Our history and mission

Mission Statement

“Preserving our heritage and rights through mentorship and leadership for a better tomorrow”

Purpose

The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. (NACOPRW) was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1972, as a non-profit, non-partisan organization to promote the full participation of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women in their economic, social and political life in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Vision

NACOPRW provides training, mentorship and leadership development at the local and national level through workshops and institutes during the annual convention, and through chapter programs. We preserve our Puerto Rican and Latino heritage through cultural activities and events. We seek justice and give voice to the preservation of civil, health, educational and other rights through the dissemination of information, networking, collaboration and advocacy with other national and local groups, and through education, celebration, community and civil involvement.

Governance

The National Board of Directors, composed of the presidents and delegates of the local chapters, meets quarterly and constitutes NACOPRW’s policy-making body. In addition, a seven-member Executive Committee, composed of the President, 1^st Vice President, 2^nd Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and the National Past President, meets several times a year to act on NACOPRW policy between board meetings. The Executive Committee also oversees the activities of the national office, evaluates the activities and accomplishments of the chapters, and provides direction on programs.

NACOPRW provides opportunities for advancement to its members through training seminars, education workshops, forums, information dissemination and networking. It also provides scholarships to Hispanic individuals at the national and local levels. The main education and networking vehicle is the annual conference, which includes the annual meeting, election of officers and a plenary session, where members ratify the newly elected officers and conference resolutions. The organization coalesces with other women’s groups and national Hispanic organizations, therefore extending its visibility and outreach throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Through its website, NACOPRW keeps its membership and friends informed of issues affecting Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women and the Hispanic community as a whole.

The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women Inc. is a non-profit, non-partisan, tax-exempt 501 C 3 organization dedicated to promoting the full participation of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women in their economic, social and political life in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Founded in 1972 NACOPRW is a non-profit 501C3 organization. Tax EIN 52-1638128 (certificate will be provided upon request)

Membership

With headquarters in Washington, D.C., NACOPRW maintains a visible presence at the national and local levels through its chapters: Chicago, Indiana, Miami, Milwaukee, New York City, Northern Illinois, Philadelphia, and Southern California. Active members are women of Puerto Rican origin who subscribe to the goals of the organization and belong to a chapter. Institutional membership and membership-at-large are both available. The chapters in keeping with their community needs and interests conduct many activities. Anyone who supports the goals of NACOPRW may join as an associate member in a chapter or as member-at-large.