Cindy Castano, award-winning documentary producer, successful business owner, president of Alpha Management Group, and founder of the 501c3 non-profit Frontline Foundation, knows the impact giving back can have not just locally, but internationally. As a result of Castano's success and her drive to make a difference for those without a voice, she will receive the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Advancement Award at CPCC's graduation ceremonies on May 13 at Cricket Arena (7:00 p.m.).

The Hagemeyer Award is named for Dr. Richard H. Hagemeyer, CPCC's founding president and president emeritus. The award is presented to a current or former CPCC student who demonstrates significant benefit from studies at CPCC by:

• Demonstrating community involvement and social responsibility

• Acquiring scholastic and learning skills that have led to continued personal and educational growth

• Improving his or her economic status and potential for growth

• Exemplifying positive and significant life changes

Castano graduated from CPCC in 1984 in the paralegal program. In nearly 25 years, she has truly changed the world as a result of her passion to free slaves and deliver humanitarian aid to remote regions of Sudan. Earlier in her professional career, Castano experienced success working in the investment/financial markets of the United States, London, England, and Geneva, Switzerland, specializing in high value, multi-million dollar accounts.

But she credits a trip to South Africa as a defining moment in her life and a later encounter with the work of Christian Solidarity International caused her to change course. She transitioned into documentary filmmaking, and it was only after several years making wildlife films for National Geographic that the opportunity opened to access Sudan's underworld of slavery and genocide with Dr. John Eibner of Christian Solidarity International.

"I placed myself behind the lens of a camera and began my documentary feature My Slave, My Infidel to bring this human rights issue to the public eye," states Castano. Now an expert on slavery and genocide in Sudan, Castano has traveled to the area multiple times and is well versed on the history, politics, and social structure. In addition to creating the eye-opening documentary, she created Frontline Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit that aids those in need worldwide by creating new projects and supports medical, humanitarian, and human rights efforts by way of organizing projects, funding existing projects, and advocacy. She also serves as an international public speaker on these issues.

Upon returning to the United States in 1999, Castano founded Alpha Management Group (AMG), a business consulting and documentary filmmaking business. AMG has served high profile organizations such as National Geographic Television and Film, National Geographic Magazine, China Central Television, the South African Embassy, Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Bank of America, Clear Channel Entertainment, The Speed Channel, and many others.

In 2003, Stalking Leopards, a documentary film Castano co-produced with Kim Wolhuter of South Africa, received a National Emmy Award in News and Documentary for music and sound. In 2006, a 2-hour special event she co-produced with Kim Wolhuter entitled Predators at War received a National Emmy Award in News and Documentary for outstanding science, technology, and nature programming.

"CPCC helped me understand the importance of furthering my education and giving back to the community," states Castano. "I am forever grateful to CPCC for helping me get off to a great start. "

"It is an honor for CPCC to be able to recognize Cindy Castano with the Richard H. Hagemeyer Educational Achievement Award," states Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of Central Piedmont Community College. "Cindy serves as an outstanding role model and international humanitarian and is a perfect example of what the Hagemeyer Award is all about."

Past recipients of the award include include Elaine Lyerly, Gary Mims, Ronald Caldwell, Sheriff Jim Pendegraph, Dr. Margaret Stanley Hagan, Paul Griffin, James White, Tony Weatherford, Chief Luther Fincher, Dr. Kenny Welch, Frances Queen, Richard Zollinger, Stanley Law, and others.

Central Piedmont Community College is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. In 2002, the National Alliance of Business named CPCC the Community College of the Year for its response to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies.