NUESTRAS VOCES_2025_04 FINAL

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PUERTO RICAN WOMEN-SoCal

NUESTRAS VOCES PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE AND RIGHTS THROUGH MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

VOL 1, APRIL 2025

WHO WE ARE 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

Editorial - Entre Nosotras PRESENTING OUR EDITORS FOR THIS ISSUE: Gloria San Miguel & Sonia Colón-Lamas

Welcome to the April edition of Nuestras Voces — a celebration of leadership, achievement, and the unstoppable strength of our members!

In this issue, we are proud to shine a Member Spotlight on Nilsita Smith-Thorsos, whose dedication and vibrant spirit continue to inspire us all. We also take a flavorful journey with El Fogón Boricua, featuring the mouthwatering Serenata de Bacalao, by our member Dorianne Montalvo — a dish that brings our heritage to life with every bite. We celebrate advocacy and leadership as Anaida ColónMuñiz represents El Sol Science and Arts Academy at the UnidosUS Changemakers Summit in Washington, D.C., standing up for our community’s voice on a national stage. Meanwhile, our future shines brighter with the latest updates from the NACOPRW SoCal 2025 Scholarship Program, helping open doors for the next generation.

Reflecting on the past, member Alice Apodaca shares a powerful article marking the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic — a moving reminder of our resilience and unity through unprecedented times. We also honor the life and legacy of Doña Minerva Ruiz-Sotomayor, whose contributions and spirit leave a lasting mark on our hearts.

Our cultural pride continues with a spotlight on Puerto Rican women in film, featuring La Pecera, and a literary celebration in Rincón Literario with Cortijo’s Wake — stories that carry our voices far and wide.

We beam with pride as we celebrate Arianna Benitez, one of our NACOPRW SoCal scholarship recipients, on her graduation — a true symbol of perseverance and success. And last but certainly not least, we announce the 2025 Orgullo Boricua Award, honoring outstanding achievement and community impact, going to Ingrid Otero-Smart, President and CEO of Casanova/McCann, a prominent Hispanic advertisement agency of Southern California.

We invite you to dive into these powerful stories, get involved, and keep the momentum going. Your voice, your energy, and your presence make our community stronger every day. Thank you for being part of NACOPRW SoCal and Nuestras Voces. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and build an even stronger future. ¡Adelante siempre!

For more information about our chapter, membership or donations visit us at:

www.nacoprwsocal.org

RD

Mark Your Calendars!

3 NACOPRW So Cal DOMINO TOURNAMENT Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 from 1 to 5pm At the Norman P. Murray Community Center FUNDS GENERATED WILL SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

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Nuestras Voces-NACOPRW-SOCAL

VOL 1, APRIL 2025

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: NILSA M. SMITH

By Nilsa J. Thorsos, Ph.D. It is my absolute privilege to introduce Nilsa M. Smith in this edition’s Membership Spotlight. When we talk about young Puerto Rican women making a difference, Nilsa shines brightly as a powerful example of the diaspora experience, blending culture, commitment, and community into everything she does. Born in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, Nilsa is the youngest of four siblings and was welcomed into the world at the Hospital De El Maestro. She was raised in a lively and multicultural household, where education ran deep, thanks to a long line of teachers on her mother’s side, including her grandmother, aunts, and mother. That early exposure to education and cultural pride helped shape the remarkable woman she is today.

Nilsa has lived in Northern California, New Mexico, Hawaii, and now calls Southern California home. Through every move, one thing has remained constant: her deep love for family and learning. She is a dedicated mother to two teenage boys and is deeply involved in their many extracurricular activities. Whether it's a sports game, a school event, or a weekend adventure, Nilsa is there, cheering them on and keeping them grounded in their Puerto Rican roots.

Every summer and holiday season, Nilsa returns to Puerto Rico with her sons to visit family and strengthen their cultural connection. She is intentional about preserving their heritage, ensuring they not only speak Spanish but also embrace the richness of their multicultural background. It’s a beautiful reminder of how heritage is not just remembered, but actively lived.

A true lifelong learner, Nilsa holds both Bachelor’degree in science, as well as a Master’s in chemistry education. While completing her bachelor’s, she worked on completing her advanced open water, rescue diver, and Dive Master with her father’s family dive shop business in Hawaii. She brings her love of science to life as a middle school teacher and also runs a successful tutoring business, supporting students beyond the classroom. Her passion for education and empowering the next generation is nothing short of inspiring.

NILSITA M. SMITH Nilsita has been active since joining our chapter in 2023 in many committees: scholarship, events.

Thank you for all your help!

But Nilsa doesn’t stop there, she wears many hats! Her hobbies include gardening, painting, traveling, and, most recently, beekeeping. Yes, beekeeping! Always curious and adventurous, Nilsa is continuously exploring new ways to engage with the world around her.. Nilsa M. Smith is a vibrant, multifaceted woman whose life reflects a beautiful fusion of purpose, passion, and Puerto Rican pride. She reminds us all of the strength found in embracing our roots, nurturing our families, and never stopping in our pursuit of growth.

We are honored to spotlight Nilsa in this edition—and even more honored to have her as part of our community!

EL FOGÓN

🌺🐝

BORICUA

SERENATA DE BACALAO (SALTED COD SALAD WITH ROOT VEGETABLES)

by Dorianne Montalvo Growing in a traditional Catholic family in Puerto Rico meant respecting all the solemnities of Holy Week (Semana Santa). This included fasting all day, up to 3:00pm, on Good Friday, as well as not laughing, yelling, listening to music or even using any sharp objects on that day. Many times I found myself sneaking into the kitchen to steal some bread crumbs to appease my hunger. However, I have to say that my mom’s delicious “serenata de bacalao con vianda” (salt cod salad with root vegetables) was worth the long wait. Today, more than 50 years later, I continue to prepare this delicious salad and have shared it with my very special friend, Gloria San Miguel! She has even named this tradition “la cooperativa del bacalao”. Here is the recipe: Ingredients 1 ½ pounds of salt cod fillet 1 red onion, julienned 3 tbsp. of chopped cilantro Olive oil to taste 3 hard-boiled eggs, cut into wedges ½ cup of sliced salad olives with minced pimentos ½ cup of minced pimentos 1 avocado, diced Root vegetables (yuca, ñame, batata, yautía) peeled, cut and boiled

Doña Tessie (left) with her daughter Dorianne (right). She taught her to make the traditional Serenata de Bacalao.

Instructions: Rinse the cod to remove the salt coat. In a large pot, cover the cod with water and leave overnight. Drain the water and add fresh water to boil the cod for 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and taste the cod to ensure it is not too salty.Transfer cod to a large mixing bowl and let it cool down. Flake (“desmenuzar”) the cod fish with your fingers in medium pieces, and carefully remove any small bones or tough skin that remains. Add olive oil, sliced hard boiled eggs, chopped red onion, sliced salad olives with minced pimentos, chopped cilantro, and avocado . Mix all ingredients and set aside at room temperature before serving. Serve with boiled root vegetables (yuca, red yams, n~ame, yautia), known as “vianda”. Add olive oil if necessary to keep it moist. Refrigerate any left over for next day.

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Nuestras Voces-NACOPRW-SOCAL

VOL 1, APRIL 2025

GOING TO WASHINGTON, DC FOR OUR RIGHTS

by Dr. Anaida Colón-Muñiz

Congressman Adriano Espaillat at the Capitol

In March, as the school’s board president, I represented El Sol Science and Arts Academy at Unidos US Changemakers Summit in Washington, DC. There over 300 affiliates from non-profits throughout the country gathered to learn more about the current barrage of executive orders and changes that are affecting the Latino community in the United States. In addition to leaders such as Janet Murguia from Unidos US, which is the largest Latino organization in the country, we heard from many leaders including representatives from Hispanic Federation, LULAC, and government officials, such as Congressman Adriano Espaillat from New York City. Panel presentations and speeches brought to light the rights we have as citizens and residents, and the legal actions that are being taken to deter cutbacks as well as changes taking place in education, health, immigration policy, and many other areas. A press conference was held in front of the Capitol to expose these concerns. Before and after the event, I took advantage of the fact that I was in DC and had dinner at Chef Andrés famous Jaleo Restaurant with three former members of the original NACOPRW Washington chapter, Dora Strope, Anna Rosario and Vilma Rosario. Dora has been a SoCal presenter and SoCal scholarship donor. I was also able to meet with our National President, Amaris Hernandez Padgett, as we were at the same hotel as the Summit.

Representatives of El Sol Academy at the Summit At the Capitol with Representatives from El Sol Academy At Jaleo with Former NACOPRW DC Sisters Dora, Anaida, Anna and Vilma

Janet Murguia.

President, Unidos US

Amaris Hernández, National President of NACOPRW (left) and Anaido Colón-Muñiz (right)

EMPOWERING FUTURES: NACOPRW SOCAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM KICKS OFF!

by Marjorie Patton, First Vice President The NACOPRW-SoCal Chapter has officially launched its 2025 Annual Scholarship Program, dedicated to uplifting Puerto Rican and Latina students pursuing higher education in Southern California. With scholarships of up to $1,000, the program supports community college, undergraduate, graduate, and vocational students who meet eligibility criteria.

Applications open on May 1, 2025 and are due by May 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. Eligible applicants must be female students of Puerto Rican or Latina heritage, enrolled in at least six semester units with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Past applicants who were not previously awarded are encouraged to reapply.

Finalists will participate in virtual interviews and may be invited to join the NACOPRWSoCal chapter, gaining access to mentorship opportunities and community engagement.

To learn more or apply, visit www.nacoprwsocal.org or email inquiries to menubia@gmail.com. Let’s continue to invest in the brilliance and leadership of our future “mujeres poderosas”!

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Nuestras Voces-NACOPRW-SOCAL

VOL 1, APRIL 2025

5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

By Alice Apodaca

March 2025 marks the fifth anniversary of the United States Covid-19 pandemic. This was one of the worst pandemics in this country and it impacted many. With all the lives lost and families, friends affected, it was devastating. The quarantine affected us as a country as we were isolated for so long that depression, suicide and loneliness became a part of life.

In the United States, there have been 103,436,829 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 1,219,038 confirmed deaths, the most of any country, and the 17th highest per capita worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic ranks as the deadliest disaster in the country’s history. It was the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2020, behind heart disease and cancer. Though these numbers have varied due to some missing information and miscalculations, the numbers were high and many people lost loved ones under very difficult circumstances. Many were alone and died alone as family members could not see them or enter hospitals. Nursing homes were hit hard as well. Due to the morgues and cemeteries being overburdened cases were lost or misplaced. It was a tragic and difficult time for all these families and our country as we were isolated and quarantined. People continue to grieve their loved ones lost and many people still have the effects of long COVID. (Wikipedia information- COVID 19 Pandemic in the United States) My New York City friend, Sandra Rivera, is a Puerto Rican dancer and choreographer who for more than 25 years draws from her PR heritage and creates work that is grounded and reflective of the Latinx experience. She performed a dance at the beautiful historic New York City Riverside Church on March 9, 2025 in remembrance of the 5th anniversary and in memory of her beloved father who died the first year due to COVID. To view the video titles “Imagine Drawing Near” in the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRVqXyZCMBo

Reverend Adrienne Thorne (left) and Puerto Rican choreographer, Sandra Rivera (right) perform “Imagine Drawing Near” in remembrance of the 5 th anniversary and in memory of Sandra’s father who died due to COVID.

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Nuestras Voces-NACOPRW-SOCAL

VOL 1, APRIL 2025

IN MEMORIAM: DOÑA MINERVA RUIZ SOTOMAYOR AN EARTH ANGEL GOES TO HEAVEN February 26, 1933-March 9, 2025 Dr. Anaida Colón-Muñiz and Grissel Benitez-Hodge

In our last issue we showcased our first Masterclass on making pasteles, featuring our beautiful eldest member, Minerva Ruiz Sotomayor, who had gifted us with her step-by-step instructions on the art of making this Puerto Rican delicacy as her mother and grandmother had taught her. In this issue, we regrettably share that she recently left this earth to continue her journey to heaven, where she crossed from earth angel to a heavenly angel. Living a life of service to others and motivated by a tremendous sense of faith, Doña Minerva was a trailblazer Boricua woman, who left a powerful legacy of love and care to all who were fortunate enough to meet and know her. May she rest in peace and power.

After a series of health issues, on March 9th, Minerva succumbed to a failing heart on a return trip from seeing her sister in Puerto Rico, who had become critically ill. Under the caring guidance and support of her daughter, member Grissel Benitez-Hodge, these two sisters had a joyous reunion and were able to reconnect face to face one last time under the warmth and caress of the Puerto Rican sun, rather than by long-distance phone. Sadly, for all her family, this would be Minerva’s last journey, after decades of travelling to her many homes, mainly in Aguadilla, but also Connecticut, Hawaii, and ultimately, California.

Minerva was an ordained minister, who founded and served as pastor for the First Pentecostal Christian Church of Villa Linda in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico for 20 years, and from there she led missionary trips throughout Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. She was the first ordained female pastor in the Pentecostal Diocese of Connecticut and founding member of the First Pentecostal Christian Church of New London. She also founded Ministerio Sembrando y Cosechando in the Dominican Republic, where she opened three churches and supported a local children’s orphanage, fundraising through her outstanding cooking to support them all. Her strength and vigor were obvious in every endeavor she undertook, because nothing was too difficult or overwhelming for this dedicated Nacoprense. She often fed us also and generously donated to events to help with NACOPRW SoCal scholarship fundraising. She loved her life, her family, her friends, her church, and she enjoyed a good domino game too!

As Grissel stated in her obituary, “Minerva was always surrounded by the aromas and flavors of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. From a young age, she learned the culinary arts from her mother, María, and throughout her life, she used that gift not only to feed her family, but also an entire community. Her hands created the flavors of our culture: cakes, asopao, coconut candy, and tembleque, all made with love and dedication”. We will deeply miss Doña Minerva but know that she is smiling down on us adorned with brilliant wings.

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Nuestras Voces-NACOPRW-SOCAL

VOL 1, APRIL 2025

PUERTO RICAN WOMEN IN FILM: LA PECERA

by Gloria San Miguel, President, NACOPRW SoCal

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

On Saturday, March 29 th, NACOPRW SoCal First Vice-President, Marjorie Patton and I had the honor of attending the presentation of the Puerto Rican film, “La Pecera” (The Fishbowl) at the Laemme Theater in Los Angeles. The filmBY was written and directed by Glorimar Marrero Sánchez and it was premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

After the film we had a Q&A session with Glorimar Marrero and Isel Rodríguez, who beautifully portrays Noelia, the main character of the story. This movie took Glorimar 10 years in the making and the results are a jewel of a film.

La Pecera is a very introspective story presenting a woman making decisions and taking control of her health and life. A graphic artist, Noelia, is diagnosed with terminal cancer and decides to return to her island home, Vieques, Puerto Rico, a former U.S. Navy bombing range. In Vieques she spends time with her Mother, Flora (Magali Carrasquillo), a former flame, Juni (Modesto Lacén), and many other people from her past. She also faces the reality of Vieques, which is still contaminated with bomb materials. What unfolds is an intensely personal confrontation with mortality, colonial legacy, and the lasting scars of environmental injustice.

Isel Rodríguez (left) and Glorimar Marrero Sánchez (right) at the premiere of La Pecera at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023.

La Pecera is a movie worth seeing due to its great performances, beautiful photography showcasing Vieques, its nature, and a story that makes us reflect about owning our destiny.

La Pecera is currently available for purchase in Amazon Prime. Watch it and support Puerto Rican women creating excellent cinema.

Gloria San Miguel (left), Isel Rodríguez (center) and Marjorie Patton (right).

rincón literario: cortijo’s wake (EL ENTIERRO DE CORTIJO)

by Milly C. Lugo-Rios Novel written by Edgardo Rodríguez Julia. Introduction and translation by Juan Flores.

Many NACOPRW members who grew up in Puerto Rico or New York during the 1950-1960s may remember the music of Cortijo y el Gran Combo, first in radio programs and later in television. Cortijo’s Wake by Edgardo Rodriguez Julia, is not only about the famous Rafael Cortijo, but it is also a portrait of Puerto Rico during the Munoz Marin era and the years of Operation Bootstrap. Through comments and observation from the people attending the wake, Rodriguez Julia, gives us a glimpse of the island, its people, politics, society, and culture. The narrator takes us through the famous or infamous Llorens Torres housing project, “the mythical zone of violence”. We see the community center where Cortijo’s body is laid and those attending: family, friends, fellow musicians and, of course, general spectators waiting for the arrival of people of note, especially grief stricken Ismael Rivera (Maelo), lead singer of Cortijo’s combo. It is hot and muggy, Cardinal Luis Aponte arrives together with Ruth Fernandez, (singer, actress, and politician). Arrangements for fans and microphone have been overlooked. Finally, the coffin is lifted and taken to the cemetery with a multitude crowding the path to its final destination. This book, published in 1983, is not only about Cortijo, but it is about Puerto Rico and its people, it is about society, music and songs with catchy stories.

Enjoy this short video of Cortijo y el Gran Combo singing the popular and humourous song Quitate de la via Perico for a taste of this musical icon of Puerto Rico’s past. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z04CHRrGFZI

My rating for Cortijo’s Wake: 4 out of 5 coconuts!

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VOL 1, APRIL 2024

Nuestras Voces-NACOPRW-SOCAL

EL RINCóN DEL COQUÍ: NACOPRW SOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Dr. Anaida Colón-Muñiz & Arianna Benítez Arianna Benítez, will graduate from USC Gould School of Law on May 16th, 2025.

When she first arrived in California, she had been affected by the devastating Hurricane Maria and was accepted at Chapman in 2018 after applying from local restaurants that had wifi. We met during a memorial and vigil that we held for Puerto Rico where she was able to speak about her experience, and the rest is history. She has forged her path in California ever since. She continued to be a member of our organization after being accepted to USC law school and is now receiving her law degree. Arianna was also the recipient of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women Vivian Ortiz Youth Leadership Award that was held in Miami in 2023. As the first in her nuclear family to pursue a legal career, Arianna is proud to represent her community and pave the way for future Latinx professionals. She has been a recipient of NACOPRW’s scholarship and mentorship since her undergraduate studies, and credits the organization’s continued support as a key part of her journey through law school. While at USC Gould, she was an active member of the Latinx Law Students Association, which played a meaningful role in shaping her academic and professional identity. This fall, she will begin her career in corporate law at the Los Angeles office of Foley & Lardner LLP, where she had interned during several summers. Arianna looks forward to giving back and paving the way for future Latinx legal professionals, as she remains committed to paying it forward through advocacy, mentorship, and service to her community. We are extremely proud of Arianna and all of our scholarship awardees and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! UPCOMING EVENTS...

2025

2025

APRIL Scholarship Committee meetings begin

AUGUST Second issue of Nuestras Voces published.

MAY Scholarship application deadline: 5/31/2025

SEPTEMBER Saturday, 9/27 - Symposium: Latina Impact & Orgullo Boricua 2025

JUNE Sunday, 6/22 - 3rd Domino Tournament, from 1-5pm Scholarship selection process begins

NOVEMBER 11/1 - Coquito workshop fundraiser

DECEMBER Holiday Gathering Third issue of Nuestras Voces is published

JULY Scholarship selections announced.

7/19 - 2025 Afro Latino Culture Fest, LA

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Nuestras Voces-NACOPRW-SOCAL

VOL 1, APRIL 2025

BOMBA CONNECTION! GRADUATIONS

Our members Mercedes Julian and Janice Miller are celebrating Janice’s daughter Kristina’s graduation in October 2024. All years of hard work paid off as she completed her Ed.D in October 2024 from Grand Canyon University. íFelicidades!

Congratulations to Bianca Rodríguez on her college graduation from Claremont McKenna College this May as she completes her B.A in Economics and International Relations. Bianca is the daughter Luz Selenia Loeb, predisent of the NACOPRW Philadelphia Chapter.

Felicidades. The sky is the limit!

More Nominations for Marco Morante Anaida Colón-Muñiz and Mac Morante are celebrating the nomination of their son Marco for a Lucille Lortel Award in the Outstanding Costume Design Category for the show Drag: The Musical. The Lucille Lortel Award recognizes excellence in the New York Off Broadway theater. Marco has always supported our chapter and is the creator of our new SoCal Taína logo íBuena suerte Marco!

HPRSD BOOK CLUB House of Puerto Rico San Diego has a monthly book club that meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm PST via Zoom.

They discuss books that are set in Puerto Rico, about Puerto Rico or P ​ uerto Ricans, or written by Puerto Rican authors. Our dear NACOPRW SoCal member, Isabel Schechter, is the moderator of the club and we already have a group of NACOPRW SoCal members participating. If you enjoy reading and would like to participate send an email to Isabel at bookclub@houseofpuertorico.com and she will send you the email link to join the discussion. You do not need to be a member of the HPRSD ​to attend.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 20th Book selection: Brother, Sister, Mother, Explorer by Jamie Figueroa

Meet our Newsletter Team:

Nilsa J. Thorsos, 2nd VP and Committee Chair

Gloria San Miguel, President, Layout & Contributor

Marjorie Patton, 1st VP and Contributor

Sonia Colón-Lamas, Treasurer and Contributor

Milly C. Lugo-Ríos, Member and Contributor

This publication summarizes the recent activities of NACOPRW-SOCAL, showcasing our members' achievements. As we complete the Fall and Winter months, we are excited about the upcoming elections and our future as NACOPRW SoCal. We encourage everyone to stay tuned for future event and activities.

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Anaida Colón Muñiz, Past President and Copy Editor

Nilsa