DIANA LOPEZ RABADAN
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Bilingual communications and public relations leader with a background spanning aviation, government, sports, entertainment, and multicultural marketing. Leads executive messaging, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach for high-profile initiatives, including airport modernization, diplomatic partnerships, and civic announcements that strengthen visibility and public trust.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Information Officer / Communications Specialist
City of Albuquerque – Aviation Department | Albuquerque International Sunport
Albuquerque, NM
10.2022 - Current
- Serve as the Aviation Department's primary media spokesperson and communications strategist, advising leadership and coordinating public information, executive messaging, media relations, and stakeholder engagement for Albuquerque's commercial and general aviation operations.
- Lead media relations, public outreach, executive messaging, and communications for major operational developments, infrastructure projects, community partnerships, and airport initiatives.
- Develop and execute communications strategies supporting departmental priorities, infrastructure investments, destination branding, customer experience, and public engagement.
- Work directly with Mayor Tim Keller and Aviation leadership on executive communications, speeches, press conferences, major announcements, and high-profile public initiatives.
- Play a key communications role in the $90 million Dream of Flight terminal renovation and modernization program, the airport's largest terminal investment in more than three decades.
- Strengthened international and community relationships by advancing collaboration between the Aviation Department and Consulate General of Mexico through diplomatic engagement, cultural initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
- Coordinated high-profile civic and cultural initiatives with the Mayor's Office, international entertainment figures, diplomatic representatives, and community stakeholders, including the City's recognition of legendary Mexican music group Los Tigres del Norte.
- Contributed to communications and customer engagement initiatives that supported Sunport's national recognition, including The Washington Post's ranking among nation's top seven and J.D. Power's 2025 ranking among top 10 airports in its category.
- Support strategic partnerships and programs that elevate New Mexico businesses, local culture, tourism, and the passenger experience.
Media Strategy & Public Relations Consultant
Rabadán, Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
01.2014 - 09.2022
- Led U.S. media outreach and communications initiatives for international soccer organizations and clubs, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Argentina's national team, the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions.
- Developed and executed strategic media relations and public relations campaigns for international sports properties, global entertainment brands, and high-profile events.
- Provided strategic advice on media positioning, messaging, and multicultural audience engagement to optimize client impact.
- Cultivated relationships with English- and Spanish-language media across U.S. and Latin America to enhance client visibility.
- Coordinated press events, talent access, media logistics, and stakeholder communications in multiple U.S. markets to maximize outreach.
Vice President, Communications
Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN)
Chicago, IL
04.2007 - 12.2013
- Directed national public relations and communications strategy for a leading multicultural marketing agency representing major brands, entertainers, and high-profile clients.
- Secured national and regional media coverage in major outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times, The Miami Herald, and The Chicago Sun-Times, enhancing brand visibility.
- Oversaw communications and media relations for Maestro Cares Foundation, coordinating celebrity engagement and philanthropic storytelling to drive national media exposure.
- Developed strategic media partnerships and campaigns connecting brands, entertainment properties, and multicultural audiences.
- Managed communications initiatives with executive leadership, celebrity talent, corporate partners, and media organizations, fostering collaborative relationships and strategic messaging.
Director of Media Relations
Chicago Fire Soccer Club – Major League Soccer
Chicago, IL
04.2002 - 10.2006
- Directed media relations and communications strategy for one of Major League Soccer's most successful and recognizable clubs, an MLS Cup and four-time U.S. Open Cup champion.
- Served as primary media liaison, coordinating press conferences, media access, player and coach interviews, and aligning organizational messaging.
- Increased club visibility and media presence in one of the nation's largest and most competitive sports markets.
- Created media engagement initiatives, including United by Soccer Media Match, enhancing relationships with Chicago-area media.
- Led cross-functional communications teams encompassing editorial, creative, digital, and game-day operations.
Education
Journalism
Columbia College Chicago
01-1997
Skills
- Executive messaging
- Public relations management
- Community Engagement
- Crisis & Issues Management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Public Outreach
- Brand Strategy
- Public Engagement
- Public Relations
- Speechwriting
- Community Events
- Digital content strategy
Personal Information
Title: Strategic Communications | Public Relations | Executive & International Relations
Languages
Fluent in English & Spanish
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & SELECTED PROJECTS
Press Officer – FIFA Women's World Cup, Chicago, Editorial Intern – Interview Magazine, New York, Intern – Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago, Coordinator – Chicago Latino Film Festival, Volunteer – Tribeca Film Festival, New York, Argentina National Team – U.S. media and promotional initiatives (2010–2022), Film & Television – On-camera and talent experience, Albuquerque (2019–2022)
Timeline
Public Information Officer / Communications Specialist
City of Albuquerque – Aviation Department | Albuquerque International Sunport
10.2022 - Current
Media Strategy & Public Relations Consultant
Rabadán, Inc.
01.2014 - 09.2022
Vice President, Communications
Cardenas Marketing Network (CMN)
04.2007 - 12.2013
Director of Media Relations
Chicago Fire Soccer Club – Major League Soccer
04.2002 - 10.2006
Journalism
Columbia College Chicago