information Officer (PIO), emphasizing the importance of community engagement, especially within the Hispanic community. She discusses the structure of the Sheriff's Office, the role of PIOs, and the strategies used for crisis communication. Carolina also highlights her initiative, CACO News, to provide reliable information to the Latino community. The conversation concludes with her recognition as the Hispanic Civilian Employee of the Year and her insights on effective communication and community connection.

Carolina's BIO: Carolina Montelongo was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She graduated from Metropolitana University, Caracas, with a BA in Modern Languages in 2017. Pursuing her passion for storytelling, she relocated to Miami, Florida, to earn her Master's in Multimedia Journalism.

Carolina worked as a Radio Host for Radio Caracol and then at the U.S. Agency for Global Media for four years. There, she contributed to providing a free press to Cubans facing oppression under the Castro Dictatorship. Carolina's dedication to journalism led her to obtain a talent visa, allowing her to pursue her dreams of working and continuing to live in the United States.

Carolina saw that misinformation was a big issue in the Latino community. So, she created @Caconews as a space where people can get reliable information. Through that platform, she takes on the role of a truth-seeker, deciphering complex news and laws and ensuring that the content she creates clarifies and positively contributes to the Latino community.

In June 2023, Carolina started a new professional adventure as a Public Relations Coordinator at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. She's committed to bringing the Hispanic community and law enforcement closer by creating helpful content and sharing educational information with the Latino community.

Outside of her professional life, Carolina has dedicated part of her life to dancing flamenco and playing volleyball. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and practicing CrossFit.

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