2023 DISTINGUISHED MILITARY SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

IS2 Caroline Pagan

IS2 Caroline Pagán was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Public Communication (Magna Cum Laude), specializing in Advertising & Public Relations, at the University of Puerto Rico. Additionally, she a master's degree in Communication, majoring in Public Relations, at the University of Sacred Heart, and a master’s degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Human Resources, from National University College (NUC) University of Puerto Rico. She is also currently pursuing a master’s in Business Administration, specializing in Digital Marketing, at NUC University.

Throughout her professional journey, Pagán has accumulated valuable experience in various roles. She began her career as a Media Planner & Buyer at Lopito, Ileana & Howie, where she developed strategic media plans, selected appropriate media platforms, and negotiated rates with media vendors. Subsequently, she joined McCann Erickson as a Media Planner & Media Executive, executing marketing campaigns that aimed to increase brand awareness and drive direct responses across diverse channels, including traditional and digital media. At First Medical Health Plan, she served as a Senior Communication Specialist and Media Planner, conducting media trend analysis, creating and managing media plans, and optimizing campaigns based on client objectives. Later, Pagán worked as a Field Marketing Manager at Sprint, where she implemented marketing and sales programs to enhance revenue.

Over the course of her 15-year career, Pagán has collaborated with a diverse clientele, including companies such as AT&T Puerto Rico, Sprint, L’Oreal Caribe (L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline & Garnier) Merck, Mitsubishi, Master Card, UBS, Baskin Robins, Krispy Kreme, Church's Chicken, Pollo Tropical, Planet Fitness and more.

In 2021, Pagán sought to broaden her horizons further by enlisting in the United States Navy as an Intelligence Analyst. In this capacity, she is responsible for updating intelligence databases, collecting and processing raw data from multiple sources, and conducting thorough research to support ongoing and planned military operations. She is dedicated to providing the most accurate and timely intelligence information to aid senior military leadership. She is currently stationed at the Office of Naval Intelligence, where she stands out as an intelligence analyst in the Fisheries Department at Kennedy Maritime Analysis Center.

In 2023, she volunteered to serve as the Public Affairs Officer for the Association of Naval Services Officers (ANSO) D.C. Chapter, playing a vital role in the reactivation of the Chapter following three years of dormancy. In this capacity, she produced five exceptional newsletters, directly contributing to a 29% increase in membership, a 270% increase in revenue growth, and more than doubling the membership engagement and email click rate.  

Pagán possesses a wide range of personal interests. She is an avid reader, always eager to expand her knowledge and stay informed about industry trends. Photography is another passion of hers, as it allows her to capture and share meaningful moments. Traveling holds great significance in her life, as it exposes her to diverse cultures and perspectives. She actively engages in community service, dedicating her time to giving back and making a positive impact. As a pet lover, she finds joy in spending time with animals and advocating for their well-being. She has a keen interest in learning new languages, facilitating her ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds.