NUESTRAS VOCES
NACOPRW is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization seeking to promote the full participation of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women in the social, economic and political life in the United States The Southern California Chapter (SoCal) achieves this by educating, developing leadership among Puerto Rican women and providing role models for our youth and our community
NACOPRW-SoCal celebrates what unites all of us: our love and respect for Puerto Rico, its traditions and people.
BOARD MEMBERS:
GLORIA SAN MIGUEL, MBA, PRESIDENT
MARJORIE PATTON, MS, CPC, ELI-MP 1ST VICE PRES
NILSA J. THORSOS, PH.D., 2ND VICE PRESIDENT
SONIA COLÓN-LAMAS, BA, AFIP, TREASURER
MARIE NUBIA FELICIANO, PH D , SECRETARY
For more information about our chapter, membership or donations visit us at:
Editorial - Entre Nosotras
Gloria San Miguel
Marjorie Patton
As we close out 2024, we proudly reflect on a remarkable year filled with growth, connection, and impact Together, we ’ ve built bridges, uplifted our community, and celebrated the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rican culture through unforgettable events
This year began with excitement as we welcomed our new leadership for 2024, marking the start of another inspiring chapter in our journey A cultural highlight was our visit to the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), where we deepened our appreciation for the rich artistic heritage of Latin America
Our 2024 scholarships were a shining example of our dedication to education and the future of our community We proudly awarded scholarships to four outstanding Puerto Rican and Hispanic students, helping them pursue their college dreams Special thanks to our amazing team of volunteers who carefully reviewed applications, interviewed candidates, and selected these deserving recipients
We also came together through fundraising events like the Domino Tournament and Coquito Workshop, showcasing our shared generosity and ensuring the continued success of our scholarships and programs Hispanic Heritage Month brought even more opportunities to shine, as we partnered with Bloomingdale’s and the All-Saints Brand to celebrate our culture and identity through fashion and storytelling
As the year comes full circle, we celebrate its conclusion with a joyful Christmas gathering and a delicious Pasteles Masterclass, honoring a cherished culinary tradition and celebrating our beloved member Sra Minerva Ruiz Sotomayor These moments remind us of how far we ’ ve come and how deeply connected we are to our culture, our community, and one another
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and enthusiasm of our members, collaborators, and supporters Your passion inspires us every day, and together, we ’ ve made 2024 truly unforgettable
As we prepare to open the next year, we carry forward the same spirit of growth, camaraderie, and impact into 2025 Thank you for being part of this amazing journey Let’s continue building a brighter future together ¡Adelante!
By Grissel Benitez-Hodge & Nilsa Thorsos
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
MINERVA ruiz sotomayor
Sra Minerva Ruiz Sotomayor was born in 1933 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, so she is now 91 years old, and a cherished member of our chapter! She was raised en el campo de Cerro Gordo, Añasco She is one of 8 children, seven of which are still living She grew up around great cooks From a young age she learned to cook with her mother, María, who was the Director of Food Services in the school cafeterias of that community All of her siblings also inherited excellent cooking skills from their mother In those days, the cooking that was done in the cafeterias was a community effort and home cooked meals were served in schools She grew up surrounded by an abundance of fresh food Her family owned a coffee plantation and orange groves as well as many fields of viandas, including tubers, fresh vegetables, and fruits Livestock, raised and slaughtered by her family, were also part of the daily supply for cooking great meals
In 1968, Doña Minerva moved to Connecticut (CT) with her husband and 2 daughters, one, our cherished member Grissel Benitez-Hodge, and the other, her now deceased daughter, Miner Mary Benítez-Quinn There she worked as a seamstress until having to stop work to care for her ill stricken husband She also pursued her calling to become the first ordained Pentecostal woman Pastor in the CT Diocese In 1976, she returned to live in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico where she pastored a church for 20 years and led many missionary trips around the Island and the world In 2018, she moved to Southern California to live with her daughter Grissel and family
All throughout her life, Sra Ruiz Sotomayor has used her self-taught and inherited cooking skills to help others; not only cooking for her family and teaching her daughters, but to feed others, whether in her church or in the community She also has a natural ability to make massive quantities of Puerto Rican delicacies without using recipes (pasteles, tembleques, pan de maiz, dulce de coco, frituras, arroces, asopao, etc) She did this for hundreds of people to feed church members and others in need in the community She personally founded the Dominican Republic’s Misión Sembrando y Cosechando which, like her church, benefited from her food fundraisers She has always cooked tirelessly and with much passion She influenced many people with her inspiration and natural ability in the kitchen
In her later years, Doña Minerva has dedicated herself to exposing Puerto Rican cuisine to members of her family, particularly her daughters' families She has crossed many generations of people who continue to enjoy Puerto Rican delicacies cooked by her, such as her grand and great grandchildren, who can't get enough of her cooking And now, she has shared her talents with us at NACOPRW-SOCAL, allowing us to videotape her in the process of making pasteles using her very own family recipe! This will be made available soon via subscription
You can say that Doña Minerva is a true example of the many Puerto Rican women who naturally developed a rich ability to cook through the influence of the family and their environment at a very early age, and who continued to do so throughout their lives Thank you, Doña Minerva, for your invaluable contributions to our organization We are truly fortunate to have you as a member!
Interested in joining NACOPRW-SoCal?
Go to www nacoprwsocal org/membership and complete & send us your application to nacoprwsocal98@gmail com
EL FOGÓN
BORICUA
Alcapurrias de Yuca
by Sonia Colón-Lamas
I love Alcapurrias, but sometimes it’s difficult to find all the products for the masa. I found that making them out of Yuca-only, is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this adored and original Puerto Rican appetizer/side dish. You can find the ground yuca frozen in most Latino or Asian supermarkets (or you can grate it yourself).
Ingredients for Masa
2 lb ground yuca
1 tbs sofrito
1 tbs achiote oil
1 tbs vegetable shortening
Instructions:
1 packet of Sazón
1 tsp salt
1 lb of cooked beef picadillo or filling of choice (chicken, pork, or vegetables)
Remove defrosted grated yuca from package (or your grated version ) and completely drain all its liquid with a cheesecloth or clean cloth rag. Keep squeezing until almost completely dry. Place yuca in mixing bowl and add all of the above ingredients except the vegetable oil. Blend with a fork completely, until it looks creamy and none of the white yuca is showing. Take a piece of wax paper and brush it with the vegetable oil to prevent masa from sticking. Put about 1/2 cup of masa and shape into a disk and create a slight dent in the middle. Add about 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of your filling of choice. Use the wax paper to fold masa with filling in half, completely covering the filling. Press the corners with your fingers to seal the alcapurrias. Detach masa from the wax paper and finish shaping the alcapurrias with your hands. Set them aside on a glass dish and continue mounting the rest of the alcapurrias.
Heat the vegetable oil to 350 degrees, making sure you have enough oil to cover at least half of the alcapurrias. Fry 6 to 8 minutes, turning them every 2 minutes. Place on paper towel or wire rack to drain excess oil. This should make 6 to 8 alcapurrias. Delish! Enjoy!
ANNOUNCING THE RECIPIENTS OF NACOPRW SOCAL’S SCHOLARSHIPS 2024
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE 2024
by Gloria San Miguel, President
Our NACOPRW SoCal Chapter would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers of our 2024 Scholarship Committee for your magnificent work and attentiveness to the selection process Your thorough review of applications and essays, your thoughtful interviews, and your collaborative decision-making have made a meaningful impact on the lives of this year ’ s awardees
Special thanks to Dr Marie Nubia-Feliciano and Marjorie Patton for their outstanding leadership and guidance in steering the committee’s efforts To Dr Ana Celia Zentella, Dorianne Montalvo, Grissel Benitez-Hodge, Mercedes Julian, Milly LugoRios, and Dr Nilsa J Thorsos - your expertise, commitment, and generosity in contributing your time and energy have been invaluable
Your dedication to this program exemplifies a true passion for empowering the next generation of Latina scholars The effort you have invested in this process ensures that each awardee represents not only academic excellence but also the values and vision of our organization
Thank you for your hard work and for making the 2024 scholarship program such a wonderful success!
¡WEPA!
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE AT BLOOMINGDALE’S
By Marjorie Patton
On October 29, 2024, the vibrant spirit of Latina pride and unity illuminated Bloomingdale’s at South Coast Plaza as NACOPRW SoCal hosted a memorable members' meeting Led by the inspiring Gloria San Miguel, President of NACOPRW SoCal Chapter, and supported by the dynamic Lucille Korhan, Store Manager at AllSaints in South Coast Plaza, the gathering brought together more than 12 members and allies to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month The event was a tribute to the beauty, strength, and diversity of Puerto Rican and Latina women a legacy of resilience and empowerment that continues to inspire us all
Under Gloria’s thoughtful leadership, the evening was filled with warmth and camaraderie as attendees shared personal stories and beauty secrets, embracing the traditions that have shaped their identities Generous goodie bags, provided by Bloomingdale’s and AllSaints, added a touch of appreciation for the attendees, who left the event with more than just gifts they carried the energy of sisterhood The chapter also reflected on its recent achievements, shared upcoming plans, and renewed their commitment to NACOPRW's powerful mission
Amid the delicious refreshments and an atmosphere charged with feminine energy, the group honored the indomitable spirit of Latina women This gathering wasn’t just a celebration; it was a call to action, a reminder of the transformative power of women united in purpose Together, they reaffirmed our pledge to advance the legacy of NACOPRW, ensuring that every woman ' s voice is amplified and her potential realized
¡WEPA!
COQUITO MAKING & FUNDRAISER 2024 ¡WEPA!
by Marjorie Patton
Saturday, November 2, 2024
This past November 2nd, the vibrant spirit of Puerto Rico filled my home as 20 or so dedicated members of NACOPRW SoCal and friends came together for our signature Coquito confection event
With joy and camaraderie, we crafted over 100 bottles of our beloved holiday drink, launching our new stunning Cacica Taína logo created and donated by the incredibly talented Costume Designer Marco Morante of MarcoMarco, who happens to be pastpresident Anaida Colón-Muñiz’s son and nephew to our treasurer (and Marco’s muse) Sonia Colón-Lamas!
The air was rich with the aroma of spices, laughter, and the delicious dishes everyone brought to share It was a heartwarming day of unity, showcasing the strength of our culture and community
This cherished tradition is more than just a fundraising event it’s a celebration of our shared heritage and commitment to making a difference Every bottle sold supports our 2025 Scholarship Awards, empowering deserving young women to achieve their dreams of higher education This year, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our members and supporters, we are on track to make this our most successful fundraiser yet!
Order your Coquito HERE and bring a taste of Puerto Rican tradition to your holiday festivities Not only will you delight your loved ones with a unique gift, but you’ll also help brighten the future of a promising scholar Let’s raise a glass of Coquito to community, culture, and the power of dreams!
¡Salud!
NACOPRW SOCAL CHRISTMAS GET-TOGETHER AT KNOLL’S
By Gloria San Miguel
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIEN
On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the Southern California Chapter of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW SoCal) hosted a joyous holiday celebration at Knolls Restaurant in Laguna Niguel The event brought together members and guests to honor Puerto Rican culture and traditions during this festive season The highlight of the evening was the captivating performance by singer Erick Torres, whose renditions of beloved Puerto Rican classics such as “En Mi Viejo San Juan” and “Lamento Borincano” filled the room with nostalgia and pride His powerful voice and heartfelt delivery created a beautiful atmosphere that resonated deeply with attendees
Adding to the festive spirit, members danced enthusiastically to the vibrant rhythms of bomba y plena, traditional musical styles that embody the rich African cultural heritage of Puerto Rico The joyous energy on the dance floor was infectious, creating an unforgettable experience for all This holiday gathering was a wonderful opportunity for members to connect, and celebrate all the achievements of the year while looking forward to the future
NACOPRW SoCal extends its gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this memorable event especially to member Dorianne Montalvo and collaborator Vivian Valdés, who led the preparations and lovely decorations!
rincón literario: constellated remembrances
by Milly C Lugo-Rios
Santiago Capetillo’s poetic vein is palpable in this anthology of poems Simple, profound, and with a slight touch of mischief, these poems are a delight to read The poet amazed me by publishing a book that is a reversible collection of poems That is, you can read the poems in Spanish on one side and turn the book on the other side and read them in English In both languages she covers an immense number of emotions
Santiago Capetillo was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and resides there with her husband and sons She received her PhD in Puerto Rican and Caribbean History and master’s degree in Translation, Puerto Rican Studies, and Archeology Her accomplishments are many and she has set free her poetic inclinations in this book This is a unique collection, worthy of more than one reading hmmm I think I will read it again now
Note: If you are interested in a copy of this book, send me an e-mail at lugorios@gmailcom
My rating for Constellated Remembrances: 5 out of 5 coconuts!
¡Feliz Navidad from NACOPRW SoCal!
EL RINCóN DEL COQUÍ: AN UNFORGETTABLE VISIT TO
GHANA, AFRICA
by Dr. Marie Nubia Feliciano
In July 2024, I went to Ghana, Africa, to attend the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)’s International Education Conference For me, Ghana was a beautiful place filled with even more beautiful people During the conference, I met a lot of interesting and wonderful individuals, and of course I learned a lot It was a very moving trip, personally We toured the Colonial Fort – sometimes called a Castle – where the “Door of No Return” was located We also walked through the dungeons where the human cargo was kept for slavery Part of the tour, prior to visiting the Colonial Fort, was to stop off at a way station where those slated to be sold were given their last bath There was a river that I called the “River of Lost Souls” It was in this river that Africans who were often walked from the north of the country thousands of miles away were allowed to wash, pray, and come to terms with their terrible fate I walked barefoot to the river, which was about 500 feet away from the visitor center I stood in the river The water has the genetic material of the Africans who died where they stood in the river, and those who survived to then continue the journey to the various selling ports along the southern coast of Ghana Artifacts from that time are still being dredged up from the river to this day One woman, a light-skinned Black identifying woman with blond braids, told me that someone came to her who she did not expect She had been there last year, and no one came to her But this time three spirits did and that moved her to tears I wonder if I will have such an experience if I return to Ghana As an AfroBoricua, it was an experience I will never forget I am deeply connected to the other Black people on the tour The only difference is the boat of my ancestors stopped in Puerto Rico, and theirs continued on to the fledgling United States Maybe it will happen when I go to Puerto Rico I took a couple of 30- second sound and video recordings of the river and will keep those with me forever The sound of water rushing by my feet, just like it did centuries before for our ancestors, gave me solace It also added my genetic material, my cells, to the water to mingle with theirs to add to the story that the river holds of our history I hope to go back in July 2025 and this time I will hopefully be making a presentation The Call for Proposals just came out for the conference, and I’m excited to possibly go back to Ghana If you plan on going, please know that you need a passport, visa, and Yellow Fever vaccine but it is totally worth this unforgettable journey!
A BORICUA AT THE UNITED NATIONS: DR. NILSA J. THORSOS & HAWKINGS GRANT AWARDEE
by Gloria San Miguel & Dr Nilsa J Thorsos
Our Second Vice-President, Dr Nilsa J Thorsos has been very busy during the last quarter of 2024 The NGO International Committee on the Status of Women invited Nilsa to join them in Geneva, Switzerland, to provide a workshop and also to moderate a panel (https://ngocsw-genevach/) Dr Thorsos is part of the NGO Women in Leadership Organization (WILLO)
WILLO is committed to providing academic support and scholarship opportunities for girls and women at a global level After the events at the United Nations, the team visited wineries and other interesting sites in France and Switzerland
Dr Thorsos and her colleagues at National University, Sandford College of Education were also awarded a $35 million grant to support Project DREAMS (Developing Retention, Education, and Advancement of Multicultural Scholars) This nationwide initiative seeks to address the critical shortage of educators from diverse backgrounds by equipping them with the resources, training, and the mentorship that they need to thrive and grow in their careers teaching at K-12 schools with underserved diverse students Congratulations, and keep up this important work!
BOMBA CONNECTION!
2024 In Review
NACOPRW SoCal Chapter Elections
NACOPRW SoCal Board Retreat
Board Installation and Member Meeting
Scholarship Committee Process Begins
Visit to Museum of LA Art (MOLAA)
Donation to House of PR, San Diego for the Homeless Nuestras Voces Newsletter
AfroLatino Culture Fest, Los Angeles
Domino Tournament Fundraiser
Scholarships Awarded to Recipients
Nuestras Voces Newsletter
HHM & Member Meeting at Bloomingdales
Dr. Gloria Caballer-Arce visits SoCal
A dear friend and donor/supporter of our Chapter, Dr. Gloria Caballer-Arce, visited Southern California this November to visit her childhood friends, especially Sonia Colón-Lamas. Some of our Board members had the pleasure of meeting her in person. Thank you Gloria for all your support and generous contributions. You can also see Gloria on the 2020 event “Boricua Women Artists in the Diaspora on our Website where she presented her beautiful art!
Donation: Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation-CSU Fullerton
Coquito Workshop Fundraiser
NACOPRW SoCal Holiday Event at Knoll’s Restaurant
Nuestras Voces Newsletter
Puerto Rican Pasteles Masterclass
NACOPRW SoCal 2024 Donates to the Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation (IBII)- CAl State Fullerton
Our Chapter made a donation to the Institute of Black Intellectual Innovation at Cal State Fullerton. The institute was created in 2020. It is determined to expand efforts to dismantle institutional racism. IBII at CSUF is a cross-campus and community-minded initiative to institutionalize the support and inclusion of Black people, culture, creative arts, and intellectual history at California State University, Fullerton and throughout Orange County. This institute will facilitate innovative research opportunities and publications; provide mentorship and student engagement; showcase creative arts performances; and partner with community stakeholders to host events that develop cultural competency. Looking forward to all the initiatives that the Institute will create in 2025 to support our Afro-Boricua and other Black students for a more inclusive society.
For more information go to https://hss.fullerton.edu/ibii/about/
San
Coming soon: Pasteles Masterclass
Our first ever Pasteles Masterclass will be available soon to raise funds for our scholarship program. This is a very dear project that started back in March of this year and there are many people to thank. First of all, Doña Minerva Ruiz Sotomayor and her daughter Grissel Benitez-Hodge, Sonia Colón-Lamas, Anaida Colón-Muñiz, Luz Nieves-Colón, and Evelyn Patricia Delgado Rivera. ¡Gracias de corazón!
Send us your Boricua recipes for this 2025 project! Callingallboricua chefs
Callingallboricua chefs Template Sample
TO: acolon@chapman.edu
NameofDish(inSpanishwithEnglishDescription)
Memory:Writeaparagraphaboutwhythisdishisimportanttoyouand whyitremindsyouofPuertoRicoafamilymemberafriendoran experiencerelatedtobeingPuertoRican Ingredients-writtenwithclearmeasurements(cuptsptbsppinchetc) Example: 4tbspsofoliveoil 2lbsofpotatoes-peeledandcutintoone-inchchunksandsetaside 1medium-sizedonionslicedintothinroundpieces 3garlicclovespeeledandcutintoverysmallpieces 1lbofchoppedbeef-defrostedandsprinkledwithadobo ProcedureStep-by-stepproceduresforcuttingmixingandcooking Example: Sautétheonionandgarlicintwotbspsoftheoliveoiluntilsoftand fragrant(about3minutes)Addthechoppedbeef
Picture/s-Includetwohigh-resolutionphotosOnephotoofthedishthat isbeingprepared(orcomplete)andoneyourmemory(personplace experience)
Colón-Lamas,
Nilsa J Thorsos, 2nd VP and Committee Chair
Nicole Hernández, Member and Contributor
Milly C. Lugo-Ríos, Member and Contributor
Marjorie Patton, 1st VP and Contributor
Sonia
Treasurer and Contributor
Gloria
Miguel, President, Layout & Contributor
Anaida Colón Muñiz, Past President and Copy Editor