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A Newsletter of the National Conference

of Puerto Rican Women

Editor: Carmen Delgado Votaw

Asst. Editor: Bequi Ortiz

Issue 1 March 2014

www.nacoprw.org 1220 L Street NW, Ste. 100-177, Washington, D.C. 20005

Message from the National President,

Lourdes Hernandez

Dear NACOPRW sisters and members,

Let me begin by saying how excited I am about serving as your National President and about the opportunities for NACOPRW’s future. NACOPRW has 41 years of rich history and accomplishments that we can all the proud of. We can also be very proud of our members who are extremely talented, educated, dedicated and committed Latina leaders who work tirelessly every day to make a difference in their communities and for NACOPRW.

As we begin our work for this year, let us continue to build on our strengths and to work areas of opportunities that will help sustain us and make us stronger as an organization.

Internally, we must continue to enhance our organizational processes and procedures for greater efficiency. Chapter and board development will be key in enabling our chapters to better sustain and increase their membership thus positioning them to have a broader impact in the regions they serve.

Externally, let us continue the great work we do in our communities and in empowering Latinas. Mentoring can have a tremendous and very positive impact on the lives of Latinas and our youth. Let us continue to create learning opportunities that will help them build their capacity for success.

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Finally, it is imperative that we stay informed about issues that impact all Latinas at a national level and in Puerto Rico. Whether it is advocating for equal pay, equal representation in the board rooms and in our government, immigration, health care, and/or economic empowerment, we must ensure we are part of the dialogue and decision-making in areas that impact us and our communities.

Let us continue to collaborate with and support each other, especially on this Women’s History Month of March and also take time to celebrate our successes and each other.

I look forward to working with each of you and to say thank you for your continued support and commitment to NACOPRW.

Happy Women’s History Month.

HACR -The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility Reports on Hispanic Non-Inclusion on Corporate Boards

The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility reported findings from its 2013 Corporate Governance Study that confirmed little progress for inclusion of Hispanics on corporate boards over the last 20 years.

The key findings of the report about access to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies for Hispanics are disheartening:

Latinas hold only 37 out of 5,511 board seats in the Fortune 500 Hispanics held 3% of seats in the boardroom of the Fortune 500 70% or nearly 350 companies of the Fortune 500 did not have a single Hispanic on their

board Only 2% of 10 Fortune 500 CEO’s are of Hispanic heritage 133 Hispanic Individuals held 171 board seats in the Fortune 500 Only 4% of Fortune 500 companies had two Hispanics on their board

Although there was some progress between 1993 and 2007 in increasing Hispanic representation, the 2013 data suggests the momentum has dissipated and new strategies are needed to increase corporate diversity and to demonstrate the size and consumer strength of the U.S. Hispanic population.

Companies that exclude Hispanics should be put on notice that 60 million consumers with buying power of $1.3 trillion may not tolerate well this type of oversight in the future.

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New Effort to Keep Mendez v. Westminster Alive Jaime Estades wrote an article for NILP on February 3, 2014 to keep the legacy alive and provide historical, legal and human contexts to the case in the history of the other “Road to Brown” civil rights cases. It is a heartwarming story of Gonzalo and Felicita Mendez’ courage and commitment that we can be proud of. Jaime Estades is a professor in social policy and welfare at Rutgers University Graduate School of Social Work and founder of the Latino Leadership Institute Inc. He can be reached at jaimeestades@yahoo.com.

The Advocacy Corner

On Tuesday, March 4 the National Women’s History Museum was to host a Lobby Day to work on the U.S. Congress to remind them of the need to find a physical space for the museum to be able to continue its virtual efforts to chronicle the history of half of the population of the United States. It had to be rescheduled because of snow. Join us if you are in town when it is rescheduled and visit your members of Congress on behalf of this good cause. Issues Bogged Down in Congress Immigration Reform keeps being bogged down and it is not clear if and when the legislation is likely to be considered. The path to citizenship seems to be the issue paralyzing action. The Voting Rights Amendments are being considered and again, despite some bipartisan efforts, the legislation’s future is uncertain. Student loans and the usurious character of the interest being charged on them is still a contentious topic but its resolution still seems far off. A minimum wage hike has emerged as a growing movement at the state and county level seeing that federal passage of uniform legislation is not likely in the foreseeable future. Unemployment insurance extension seems imperative to meet the needs of the growing number of unemployed but the stalemate keeps haunting any proposal that is related to economic issues. The struggle for Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value is still fresh and vital among female organizations as is passage of the Equal Rights legislation that would ratify counting the states that have voted on this as not needing any further ratification but the energy for passage of such legislation is not apparent yet. The National Hispanic Media Coalition is evaluating the proposed Comcast Corporation plan to buy Time Warner Cable for $45 billion. They are doing this in light of the commitments Comcast made to the Latino community in the context of its acquisition of NBC Universal a few years ago. As usual, the voice of the Latino community needs to be heard on this.

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The National Women’s History Project 2014 Honorees Include Carmen Delgado Votaw, NACOPRW former National President

The organization responsible for starting the celebration of Women’s History released its 2014 list of honorees, an even dozen, described as Women of Character, Courage and Commitment. Among them this year is Puerto Rican Carmen Delgado Votaw whose biography and photos beam from the Women’s History Gazette. Among the other 11 honorees that will be honored at a dinner at the historic Willard Hotel in Washington, DC on March 27 at 5 p.m. are Member of Congress Tammy Duckworth, Chipeta, Indian Rights advocate, Frances Kelsey, Katherine Gibbs, Ana Julia Cooper, Jaida Im, Agatha Trigel Hanson, Ann Lewis, Roxy O’Neil Bolton, Lisa Taylor and Arden Eversmeyer. Visit www.nwhp.org to learn more about the honorees. Carmen Delgado Votaw also received the prestigious Julia Henderson Award for commitment to International Public Administration during the Women in Public Administration Conference at the Mayflower Hotel during Women’s History Month.

Presidential Proclamation -- National Women's History Month, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

Throughout our Nation's history, American women have led movements for social and economic justice, made groundbreaking scientific discoveries, enriched our culture with stunning works of art and literature, and charted bold directions in our foreign policy. They have served our country with valor, from the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the deserts of Iraq and mountains of Afghanistan. During Women's History Month, we recognize the victories, struggles, and stories of the women who have made our country what it is today.

This month, we are reminded that even in America, freedom and justice have never come easily. As part of a centuries-old and ever-evolving movement, countless women have put their shoulder to the wheel of progress -- activists who gathered at Seneca Falls and gave expression to a righteous cause; trailblazers who defied convention and shattered glass ceilings; millions who claimed control of their own bodies, voices, and lives. Together, they have pushed our Nation toward equality, liberation, and acceptance of women's right -- not only to choose their own destinies -- but also to shape the futures of peoples and nations.

Through the grit and sacrifice of generations, American women and girls have gained greater opportunities and more representation than ever before. Yet they continue to face workplace discrimination, a higher risk of sexual assault, and an earnings gap that will cost the average woman hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of her working lifetime.

As women fight for their seats at the head of the table, my Administration offers our unwavering support. The first bill I signed as President was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair

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Pay Act, which made it easier for women to challenge pay discrimination. Under the Affordable Care Act, we banned insurance companies from charging women more because of their gender, and we continue to defend this law against those who would let women's bosses influence their health care decisions.

Last year, recognizing a storied history of patriotic and courageous service in our Armed Forces, the United States military opened ground combat units to women in uniform. We are also encouraging more girls to explore their passions for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and taking action to create economic opportunities for women across the globe. Last fall, we finalized a rule to extend overtime and minimum wage protections to homecare workers, 90 percent of whom are women. And this January, I launched a White House task force to protect students from sexual assault.

As we honor the many women who have shaped our history, let us also celebrate those who make progress in our time. Let us remember that when women succeed, America succeeds. And from Wall Street to Main Street, in the White House and on Capitol Hill -- let us put our Nation on the path to success. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2014 as Women's History Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month and to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, 2014, with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. I also invite all Americans to visit www.WomensHistoryMonth.gov to learn more about the generations of women who have left enduring imprints on our history.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.

BARACK OBAMA

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Chapter News DC Metro Chapter On January 10

th the DC Metro Chapter held a Parranda de los Reyes/Las Octavitas celebration

at the Q Street International Art Gallery in Georgetown, DC. There was music, food and much

fun while we played “Puerto Rican IQ” a parlor game invented by Sara Melendez, First Vice

President of our chapter. The game is based on a set of questions, to be answered by the group,

about our Puerto Rican culture, history and unique idiomatic expressions. Although we did not

keep score, everyone was a winner according to the “fun and laughter meter”.

On January 26th

we co-sponsored the 2014 Women’s Legislative Briefing organized by the

Montgomery County Commission for Women. This briefing presents the issues and concerns of

the women, children and families in our county and is used as a basis for our advocacy activities

directed to the Maryland Legislature.

Photo by Sam Rodriguez

Indiana Chapter On February 15th , the Indiana Chapter supported and congratulated Aida Lugo McAllister at her book signing event in Merrillville, Indiana. The book is called Aida’s Kitchen a lo Boricua and it contains many recipes from past generations as well as modern mixes.

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The chapter is also planning their Annual Mothers Recognition Event to be held sometime in May. Miami Chapter The Chapter President Elizabeth Erazo Baez reported that their Chapter was feted by Hunter College in December as part of the 100 top Puerto Rican organizations project and 15 Miami leaders were singled out: Norah Venegas, Dr. Nilda Soto, Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorenz, John Morales, Judge Rosa I. Rodriguez, Alicia Baro (deceased), Elizabeth Erazo Baez, Maurice Ferre, Raul A Martinez (deceased), Emilio Lopez, Susana Baker, Manuel Chavez (deceased) Victor Vazquez-Hernandez, Rosa Castro Feinberg . The Chapter is celebrating its Women’s History Month event to raise funds for their Scholarships. On March 22 they will honor someone with the Alicia Baro Achievement Award. Northern Illinois Chapter

The Northern Illinois Chapter is focusing on recruitment of young women by encouraging women

and young girls to get involved in their communities in the political process and community

initiatives. Through our national partnerships with NHLA and Vision 2020, we are working

collectively on a new project called Latinas Represent, a partnership between Political Parity—

whose focus is to increase the number of women in the upper levels of government—and the

National Hispanic Leadership Agenda. The aim is to increase the number of Latinas in elected

office. Within the context of 2014 and campaigns in general, both parties would do well to swell the

ranks of Latina officials.

Our Northern Illinois Chapter President, Vilma Colom, was selected as an Illinois state delegate for

Vision 2020, a national coalition of organizations and individuals united in their commitment to

achieve women’s economic and social equality.

Reina Otero and Vilma Colom represented the Northern Illinois Chapter and provided gifts during

the Three Kings celebration for children served by the Lolita Lebron Family Learning Center that

was created in 1993 by the Juan Antonio Corretjer Puerto Rican Cultural Center to address the

issues of single mothers who lacked a high school diploma because they dropped out of school to

raise a family. The program provided a curriculum that is culturally attentive and diverse and

incorporates the life realities of the parents. The program supports young, teenage parents in high

school and helps with their parenting motivations. Currently it provides curriculum in the Social

History of Parenting and a continuum of childcare services for students of the Pedro Albizu Campos

High

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School.

Philadelphia Chapter NACOPRW Philly said Presente and contributed toys to Centro Musical December 2013 Toy Drive. Toys were collected for the annual Día de Reyes celebration and toy give- away that was held on January 6th to local families in the community. NACOPRW family participated at the Motivos Magazine /Tremendos Dancers 7 year anniversary Gala in Dec 2013. Since 2006 Motivos and Tremendos have positively impacted the lives of over 1,000 youth directly through dance workshops, summer media institutes, internship opportunities, mentorship programs and international cross-cultural exchange opportunities. Luz Loeb graciously contributed her photography, Vivian Ortiz sponsored students to be able to attend the Gala and Asteria Vives sponsored café con leche for the event.

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NACOPRW Philadelphia showed support at the Swearing-in of our very own Maggie Moreno-Nix, newly elected Vice President of SALEA (Spanish American Law Enforcement Association) The Board was sworn in by Honorable Judge Angeles Roca in January 2014.

NACOPRW Philadelphia – Latinas for the Cure on will take place on March 8--Mind, Body, Spirit…Survival. The Chapter will be participating in this free, bilingual event. Stand up, fight back, Survive… SoCal Chapter

The Orange County Register reported that Puerto Rican, Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, a long time

member of the Chapter had been honored as one of the Orange County “Hero of the Year”

awardees as the founding Executive Director of the OC Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center in

Santa Ana. She was lauded as one of the locals “who make our community richer and more

vibrant” by publisher Aaron Kushner.

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DE AQUI Y DE ALLA Rita Moreno Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Annual Screen Actors Guild Rita at 82 years young has not only received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony but also an Alma Award, the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. BRAVO!!

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NACOPRW Board of Directors Executive Committee Lourdes Hernandez, National President Xinomara Velazquez, First Vice President Raquel Castro, Second Vice President Bequi Ortiz, Treasurer Vivian Ortiz, Assistant Treasurer Melissa del Valle, Secretary Iris Corchado, Assistant Secretary

Presidents/Delegates Evelyn Figueroa, President, Chicago

Wanda Gordils, Delegate,Chicago

Ada Lopez, Delegate, Chicago

Milagros McGuire, President, D.C. Metro

Anna Rosario, Delegate, D.C. Metro

Carmen Delgado Votaw, Delegate, D.C. Metro

Raquel Castro, President, Indiana

Bequi Ortiz, Delegate, Indiana

Carmen Gloria Gonzalez, Delegate, Indiana

Zoraida Seguinot , President, Miami

Iris Corchado, Delegate, Miami

Betzaida Ferrer , Delegate, Miami

Vilma Colom, President, Northern Illinois

Mariaelisa Laracuente, Delegate, Northern IL

Katherine Ast, Delegate, Northern Illinois

Michelle Centeno,President, NY Manhattan

Maria Roman. Delegate, NY

Aisha Ahmed, Delegate, NY

Amaris Hernandez, President, Philadelphia

Iris Violeta Colon Torres, Delegate, Philadelphia

Vivian Ortiz, Delegate, Philadelphia

Luz MinervaMachado , SoCal President

Darma Castro-Paden, Delegate, SoCal

Become a Member of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women If there is no chapter in your jurisdiction, you can become a National Member of NACOPRW by paying dues to the

national organization. Please fill out and send us your dues with the attached membership form. Be part of a national

sisterhood of savvy, successful Puerto Rican Women, an incredible network of professional and cultural support for

YOU.

Send Carmen Delgado Votaw information about what your NACOPRW chapter is doing to help advance women’s causes so that we can share it in Ecos Nacionales. Deadlines are 2 weeks before March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1.

Editor:Carmen Delgado Votaw, cdelgadovo@aol.com Assistant Editor, Bequi Ortiz, rebecca-gonzalez1@hotmail.com NACOPRW website: www.nacoprw.org

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National Membership Application Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Are you of Puerto Rican origin or descent? Yes or No Sex: M or F

Address: _________________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________

Birthday: (opt)_________________________ Birthplace: ___________________________

Home address: _______________________________City: _____________________________

State: ____________ Zip ________ Home phone _____________ Other phone _____________

Fax: ____________________________ E-mail address: ________________________________

Place of employment/organization ______________________________ Position ____________

Children’s names and ages: (opt)___________________________________________________

How did you become aware of NACOPRW? ________________________________________

Check all that apply:

_______Webpage

_______ Family member or friend is a NACOPRW member

_______ I attended a NACOPRW National or chapter event

_______ Other

Members at large are persons who are eighteen years of age or older who contribute resources and

funds, may attend meetings and events, and provide valuable services to the National Organization.

Annual dues for members at large are $50.00 and the dues go directly to the National Organization.

Please make checks payable to NACOPRW. Send check and completed form to:

National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc.,1220 L Street, NW, Suite 100-177, Washington, DC

20005. NACOPRW is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Tax EIN is 52-1638128.

Signature: ______________________________________ Date: _______________

For local chapter membership, please contact the president of your nearest state chapter.