Friends of Puerto Rico's one-day economic empowerment summit on Capitol Hill serves as a platform for impactful dialogue, education, and actionable outcomes, aiming to bring together Members of Congress and thought leaders to address critical topics, educate attendees, and instigate collective action for positive change. This event is in conjunction with the CHC (Congressional Hispanic Caucus).
Our distinguished panel of keynote speakers
AGENDA
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Registration, and Networking.
11:20 AM - 11:30 AM
Opening by Forum Moderator, Adrienne Aranda and Loreana González Lazzarini - Chair, Metro Women’s Business Center/Friends of Puerto Rico.
11:30 AM - 11:40 AM
Welcome Remarks by Angelique Sina - President & Founder, Friends of Puerto Rico.
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Fireside Chat: Charting the Course: Driving Economic Growth in Puerto Rico. Miguel Estién Counselor for Puerto Rico Economic Recovery, Department of Commerce.
12:00 PM - 12:10 PM
Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow: The Role of AI. Luis A. Quiñones - Director, & Deputy Director, Workforce Development, UnidosUS.
12:10 PM - 12:20 PM
Future-Ready Puerto Rico: The FCC's Role in Connecting Communities in Puerto Rico. Anna M. Gomez - FCC Commissioner.
12:20 PM - 12:30 PM
The Power of Connectivity: Advancing Puerto Rico's Broadband Landscape. Michelle Cabiya Zorilla, Director - Puerto Rico Broadband Program.
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM
From Concept to Community: A Blueprint for Smart Growth in Aguadilla. Mayor Julio Roldán - Aguadilla Mayor.
12:40 PM - 12:50 PM
From Ideas to Action: SEEDS Youth Entrepreneur Stories. Students & Lisbeth González - Founder, School Flor de Lotto Montessori.
12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
Future Founders Luncheon: SEEDS Youth Small Business Expo & Grab and Go lunch.
1:50 PM - 2:00 PM
Partner Remarks, Melanie O’Brien, Southwest Airlines.
2:00 PM - 2:05 PM
Building Bridges: Legislative Efforts to Enhance Puerto Rico’s Economic Future. Remarks by Members of Congress.
2:05 PM - 2:15 PM
Remarks by Congressman Darren Soto (FL).
2:15 PM - 2:20 PM
Remarks by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY).
2:30 PM - 2:40 PM
Remarks by Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15).
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
Rooted in Justice: Farming, Environment, and Community Development in Puerto Rico. Julie Gafney, PhD, Executive Director, The Center for Community Engaged Learning, Fordham University Surey Miranda, Senior Community Engagement Specialist, Fordham University.
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
PRFAA in Action: Insights from the Puerto Rico DC Office. Luis D. Dávila Colón, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Office.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Bridge to Growth: Fueling Educational and Economic Development in Puerto Rico. Sarah Fuentes, Transportation Institute.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Building Stability: Policy Solutions Rosanna Torres, Director, Center for a New Economy’s Office in Washington, D.C.
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Fireside Chat: Lessons from a Leader: Assistant Secretary and former Ambassador Carmen Cantor’s Transformative Leadership.
4:45 PM - 4:55 PM
Building Momentum: Legislative Agenda and Future Goals for Puerto Rico. Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón.
4:55 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks by Juan Garcia, Board Member, Friends of Puerto Rico.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Transition to the Rayburn Foyer for the reception.
RECEPTION: FRIENDS OF PUERTO RICO, A NIGHT IN THE US CONGRESS: HONORING LEADERS
5:00 PM -6:00 PM
Networking reception.
6:00 PM - 6:05 PM
Moderator: Dr. Jimmy Ortiz, Grupo 21.
Welcome and Opening Remarks.
Acknowledgment of special guests, including federal government members, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
6:05 PM - 6:10 PM
Commitment to Service and Leadership Awardee. Javier Cuebas, Founder of Grupo 21.
6:10 PM - 6:15 PM
Commitment to Service and Leadership Awardee. Carmen Cantor, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Interior and Former Ambassador.
6:15 PM - 6:20 PM
Photo opp.
6:20 PM - 6:25 PM
Closing Remarks, Angelique Sina & Dr. Jimmy Ortiz.