Miami– On June 12, 2025, Dr. Aida Levitan, a trailblazing leader in Hispanic culture, business, and philanthropy, received the Officer’s Cross of the Spanish Royal Order of Isabel la Católica for her extraordinary contributions to Spain and its cultural legacy. Ambassador Jaime Lacadena, Consul General of Spain presented the Cross to Dr. Levitan on behalf of King Felipe VI of Spain, during a reception and ceremony attended by 30 distinguished leaders across business, academia, and the arts.

A Lifetime of Cultural and Professional Leadership

Dr. Levitan’s remarkable career spans decades of impact in Hispanic advertising, nonprofit leadership, and cultural advocacy. As the co-founder of Sánchez & Levitan, she built what became the number one Hispanic advertising agency in the U.S. in 2004. leading Publicis Sánchez & Levitan and later Bromley, directing campaigns for global brands such as: Coca-Cola, Absolut Vodka, and TJX Cos. Her strategic insights helped shape the evolution of multicultural marketing.

Beyond business, Dr. Levitan has been an unwavering supporter of Spanish and Hispanic arts and culture. She founded ArtesMiami, a nonprofit that promotes Hispanic artists and cultural initiatives. Its major projects included the Fair of Seville in Miami and the Fair of Spain in Miami in the 1990s. Her deep connection to Spain is also reflected in her Ph.D. specialization in Spanish Golden Age literature.

Celebrating Her Impact

The ceremony at the Spanish Consulate residence in Coral Gables brought together influential figures, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Levine-Cava, Alex Mena (executive editor of The Miami Herald). Madeline Pumariega (President of Miami Dade College), and Luis de la Aguilera (Chairman of U.S. Century Bank). Dr. Levitan spoke about her admiration for Queen Isabel la Católica emphasizing the monarch’s role in supporting artists, literature, the discovery of America, and the creation of the Spanish nation and empire.

Dr. Levitan’s contributions extend beyond cultural advocacy. At the age of 69, she made history as the only Cuban-American female to chair a commercial community bank board in the U.S., leading U.S. Century Bank with a commitment to empowering Hispanic businesses and communities.

A Legacy of Influence

Dr. Levitan’s impact reaches far beyond Miami. She has been a champion for Hispanic representation, serving as Chair of the Smithsonian Latino Center National Board and as a member of the National Museum of the American Latino Commission. Her dedication to elevating Hispanic voices and preserving Spain’s cultural ties makes her a fitting recipient of the Royal Order of Isabel la Católica.

The prestigious award is a testament to her lifelong commitment to heritage, leadership, and cultural excellence. Through her advocacy, Dr. Levitan continues to inspire a new generation of Hispanic entrepreneurs, artists, and storytellers.

She was Director Metro-Dade Latin Affairs, Director City of Miami Information, co-founder of the advertising firm of Sanchez & Levitan and later CEO of Publicis Sanchez & Levitan which became the #1 Hispanic agency in the U.S. when it merged with Bromley.

She was Chair of the Board of U.S. Century Bank, the only Cuban female board chair of a U.S. community bank where she recruited as CEO, Luis de la Aguilera. And she is the founder of ArtesMiami which among its many activities the Feria de España stands out as well as its support of Cuban American filmmakers. In 2025, she received Officer’s Cross of the Spanish Royal Order of Isabel la Católica on behalf of the king Felipe VI.

President Obama appointed her to the National Latino Museum Commission, and she has chaired FACE, UM’s Cuban Heritage Collection and was Vice Chair of the Smithsonian Latino Center. Forbes listed her to the 50 Over 50 Prominent Women in the money category. She has received numerous other professional and civic awards.