Certeza Argentina wins the 2024 Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award
Media Associates International is pleased to announce the 2024 winner of the Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award, which recognizes ministry excellence by a Christian publisher serving in a challenging context—Certeza Argentina.
“Representatives from the three generations are leading Certeza. Talk about publishing for lasting impact!” MAI Director of Publisher Development Ramon Rocha said, upon presenting the award at LittWorld 2024 in Puebla.
Certeza Argentina was established in 1991 as the publishing arm of the Argentine University Bible Association (ABUA), whose vision is to communicate the lordship of Jesus over all of life through biblically-based, interactive and life-transforming books.
Under the leadership of Beatriz Buono, locally-authored and published books grew and carried the publishing house through tough times—including Bible study guides, pastoral tools and books for teenagers and youth.
When Argentina’s currency collapsed in 2001, imported books became more expensive. This meant that finally, locally-authored books became more competitively priced and “occupied, in financial terms, the status it had always occupied in our vision,” Beatriz said.
Today, both Beatriz’s daughter Daniela Ortiz and granddaughter Flor Ortiz are very much involved in the work. While Daniela was responsible for sales, Certeza achieved its greatest market penetration. “My daughter grew up selling books—just like I had.” Beatriz said, who as a teenager had sold textbooks door-to-door with her father.
Meanwhile, Beatriz’s granddaughter Flor manages Certeza’s online bookshop, delivery logistics and social media. Flor is 22 years old—the same age Beatriz was when she first started in publishing by managing a bookshop in La Plata.
Beatriz and Flor attended LittWorld 2024 and received the Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award together. “Times change but our vision to bring all of life under the lordship of Jesus Christ does not,” Beatriz said.
In addition to running Certeza, Beatriz is passionate about integrating faith with academic and entrepreneurial ventures. She helps emerging Latin American authors publish their first book and supports them in continuing their journey as writers.
“I have been equipped and encouraged by mentors, received training opportunities and connected with Christian literature ministries around the world,” Beatriz said. “The globalization of publishing makes the MAI community more valuable than ever.”
