On October 15, 2025, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Friends of Puerto Rico in Washington, D.C. This will be a unique opportunity to connect with leaders, legislators, and changemakers, and to help shape the next decade of economic and social impact for Puerto Rico.
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2025
Event Details:
Top of the Hill, 5th Floor Ballroom, 1 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
Focus: 10 years of service and building the future
Impact: Over 100,000 people benefited
Reserve your spot now and be part of the conversation that will shape Puerto Rico’s future.
The Friends of Puerto Rico Capitol Hill Summit is done in collaboration with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).
DC Capitol Hill Summit 2025 – Agenda Highlights
Get ready for a full day of insight, connection, and impactful discussions! The Summit brings together leaders, policymakers, and experts for engaging panels, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
Summit Opening: 11:00 am- 12:35 pm
Coffee & Registration--Guests arrive and enjoy Puerto Rican coffee while checking in before the official start of the summit.
Opening Remarks--Angiemille Latorre – Chief Disrupter, Seriously Creative
Stage Host and moderator, opening the program and welcoming attendees.
A short video introduces the mission, vision, and 10-year anniversary of Friends of Puerto Rico.
Welcome Message--Juan García – Board Member, Friends of Puerto Rico
Delivers a message of inclusion and community to set the tone for the event.
President’s Remarks--Angelique Sina – President, Friends of Puerto Rico
Highlights the organization’s decade of impact, empowerment initiatives, and vision for Puerto Rico’s future.
Congressional Remarks
Hon. Pablo José Hernández – Member of Congress, Puerto Rico-00
Shares updates on legislative efforts supporting Puerto Rico’s economic growth and development.
Industry Perspective
Sara Fuentes – Vice President, Transportation Institute
Provides insights on transportation and infrastructure as key pillars for progress.
Higher Education Leadership
Dra. Zayira Jordan Conde – President, University of Puerto Rico
Speaks on the transformative role of education and research in the island’s recovery and advancement.
Government Leadership
Gabriella Boffelli – Executive Director, PRFAA
Provides an update from the White House and on the federal policy agenda for the Governor of Puerto Rico
Educational Excellence
Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodríguez – Superintendent, Hartford School District
Closes the session emphasizing the power of educational leadership and equity.
Keynote conversation: 12:35 PM- 1:00 PM
Ambassador Carmen Cantor – CEO, Cantor Global Consulting
Followed by a live Q&A with Monica Pascual from No Small Talk Podcast
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Grab and go Lunch, Book Signing & Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase
Networking lunch, book signing, and Youth Innovation Showcase featuring student entrepreneurs from Flor de Loto Montessori School in Puerto Rico.
Advancing Puerto Rico: National and Local Perspectives
Ms. Deborah Soler, Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Municipality of Aguadilla
Congressional Remarks:
Hon. Gabe Vasquez, Member of Congress, New Mexico
Video projection Youth Innovation Showcase: SEEDS Youth entrepreneurs from Flor de Loto Montessori School
Lisbeth Gonzalez Flor de Loto Montessori School Founder
Hon. Jesús “Chuy” García – Member of Congress, Illinois
Highlights ongoing federal efforts to strengthen Puerto Rican communities both on the island and across the diaspora.Arts & Cultural Leadership
Dr. Ignacio López – Executive Director, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA)
Shares insights on the role of culture, arts, and education in preserving Puerto Rican identity and fostering community pride.Science & Innovation
Edil A. Sepúlveda Carlo –Enviromental Attorney & Energy Policy Consultant
Discusses the importance of STEM education and innovation as pathways for Puerto Rico’s future development.Public Service & Leadership
Juan Dalmau – Attorney and Former Senator
Reflects on public service, civic engagement, and the next generation of Puerto Rican leadership.Community Development
Alma Frontera – President, Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico
Speaks on empowering youth and families through education, mentorship, and community programs.Danny Vargas – Founder, Friends of the Latino Museum
Hon. Darren Soto – U.S. Representative, Florida
Closes the session with remarks on economic development, climate resilience, and continued support for Puerto Rico.
3:00 PM Coffee Break & Rums of Puerto Rico Tasting
3:30 - 4:40 PM Economic Development & Corporate Leadership
Surey Miranda-Alarcón – Fordham University
Solange De Lahongrais - President - MMAPA
Justin Vélez-Hagan, Ph.D – National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce
José Luis Rivera Rivera – Chief Economist, Department of Economic Development, Puerto Rico
Ella Woger-Nieves – CEO, InvestPR
Hon. Kenneth D. McClintock – Senior Public Policy Advisor, POLITANK and former Secretary of State, Puerto Rico
Solange De Lahongrais, President, Medicare & Medicaid Advantage Products Association (MMAPA)
Hon. Eddie Charbonier – Member, PR House of Representatives
Melanie O’Brien – Southwest Airlines
Hon. Congresswoman Nellie Pou- Member of Congress, NJ
4:40 PM Congressional Recognition Awards
Juan Leonardo Negrón Díaz, Merck – For advancing health equity
Carmen “Mely” Torres Rodríguez , On Point Strategy– For visionary leadership and entrepreneurship.
Melanie O’Brien, Southwest Airlines – For commitment to community impact.
Hon. Kenneth McClintock, Founder, Cordova & Fernos Congressional Internship Program, Former Senator and Secretary of State
Awards presented by Hon. Joyce Beatty, U.S. House of Representatives, Hon. Carmelo Ríos, Senator, Puerto Rico, Office of Congressman Ritchie Torres represented by Victor Martinez & Eddie Charbonier, and Zoé Valentín Flores, President, Cordova & Fernos Alumni Association
Closing Remarks
Angelique Sina – President, Friends of Puerto Rico
Networking continues with Puerto Rican coffee and Rums of Puerto Rico until 6:00 PM.
Special Experiences:
Café Ama Love and Coffee served all day
Rums of Puerto Rico tasting begins at 3:00 p.m.
Networking, book signing, and awards recognizing visionary leaders
