NUESTRAS VOCES_2025_08 FINAL

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PUERTO RICAN WOMEN-SoCal

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

VOL 2, AUGUST 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: Anaida Colón-Muñiz & Milly C. Lugo-Ríos

Welcome to the August issue of Nuestras Voces 2025! We began this year with lots of energy and excitement that continues as we move towards the rest of the year.

In this issue we have exciting news, beginning with the Member Spotlight featuring Giovanna Sanguinetti Colón, whose work has made a significant impact in healthcare and the Latino community. Then, get ready for the fall and winter with a special treat that we can all make to sweeten the holidays, pastelillos de guayaba! Member Grissel Benítez-Hodge provides her delicious recipe on page 2. Thanks, Grissel!

This year, we engaged in our favorite activities aimed at supporting Latina education and personal advancement. We are once again thrilled to announce our 2025 scholarship winners! Let’s celebrate and learn more about the four outstanding candidates who will apply the funds to support their academic pursuits. To generate these funds, we held our successful third annual Domino Tournament and Fundraiser on June 22nd. Read on to learn about the event and the surprising winners of the tournament, who once again, reaffirmed our Latina power!

In El Rincón del Coquí, we remind you about this year’s exceptional recipient of the 2025 NACOPRW SoCal Orgullo Boricua Award, Ingrid Otero-Smart. We encourage all of you to register to attend this free event where we will recognize the well-known talent and success of yet another Boricua woman who is standing out in SoCal as an example of our Latina potential! We also recognize the caring and notable Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami in an article about her latest achievement that reached the shores of South Korea!

Additionally,we interview our distinguished member Dr. Ana Celia Zentella where you will learn more about her trailblazing research and stellar career on behalf of Spanish-speakers in the U.S. As the upcoming SoCal chapter elections get closer, we urge members to consider running and serving on our chapter’s board. It is a special opportunity to make your mark in SoCal! Coupled with the election, we have very exciting news about the forthcoming 52nd Annual NACOPRW national convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, held from November 7th to the 9th, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to make or extend a trip back to the Island while also registering for the convention to meet our NACOPRW sisters from chapters throughout the country, hear from exceptional speakers, and engage in motivating workshops and events!

Fortunately, even from our homes in SoCal we could venture into Puerto Rico through literature. In our Rincón Literario, we review the novel, Raíces en el Aire, written by well-known Puerto Rican TV and Film Screenwriter and Actor, Julio Torresoto. Don’t miss it!

We bring closure to this wonderful issue with our Bomba Connection, broadcasting the successful university trajectories and graduations of our youth as they pursue their dreams through higher education.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for all the upcoming events, including the coquito making workshop.

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

www.nacoprwsocal.org

Thank you for your on-going dedicated membership and support!

Mark Your Calendars!

2025 Orgullo Boricua Award

Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 3 to 5:30pm At the Norman P. Murray Community Center PAGE 1

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: GIOVANNA SANGUINETTI COLÓN

By Gloria San Miguel

In this issue we are proud to highlight our member Giovanna Sanguinetti Colón, who joined our NACOPRW SoCal Chapter in 2024 and has made a meaningful impact in our Chapter.

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and raised in Orlando, Florida, Giovanna has called Orange County, California home for the past ten years. She is married and the proud mother of three boys — Giovanni, Italo, and Santiago. Giovanna holds a doctorate in Health Science with a focus on Global Health and currently serves as Senior Director of Program for an agency providing mental health services to students in public schools and the broader communities of Orange County and Corona-Norco. She also oversees a non-public school in Costa Mesa.

Passionate about community well-being, Giovanna works tirelessly to address social determinants of health and bridge the gap between healthcare, basic needs, especially in the most impacted communities.

For the past two years, she has researched and shared critical information about the dangers of female genital mutilation. She also serves as Chairwoman of Pueblos of CA, a nonprofit dedicated to meeting the basic needs of community members.

Giovanna joined NACOPRW SoCal last September ‘24 and was part of the 2025 Elections Committee

Giovanna joined NACOPRW SoCal because of her deep commitment to supporting and empowering women, especially Latinas. The organization’s mission resonated even more strongly with her because it fosters community among Puerto Rican women in the diaspora — something she values deeply while living far from her beloved Island.

Recently, Giovanna participated in the NACOPRW Scholarship Committee, finding the process both rigorous and inspiring. Reading applicants’ stories reaffirmed her dedication to creating spaces where women can thrive in a society that often overlooks them.

Thank you Giovanna for being a part of our Chapter and supporting our mission. We are lucky to have you!

EL FOGÓN

BORICUA

LOS RICOS PASTELILLOS DE GUAYABA (GUAVA PASTRIES)

by Grissel Benítez-Hodge Whether you grew up or have visited Puerto Rico (or other places in the Caribbean), you have likely tried these delicious pastries.

Pastelillos de Guayaba are found in “panaderías” (bakeries) throughout the Island. These are flaky pockets of pastry puffs filled with pasta de guayaba (guava paste) and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Guava is a tropical fruit that is sweet and tangy. The guava paste is used in many desserts and appetizers. These Pastelillos are great to serve at parties or with your favorite cup of Café.

Although I grew up eating these from the panaderías in Puerto Rico, I learned to make them when I was living in Hawaii from a young Puerto Rican Army wife who always treated us with a taste of ‘home-away-from-home’. They are easy to make and quite tasty. I assure you everyone will love them!

Ingredients 1 package of Pepperidge Farm frozen puff pastry 1 can or box of Goya Pasta de Guayaba (guava paste) - or any other brand ½ cup of water ½ cup of powdered sugar Instructions: Pastry: Follow the instructions on the frozen puff pastry box for thawing and baking. .Before baking, unfold and separate the puff pastry sheets along the lines.

Place them on a flat surface, cut them with a sharp knife or pizza cutter into 3-4 inch squares, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until medium brown in color (avoid over baking). Let them cool and, carefully, split open each pastry square.

Guava Paste Filling: Cut guava paste in small cubes. Using half a can/box at a time, add l/2 a cup of water and bring to a boil, stirring and until the paste is spreadable. (You may also use the microwave for this process). Place a table spoon of the guava filling onto each half of a pastry puff square and close. Make sure the squares match. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve on a pretty platter and Enjoy!

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

2025 NACOPRW SOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS ¡W !

EP PA AND THE WINNERS ARE...

CELEBRATING THE 2025 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

by Gloria San Miguel The NACOPRW SoCal 2025 Scholarship Committee has once again gone above and beyond to make our annual scholarship program a success. This year’s committee - co-chaired by Marjorie Patton and Marie Nubia Feliciano, PhD, was joined by Sonia Colón-Lamas, Giovanna Sanguinetti Colón, Nilsa J. Thorsos, PhD, and Grissel Benítez Hodge - devoted countless hours to reviewing applications, conducting interviews with our talented applicants, and carefully reading each essay.

Their dedication, insight, and compassion ensured that our scholarship awards truly reflect the values and mission of NACOPRW SoCal: “Preserving our Heritage and Rights through Mentorship and Leadership for a Better Tomorrow.” By investing their time and expertise, they have helped open doors for the next generation of leaders and changemakers in our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to each committee member for their commitment, professionalism, and passion for empowering others. Your work is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose and heart.

A!

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

LADIES IN THE HOUSE!!! !

OUR 3 ANNUAL DOMINO EVENT ¡WEP A P E A RD

By Sonia Colón-Lamas

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Four women dominated NACOPRW’s 2025 Third Annual Domino Tournament and Fundraiser held on . Dr. Anaida Colón Muñiz and Claudia Rivera took First Place for the advanced level, with Sandra Luna and Breanna Lysette Adamovich both being first time players, taking Second Place. They each received a beautiful trophy.

The Domino game has long been seen as a men’s game in the Latino Culture. This year women proved that they can dominate, and that they too belong at the top!! This victory has generated lots of excitement and many offers for rematches next year.

With a delicious lunch, a colorful Kiosko, showcasing fabulous merchandise, and valuable opportunity prizes, the tournament not only raised funds for our Scholarship Program, was but was also proof that the Domino Table knows no gender!

Congratulations to the winners and to the planning committee members for once again putting together a successful and fun event.

Event-Chair and Treasurer, Sonia Colón Lamas, 1 st VP, Marjorie Patton, President,, Gloria San Miguel, and Secretary, Dr. Marie Nubia-Feliciano

Winners of NACOPRW’s 2025 Domino Tournament!

Anaida Colón-Muñiz & Claudia Rivera took First Place at the advanced level, while first-time players Sandra Luna & Breanna Lysette Adamovich claimed Second Place. íFelicidades a las campeonas!

Participants enjoying the delicious sandwiches and desserts before the competition begins.

Above: Lots of concentration from the teams.

El Kiosko Boricua brought a taste of Puerto Rico to our event, offering members’ unique Boricua and other products. Special thanks to Anaida Colón-Muñiz, Hilda Ovalle, María Quezada, and Breanna Adamovich for organizing, hosting and managing this beautiful cultural space.

Smiles, laughter, and a dash of friendly competition! Our fabulous NACOPRW SoCal members lit up the room at the 3rd Domino Tournament—celebrating culture, camaraderie, and a love for the game. ¡Que vivan nuestras tradiciones!

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: DR. ANA CELIA ZENTELLA - A LIFE DEDICATED TO LANGUAGE, IDENTITY, AND JUSTICE

by Dr. Nilsa J. Thorisos

From the vibrant streets of the South Bronx to the halls of academia across the nation, Dr. Ana Celia Zentella has lived a life that celebrates the beauty of language, the resilience of culture, and the unshakable pursuit of justice. Born to a proud Puerto Rican mother and a devoted Mexican father, she grew up in the 1940s surrounded by the music of many tongues—hearing not just Spanish, but a kaleidoscope of Spanish and English varieties woven together in her community. These early experiences didn’t just shape her identity—they became the heart and soul of her life’s work.

Dr. Zentella’s academic journey is as inspiring as her trajectory. She earned her B.A. in Spanish from Hunter College, CUNY, followed by an M.A. in Romance Languages and Literatures at Pennsylvania State University. In 1981, she completed her Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania with her groundbreaking dissertation, "Hablamos los dos. We speak both": Growing up bilingual in New York’s El Barrio—a pioneering exploration of bilingualism. That research was expanded into a generational study, Growing up Bilingual: Puerto Rican children in New York (1997), which won the Book Award of both the Association of Latina and Latino Anthropologists/American Anthropology Association, and the British Association of Applied Linguists.

Her distinguished career includes over three decades as Professor of Black and Puerto Rican Studies (now Africana/Puerto Rican/Latino Studies) at Hunter College, CUNY, followed by her role as Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, San Diego. From 2010 to 2012, she also chaired the Language and Social Justice Committee of the American Anthropology Association, reflecting her steadfast belief that “there is no language without power,” which led her to call for an "anthro-political linguistics" in 1995.

Dr. Zentella’s research is as bold as it is compassionate. She has shed light on: The rich complexity of U.S. varieties of Spanish, English, and Spanglish How Latinx families pass on language through socialization The damaging impacts of “English-only” laws The delicate balance between genuine cross-cultural communication and harmful stereotypes in language use From studying the pronoun patterns of Spanish speakers in New York City to documenting the lives of transfronterizo students who cross the U.S.–Mexico border daily for school, her work is a testament to how language both shapes—and is shaped by—identity, migration, and power.

In our conversation, Dr. Zentella spoke with heartfelt urgency about the rise in hostility toward Spanish speakers since 2016 and the deep harm it causes, especially to children who may grow fearful of speaking their heritage language. She shared stories of her English class for immigrant adults—many of whom cannot attend class given their fears of deportation—reminding us that language advocacy is also human rights advocacy.

Her passion extends to honoring the mother tongue. She champions the celebration of UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day every February 21st, underscoring the profound cognitive, cultural, and emotional benefits of speaking and preserving one’s first language.

Through decades of teaching, research, and activism, Dr. Ana Celia Zentella has become not just a scholar but a cultural guardian. She has inspired countless educators, students, and community members to embrace linguistic diversity with pride, to challenge injustice, and to recognize that language is never just words—it is power, history, and belonging. In 2022, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the highest honors a scholar can receive in the U.S. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Ana Celia Zentella for being a valued member of our Chapter and for her generous support of the Scholarship Committee last year. Her dedication to education, cultural preservation, and social justice reflects the very mission we strive to uphold. By lending her voice, time, and expertise, she has helped us open doors for future generations, ensuring that our work continues to empower and uplift our community. íGracias Dr. Ana Celia Zentella!

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION IN SOUTH KOREA FOR DR. ANA JIMENEZ-HAMI AND OCCTAC

By Anaida Colón-Muñiz

This year, as Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami prepares for the 25 th anniversary of Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Center (OCCTAC), she also recently received an international recognition in South Korea for her work in the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Center for students with disabilities. One of Dr. Ana’s prized students, Roberto Reyes, was able to perform for a large audience participating at the 2025 International Special Music and Art Festival, Special Olympics in Seoul, Korea. The International Special Music & Art Festival is an international art festival for developmentally disabled and non-disabled people. It was held this year at Seoul National University from August 7th to the 10th. This festival began in 2013 with a joint performance by disabled and non-disabled artists at the 2013 Pyeongchang Special Olympics World Winter Games as part of an evening cultural event. It is the world's only culture and art festival for developmentally disabled artists around the world where they are able to express their own artistic talents through music and art. While there were many wonderful performances, Roberto was the only representative from the United States, performing a classical piece on piano. He and his mother, Beronica Roman, were able to visit this beautiful country with Dr. Ana and her husband, Dr. Anoosh Hami. Roberto’s OCCTAC teacher, Phoebe Earbin Stanciell, was also present. While in Korea, the OCCTAC team was able to travel and visits many beautiful sites and enjoy learning more about the history and culture of South Korea. We are proud of the work done by our member Ana JiménezHami. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the 25 th anniversary celebration of OCCTAC held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge in Santa Ana. Get your tickets by visiting www.occtac.org/25.

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

EL RINCóN DEL COQUÍ: 2025 NACOPRW SOCAL’S ORGULLO BORICUA AWARD: INGRID OTERO-SMART Join us for an inspirational afternoon as we honor an exceptional SoCal Puerto Rican leader and come together in celebration, member appreciation, connection, and pride on: Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Norman P. Murray Community Center at 24932 Veterans Way | Mission Viejo, CA 92692.

During this event we will be honoring:

Ms. Ingrid Otero-Smart with the 2025 NACOPRW SoCal’s Orgullo Boricua Award Ms. Otero-Smart is President and CEO at Casanova//McCann and has been recognized for her more than 20 years of leadership and success in the U.S. Hispanic advertising world, Ingrid Otero-Smart has opened doors, built bridges, and led with vision and heart.

From working with major brands to making an impact in the community, Ingrid’s influence has been impressive and far-reaching. Ms. Otero-Smart will be speaking to us about her important work and leadership over the years.

Whether you are a longtime NACOPRW SoCal member or new to our community, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, get inspired by this remarkable Boricua woman, and learn more about our mission to support and empower Puerto Rican women and their allies in Southern California. During the event we also hope to learn more about each other and our own experiences.

Mark your calendars and join us to honor excellence, build community, and celebrate our Boricua pride together. This is a free event.

Feel free to bring a friend or two, we would love to meet them!

Light refreshments will be served Dress Code: Business Casual Enjoy good company, music, and community spirit RSVP by September 15, 2025, by completing a form at https://forms.gle/XfPuYZib5VhUWF6r6 or via email at nacoprwsocal98@gmail.com

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

GET READY FOR NACOPRW SOCAL ELECTIONS

by Gloria San Miguel, President

It’s that exciting time of year again — NACOPRW SoCal Chapter’s elections are just around the corner! This October, we will be electing our next group of passionate leaders to guide our chapter into another year of growth, advocacy, and sisterhood.

Serving on the Board or as a Committee Chair is not only an honor but also a unique opportunity to shape the future of our chapter. Whether you have years of leadership experience or are simply ready to take your first step into a leadership role, your voice, ideas, and energy are needed!

Our chapter thrives on collaboration. Tasks and committees are well-organized, responsibilities are shared, and our leadership team works together in a supportive and fun environment. It is a space where creativity flourishes, friendships are built, and every contribution makes a meaningful difference towards our mission.

We encourage you to nominate yourself or a fellow member for a leadership position. If you are nominating someone else, please be sure to confirm with them first to ensure they are ready and excited to serve. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at nacoprwsocal98@gmail.com.

This is your moment to be part of something bigger — to preserve our heritage, promote our rights, and empower women in our community. Let’s continue building a chapter that uplifts and inspires! Nomination details and position descriptions will be shared soon. In the meantime, start thinking about how you — or someone you know — can bring your unique talents to the table.

Your chapter needs you!

NACOPRW SoCal Chapter - Elections Quick Guide Summary of Officer Responsibilities

NATIONAL ELECTIONS COMING UP SOON National Elections for NACOPRW Executive Board are also coming up this year. Please be on the look for communications for timeline, positions, nominations, and election day.

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

JOIN US FOR NACOPRW’S 52ND ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION DESTINATION: SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Join Us for NACOPRW’s 52rd Annual Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico The National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW) is thrilled to announce our 52rd Annual Convention, taking place November 7–9, 2025 in beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico. This year’s theme, “Leading with Purpose: Building Bridges Across Generations,” celebrates the power of Puerto Rican women to unite, inspire, and lead—across time, geography, and culture.

This dynamic gathering will bring together women from the island and the diaspora for professional development, cultural workshops, and community advocacy. It is also a great opportunity to connect with members from all NACOPRW chapters and create stronger bonds with our organization. We invite you to be part of a experience that strengthens our leadership, honors our heritage, and builds lasting bonds across generations.

Save the date! Registration and hotel information will be released soon—plan now to join us in San Juan this November.

When Puerto Rican women lead with purpose, we change the world!

RINCÓN LITERARIO: RAÍCES EN EL AIRE/ROOTS IN THE AIR

BY JULIO TORRESOTO

by Milly C. Lugo Ríos The novel, Roots in the Air, is a living portrait of the Puerto Rican Diaspora of the 1950s. The author Julio Torresoto was born in Guayanilla, PR. Like his main character, Guata, he began working in the media during his teens. Roots in the Air is a slim book (only 126 pages) but it fully explores the life of a family during the ‘50s, their precarious financial situation, their ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and their zest in improving their life, especially Guata. Guata is a bright, entrepreneurial, and a loving individual whose devotion to his family and PR seeps in throughout the book. The idea of ‘roots in the air’ metaphorically symbolizes Guata’s yearning for economic stability, embracing change in order to survive, yet still keeping alive his roots (memories, culture, and traditions).

Torresoto does such a good job bringing to life the challenges experienced by Puerto Ricans who are forced to seek outside opportunities in order to live. Even during their time on the island, Guata and his family are frequently transplanted from town to slum to urban areas, yet their raíces remain in Puerto Rican soil. But like many pushed by the poor economy, they and many other Puerto Ricans were uprooted. These uprooted Puerto Ricans tried to assimilate into the new culture...but their raíces endured, albeit, in a paradoxical world of Americanism mixed with Puerto Ricanism, in other words, with our roots in the air.

Whether the reader is familiar with stories of Puerto Rican migration or the culture of those forced to seek a better life away from their country, Roots in the Air invites readers into the lives of characters who are suspended between cultures, wrestling with the contradictions of belonging and exile and still loyal to their roots. Don’t miss it!

(4.5 coconuts out of 5)

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VOL 2, AUGUST 2025

BOMBA CONNECTION! New College Beginnings!

Congrats Grads! Class of 2025!

Congratulations to Tymen Koestsier, who recently earned his Associate of Arts in History from Irvine Valley College!

He is now heading to the University of California, Berkeley, where he will major in History with minors in Classics and Dutch Studies. Tymen aspires to become a history professor specializing in Ancient Roman History. Warmest congratulations to Tymen and the entire Koestsier-Feliciano family!

Members Mercedes Julian and Janice Miller are thrilled to celebrate the graduation of their grandson, Gabriel Kristofer Murphy, from Great Hearts/Trivium Preparatory Academy. At 18, Gabriel will be attending Grand Canyon University this September to pursue a degree in Cybersecurity. ¡Felicidades, Gabriel!

The Rivera-Patton family is beaming with pride! Maximiliano (left) is off to New York City to begin his MBA at the NYU Stern School of Business. Meanwhile, his brother Salvador (right) returns for his second year at the Gonzaga University School of Law in Washington State. ¡Éxito Max y Salva!

Our member Hildegrade Feliciano and her husband Michael Cotto proudly celebrate their daughter, Isabel S. Cotto, who graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science. ¡Felicidades, Isabel!

Mark your Calendars Saturday, September 27, 2025 - Orgullo Boricua Award October 2025 - Chapter and National Elections November 7-9, 2025 - NACOPRW National Convention, San Juan, Puerto Rico November 15 (tentative) - Coquito Workshop

Meet our Newsletter Team:

Nilsa J. Thorsos, 2nd VP, Committee Chair, & Contributor

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.

Anaida Colón Muñiz, Past President, Copy Editor & Contributor

Nilsa