CAPITOL HILL
SUMMIT
Join us on September 29, 2026 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC.
Join us on September 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C. for the Friends of Puerto Rico Capitol Hill Summit — A one-day summit convening leaders from Puerto Rico and the mainland to advance economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce innovation, and strategic partnerships. The program will feature policy discussions, program showcases, and opportunities to engage directly with federal stakeholders and national partners.
📍 Rayburn House Office Building, United States Congress Washington, D.C.
Engage in meaningful conversations, build strategic connections, and be part of the initiatives shaping economic growth and opportunity for Puerto Rico.
Driving Policy,
Strenghtening Communities
Flanked by policymakers, key decision-makers, and prominent leaders of the Hispanic community, Friends of Puerto Rico’s President, Angelique Sina, shares its ongoing mission to ensure Puerto Rico’s voice is not just heard, but driving the conversation at the highest levels of government.
Elevating the Dialogue with Regional Leadership
The summit serves as a vital arena for high-level engagement, bringing together key public officials, institutional leaders, and advocates dedicated to Puerto Rico’s future. This active participation showcases a shared national commitment to expanding opportunities for the island's youth.
A Shared Vision for Educational Equity
Friends of Puerto Rico was honored to welcome former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona to the Capitol Hill Summit. As a lifelong educator and a proud champion of bilingual and bicultural student success, Dr. Cardona’s insights underscore the profound importance of investing in youth.
The Next Generation of Innovators: SEEDS in Action
SEEDS students from our Youth Entrepreneurship Program take the stage! Khamila s showcased their own businesses and shared firsthand how entrepreneurial education has transformed their lives.
SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO HAVE JOINED US
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HON. NELLIE POU
U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 9th congressional district.
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HON. DARREN SOTO
Deputy Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. U.S. representative for Florida's 9th congressional district.
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HON. GABE VASQUEZ
U.S. representative for New Mexico's 2nd congressional district.
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PABLO JOSÉ HERNÁNDEZ
Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, U.S. House of Representatives.
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HON. RITCHIE TORRES
U.S. Representative for New York's 15th congressional district.
AWARDEES 2024-2025
JUAN L. NEGRÓN-DÍAZ Public Policy Director, Merck
MELANIE O’BRIEN Regional Manager-Community Engagement, Southwest Airlines
HON. KENNETH McCLINTOCK Former Secretary of State of Puerto Rico.
CARMEN "MELY" TORRES Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, On Point Strategy LLC
JAVIER CUEBAS Chair of Grupo 21
AMBASSADOR CARMEN G. CANTOR Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Security Council Counterterrorism Executive Directorate
HON. JULIO ROLDÁN Mayor of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
“The Puerto Rico Economic Development Summit is a vital platform for driving the island’s economic growth. By focusing on community building, innovation, and investment, the Summit creates a bridge among key stakeholders to advance sustainable economic development
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GALLERY
Frecuently Asked Questions:
Friends of Puerto Rico’s one-day economic development summit on Capitol Hill serves as a platform for impactful dialogue, education, and actionable outcomes, bringing together Members of Congress and thought leaders to address critical topics, share knowledge with attendees, and drive collective action for positive change.
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The Puerto Rico Economic Development Summit will be held in Washington, D.C.
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Support Capitol Hill by becoming an event sponsor. We offer a range of sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to support one of Puerto Rico’s premier leadership events and contribute to its continued impact.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@friendsofpuertorico.org and a member of our team will be in touch. -
The Capitol Hill Summit is free to attend. That said, donations are vital to Friends of Puerto Rico's ability to organize events like this one and sustain our advocacy work year-round. If you're able to contribute, every gift makes a meaningful difference.
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Throughout all editions of the Capitol Hill Summit, we have welcomed the participation of more than 100 Members of Congress, establishing the Summit as a key platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action in support of Puerto Rico.
The Summit serves as a bridge between the public sector, academia, and civil society to advance initiatives that benefit Puerto Rico and its people. Our impact includes:
The active engagement and support of Members of Congress, universities, and strategic partners in initiatives focused on Puerto Rico’s economic, educational, and social development.
Increased visibility and strengthening of our programs, including opportunities for children and youth from SEEDS to attend the Summit, meet legislators, and share their projects and ideas.
The participation of students from various universities, who attend the Summit to learn firsthand about ongoing initiatives for Puerto Rico and explore ways to get involved.
The involvement of our interns, who actively participate in the event, gain professional experience, and develop leadership, communication, and public policy skills through their engagement with the Summit.
In this way, the Capitol Hill Summit goes beyond high-level conversations — it creates formative experiences, strategic connections, and real opportunities that help strengthen Puerto Rico’s leadership and development ecosystem.
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Attendance is primarily by invitation. However, interested individuals may also complete the form at the bottom of the page to be considered for participation. Our team will review all submissions and reach out with further details if selected.