The National Urban League and Heineken USA Announce the Winners of Inaugural Rising Star Empowerment Essay Contest

NEW YORK, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Urban League (NUL) and Heineken USA are pleased to announce the inaugural NUL Young Professionals- Heineken USA Rising Star Program Awardees. The two winners, Rosalyn M. Crain of Washington, D.C. and Andrew Siwo of Atlanta, GA, were chosen from a talented field of eight finalists following the presentation and defense of their policy papers on economic development at the National Urban League's 95th Anniversary Convention on July 26th.

"The National Urban League is delighted to award this honor to Rosalyn Crain and Andrew Siwo, two Young Professionals who throughout this competition demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the issues impacting our under-deserved communities," said Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. "Further, these two individuals developed and defended courses of action that can contribute to the National Urban League's economic empowerment agenda in a meaningful way. We applaud them and the other contestants for their efforts to develop proactive solutions to the challenges of our urban communities, and we thank Heineken USA for the investment they made in this program, and for their commitment to its success."

Heineken USA has committed to support the program through 2007.

"Heineken USA is proud of the part we have played in the development of the NUL Young Professionals-Heineken USA Rising Star Program, and of the long- term relationship we have enjoyed with the National Urban League, one of the most effective civil rights and economic empowerment organizations in the country," said Dan Tearno, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Heineken USA. "We were optimistic that this Essay Contest would generate executable strategies to support the National Urban League's economic empowerment agenda, but were blown away by the quality and commitment of all of those who competed. Rosalyn White and Andrew Silwo are certainly 'ones to watch' among this next generation of leaders, and we look forward to next year's Rising Star program."

As part of their recognition and reward, Ms. Crain and Mr. Siwo were each awarded $1,000, an all expense paid trip to a Heineken USA-sponsored event, such as the US Open, Ryder Cup, Latin Grammy's, R&B Billboard Awards, House Party or AmsterJam. They will also attend and present their essays at the Whitney M. Young Leadership Development Conference later this year.

The NUL Young Professionals-Heineken USA Rising Star Program was launched this year to identify talented young professional leaders from across the country, between the ages of 21-40, who have demonstrated a commitment to community and leadership in the area of economic development.

About the National Urban League:

The National Urban League is a non-profit, nonpartisan, civil rights and community-based movement that serves over 2 million people, providing direct services, research and policy advocacy to help individuals and communities reach their fullest potential. Primarily working with African-Americans and other emerging ethnic communities, it's a network of over 100 professionally staffed affiliates located in over 35 states across the country, working to close equality gaps for people at all economic levels and stages of life, and giving residents a chance to give back as volunteers.

About Heineken USA:

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's largest beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International (Netherlands), which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Dark Lager; Amstel Light, the largest- selling imported light beer brand; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.