2011 National Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Defining our Future: Engaging the Crossroads Between the United States and Puerto Rico

Vilma Colón, President, Corporate Communications; Vivian Ortiz, 2011 National President;
Honorable Sila M. Calderón, Former Governor of Puerto Rico; Vilma Colom, 2011 National First Vice President

The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women held its 38th annual convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico,  November 11-13, 2011.

The women of NACOPRW experienced a fruitful and successful training conference and a renewed spirit for change that will strengthen our communities on the mainland and in Puerto Rico. Aspira young women discussed leadership and mentorship models to continue our common legacy and become vital contributors to their communities.

The Participants: Convention 2011

Hon. Sila M. Calderón was Keynote Speaker at the Awards Gala

The former Governor of Puerto Rico spoke on the Relevance of Women Leadership in Today’s World and How to Develop it.  Sila’s, exemplary life has been devoted to furthering the cause of equality. She encouraged the audience to participate in their communities and to take ownership of their own success by becoming involved as leaders in their fields of expertise.   We are proud of Sila.

Sylvia Mendez Received the NACOPRW 2011 President’s Orgullo Award

Sylvia, 2011 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient was honored as a woman who stands out above others and who inspires Puerto Rican and Hispanic women to become role models for the youth in our communities --- And for her work for civil rights.

Miluka Rivera Motivated Audience

Miluka, a Puerto Rican actress, activist, historian and author shared stories about her acclaimed book, “Legado Puertorriqueño en Hollywood”, a book about Puerto Rican and Latino legacy in Hollywood.  

Interactive workshops were lead by:

Dr. Maritza I. Espina, Dean of the UNE Business School for Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Dr. Abdiel Cruz, Clinical Psychologist; Vilma Colon, President of Transition Matters; Adelia Aponte-Parsi, Director of the Labor Management Bureau, Puerto Rico Department of Labor; Dr. Wanda Berríos-Díaz, Director Médico de Clínicas de Salud Triple-S; Marimar Benítez, Art Historian; Pedro Reina-Pérez, Historian and Writer, Javier Santiago, Executive Director of Fundacíon Nacional para la Cultura Popular, Astrid E. Santiago Orria, PhD, MPHE, Catedrática Auxiliar, Universidad del Este, Sara Clemente-Sosa, Director of Federal Affairs of League of United Latin American Citizens’ (LULAC)  and CEO of the Herencia-Heritage LLC. 

2010 National Conference in Miami, Florida

Fostering Leadership: Engaging the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Lucy DelValle, 2010 Miami Chapter President; Raquel Regalado, MDCPS Board;
Honorable Tomás P. Regalado, City of Miami Mayor; Vivian Ortiz, 2010 National President

The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women held its 37th annual convention in Miami Florida  November 12th 2010.

The women of NACOPRW experienced a renewed spirit for change that will strengthen our communities on the mainland and in Puerto Rico. Aspira young women discussed leadership and mentorship models to continue our common legacy and become vital contributors to their communities.

The Participants: Convention 2010

Alicia Baro Is the Star at the Conference

Alicia, 91 years young, former National President of NACOPRW and founding member of the Miami Chapter ( 1977) served as Honorary Chair of the Convention.  The  tribute to Alicia was presented  by Emma Chaves, former President of the Miami Chapter (1982-1983).  Emma, referring to Alice, stated;  “Her exemplary life has been devoted to furthering the cause of equality.  As a public figure, Alicia always represented the best of us.  As a true civic activist, she was always prepared.  She is the epitome of the multi-tasker and she has “chispa”.  For her integrity and tenacity, Alicia S. Baro is known as “la madrina de los Boricuas”.  We are proud of Alicia.

Sara Manzano-Diaz Receives the NACOPRW 2010 President’s Orgullo Award.   
Sara, Director of the Women’s Bureau, US Department of Labor was honored as a woman who inspires Puerto Rican and Hispanic women to become a role models for the youth in our communities --- And for her work on behalf of all women.

Liliana Torreh Bayouth Motivates Audience to Get Involved

Liliana, United States Immigration Court Judge, spoke of how a legal career can make change happen. By relying on the rules and regulations we can establish a strong presence in our communities and work to unite and empower Puerto Rican men and women. We should seek to work in cities, counties, in the continental United States and Puerto Rico.  She encouraged the audience to participate in their communities and to take ownership of their own success by becoming involved as leaders in their fields of expertise.

Interactive workshops were lead by: 

Claudia Moncarz, Esquire of Menendez  Moncarz Law Firm; Vilma Colon, President of Transition Matters; Dr. Blanca Vazquez, Neurology Professor at New York Univ. Medical Center; Orin D. Port, Vice President, Comerica Securities; Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo, Chief, Internal Medicine at Univ of Miami/Miller; Soraya Rivera Moya, Exec Director, Ronald McDonald Charities;  Dr. Anaida Colón-Muñiz, College of Education Studies, California and  Lieutenant Hila Levy of the United States Air Force.

We invite you to join us for the 2011 NACOPRW Convention in Puerto Rico.  Visit us again at www.nacoprw.org.