One month ago, we gathered on Capitol Hill for a momentous event – the Puerto Rico Economic Empowerment Summit. This historic gathering brought together over 130 stakeholders, including 6 members of Congress and White House appointees, to discuss Puerto Rico's economic revival and chart a path toward prosperity.
The summit was a resounding success, generating invaluable insights and catalyzing a collective commitment to Puerto Rico's economic resurgence. Here's a recap of the key takeaways:
Puerto Rico Economic Empowerment Summit
Date: October 18, 2023
Location: Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.
In conjunction: Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Attendance: 130 people, including 6 members of Congress and White House Appointees
Focus: Puerto Rico's federal priorities, economic trends and indicators, key sectors driving growth, government initiatives to attract and support investors, and successful investment stories
Panels:
Empowering Futures: Focused on youth and women entrepreneurship, accessing capital and federal resources, and connecting local businesses to national and global markets. Speakers included Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and business owner Minerva Serrano of Activus Connect.
Puerto Rico Prosperity Unveiled: Offered insights into current economic trends and indicators, as well as the key sectors driving growth. Speakers included Ella Woger of Invest Puerto Rico, William Ramos from the Economic Development Administration, James Connor, CEO of Acrecent Financial Corporation, and Luis Davila, Executive Director of PRFAA.
Breaking Barriers: Shined a spotlight on exceptional women driving Puerto Rico's economic growth. Speakers included Laura Om, from OM Studio, and Denisse Rodriguez, Executive Director Colmena 66.
Action:
Participants committed to contributing individually and collectively to catalyzing economic development for Puerto Rico. This session was directed by Yania Villanueva, Community and Outreach Director at Friends of Puerto Rico
Members of Congress and speakers:
Congressman Darren Soto
Congressman Adriano de Jesús Espaillat Rodríguez
Congressman Jesús G. "Chuy" García Illinois
Congressman Ritchie Torres
CongresswomanNicole Malliotakis
Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón
The Honorable, Donald Cravins, Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development
Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator, Small Business Administration
Jessica Cavazos, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development
Minerva Serrano, CFO and Co-Founder Activus Connect
Melanie O’Brien, Regional Manager, Corporate Responsibility Southwest Airlines
Maximiliano Trujillo, USDA Rural State Director
Angie de La Torre, CEO of Seriously Creative
Ella Woger-Nieves - Chief Executive Officer - Invest Puerto Rico
As we look to the future, we are filled with optimism and determination, fueled by the momentum generated at the Puerto Rico Economic Empowerment Summit. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our partners, stakeholders, and friends who share our vision of a thriving Puerto Rico.
Would you like to contribute more? Join our Her Dream, Our Mission campaign! Learn how you can support our efforts at: friendsofpuertorico.org/herdream
Together, we will continue to champion Puerto Rico's economic empowerment and pave the way for a brighter future.
