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
ANAIDA COLON-MUÑIZ, Ed D 1ST VICE PRESIDENT
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
May 2026 marks a meaningful milestone as we celebrate five years of the NACOPRW Southern California Chapter Newsletter “Nuestras Voces” In this May issue, we pause to honor one of our chapter’s co-founders, Darma E Castro Paden, whose legacy continues to inspire our work and community We also remember the loved ones of our esteemed members who have recently passed, holding space for them with the understanding that cherished memories carry our sisters through times of loss We honor the life and legacy of the great Boricua Antonia Pantoja in a special feature story
This issue spotlights our very special member Saundra K Wooton, esq who hosted our Chapter’s Executive Board to be a part of a historical evening where US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Japanese American Bar Association’s 49th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner in Los Angeles on February 9, 2026, an experience that continues to fill us with pride
We also reflect on a cultural moment that united Puerto Ricans worldwide: watching Bad Bunny headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, making history as the first solo artist singing only in Spanish to do so Where were you when it happened?
Other special events we report on include our successful Fourth Annual Domino Tournament fundraiser in SoCal, and the San Diego Padres Puerto Rican Heritage Night, where we feature our talented member and artist Rocío Delgado, who was showcased during the game for her design of the limited-edition “Corazón Boricua” baseball cap In celebration of Mother’s Day, members enjoyed a beautiful concert featuring Puerto Rican soprano, Larisa Martínez, A Journey Through Love and Song, presented by the Philharmonic Society, a truly a lovely afternoon to remember And, the article on remembrances of our beloved mothers’ traditions brings joy, smiles, and tears
Looking ahead, we encourage you not to miss the upcoming NACOPRW national convention to be held in Puerto Rico, focusing on leadership development and the preservation of Puerto Rican heritage Additional announcements include the 2026 Scholarship Program, a signature initiative of our chapter and a meaningful way to get involved and support Latina women We also look forward to this year ’ s Orgullo Boricua Award Event, where we will honor our remarkable member, Dr Ana Celia Zentella for her acclaimed contributions, scholarship and expertise in multilingualism
Our beloved sections return, including El Fogón Boricua, where we celebrate our culture through food After five years of sharing recipes, we are excited to continue planning a community recipe book Stay tuned for your invitation to contribute a favorite family recipe You’ll also find the Rincón Literario section, featuring curated selections by our in-house librarian, Milly C Lugo-Ríos
Marjorie Patton
EL FOGÓN
BORICUA
Puerto Rican shortbread cookies(mantecaditos)
By Gloria San Miguel
Mantecaditos, the beloved Puerto Rican shortbread cookies, reflect a rich blend of Spanish heritage and Caribbean creativity. Their name comes from the Spanish word manteca, meaning lard, a key ingredient in early versions of these cookies. They trace their origins to Spain, particularly regions like Andalusia, where traditional sweets such as mantecados and polvorones have been enjoyed for centuries, especially during the holiday season.
When Spanish settlers arrived in Puerto Rico, they brought these recipes with them. Over time, Puerto Ricans adapted the cookies to reflect local tastes and available ingredients. Lard was often replaced with butter or vegetable shortening, and new flavors such as vanilla, almond, and citrus were added. Bright sprinkles or a small piece of guava paste became common decorations, giving mantecaditos their distinctive festive look. Today, mantecaditos are closely associated with Christmas in Puerto Rico and are also a staple at family gatherings and celebrations. Often shaped into small domes or pressed into decorative molds, they are typically served with coffee or hot chocolate, evoking warmth, nostalgia, and tradition.
More than just a sweet treat, mantecaditos symbolize the island’s cultural fusion and the enduring importance of family traditions. Passed down through generations, these cookies continue to bring people together, preserving a delicious piece of Puerto Rican history with every bite.
Ingredients
½ Cup of butter (1 stick)
½ Cup of vegetable shortening
½ Cup of granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
Confectioner’s Sugar to sprinkle on top.
Other toppings that can be used: guava paste, or sugar sprinkles
Instructions
1 Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees, Fahrenheit
2 Add cream sugar, shortening and butter in a large bowl, mixing until creamy
3 Add egg yolk and almond extract and beat some more
4 Add 2 ¼ cups of flour to the mix, a little at a time, until well combined and chunky
5 Shape a tablespoon of dough into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
6 Place on a cookie sheet, bake until golden 10-12 minutes and remove from oven until cool
7 They can be served plain, or use a sifter to covered cookie with powdered sugar
Gloria has made her “mantecaditos”, a NACOPRW-SoCal favorite, always present in our events.
ultimate list of puerto rican movies - enjoy!
Puerto Rican Cinema (Local Stories & Culture)
Curated by Nilsa J. Thorsos, Ph.D.
Lo que le pasó a Santiago (1989): The first and only Puerto Rican film to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film.
La Guagua Aerea (1993): A cult classic comedy that explores the Puerto Rican experience of migrating to New York.
Broche de Oro (2012): A heartwarming comedy about an elderly man escaping his nursing home to enjoy life.
Antes que Cante el Gallo (2016): A drama focusing on family life in the mountainous region of Barranquitas.
Talento de Barrio (2008): A crime drama starring Daddy Yankee that explores life in the urban projects. Mi Puerto Rico (1995): A documentary that dives into the island's cultural, political, and social traditions.
San Juan: Beyond the Walls (2022): A documentary covering 500 years of history in the capital city. Millie and The Lords (2015): A film inspired by the Young Lords that explores Puerto Rican history and the search for identity.
La Pecera/The Fishbowl (2023): Noelia decides to return to her native Vieques as she makes a life decision. Streaming on Amazon Prime.
Diario Mujer y Cafe (2025): Four old friends reunite for a Puerto Rican getaway.. Available to rent on Amazon Prime
200 Cartas (2013): Road trip romantic comedy starring Lin Manuel Miranda, Dayanara Torres, Jaime Camil. Available to rent on Amazon Prime.
Major Films Filmed/Set in Puerto Rico
The Rum Diary (2011): Starring Johnny Depp, filmed in Puerto Rico and based on Hunter S. Thompson's novel set in San Juan.
Fast Five (2011): Parts of this action movie were filmed in Puerto Rico. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022): Used Puerto Rico's landscapes for filming, as noted in the Discover Puerto Rico Guide. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011): Filmed in various locations on the island.
The Caller (2011): A thriller shot entirely on the island.
Documentaries & TV Shows
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations S2E07 (2007): Explores Puerto Rican cuisine and culture.
Down to Earth with Zac Efron - Puerto Rico (2022): Features ecofriendly living and tourism in Puerto Rico.
Upcoming projects include a historical film titled Porto Rico, directed by Residente and starring Bad Bunny. Stay Tuned!
Source: Google (2026)
Saundra K. Wooton
By Anaida Colón-Muñiz, Ed D and Saundra Wooton,Esq
In this issue, we highlight our esteemed member, Saundra Wooton, Esq, who has been with the NACOPRW SoCal for over 15 years During that time has been a great support and guide to our chapter She shares her beautiful Boricua family legacy in her story below where we can see her love for her Puerto Rican culture
“In the spring of 1957, a young Charles Wootton, Second Class, was in the United States Air Force at Ramey Air Force Base He went to the rooftop of the Borinquen Hotel, where there was an open-air dance floor He saw a young, beautiful Puerto Rican lady, Irma Escobar, sitting with her girlfriends He was instantly smitten He gathered his courage and approached her and said to her, “Will you marry me?” The women laughed and said, “You got to be kidding me ” The young man left disappointed However, their paths crossed again, and they were married within 6 months They went on to have a beautiful life and three children: Charles,Jr , James, and Saundra Unfortunately, Irma passed away at the young age of 50 Her daughter, Saundra, desiring to learn more about her rich Puerto Rican heritage, joined the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, SoCal ”
The ultimate professional, Saundra is a commercial litigation partner with Kutak Rock LLP, a national law firm with over 600 attorneys spread across 19 offices She is deeply engaged in the legal and broader professional community, working to advance educational initiatives that promote equity and inclusion In addition to being a member of NACOPRW SoCal, she currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach for the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and she is on the Executive Committee of its Diversity in the Profession Section
Saundra and other NACOPRW SoCal members and friends recently enjoyed attending the Japanese American Bar Association’s Annual Installation and Awards Gala, where Associate Justice of the U S Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor, was awarded the lifetime achievement award, reflecting her continued commitment to professional excellence Saundra graciously hosted a table for former and current board members and former scholarship recipient, Arianna Benitez, who has recently become an attorney in Los Angeles It was a thrill for all of us to be together in Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor’s presence We were also able to purchase signed copies of her recent children’s book about her mother, Just Shine, How to Be a Better You, Penguin Young Readers Group Thank you, Saundra, for all you do We are honored to have you in our midst as a dedicated member and friend
Interested in joining NACOPRW-SoCal? Go to www nacoprwsocal org/membership and complete & send us your application to nacoprwsocal98@gmail com
ROCIO DELGADO’S BASEBALL MOMENT
By Gloria San Miguel
NACOPRWSoCalproudlyrecognizesourmember,RocíoDelgado-García,forheroutstandingcontributionto PuertoRicoHeritageNightwiththeSanDiegoPadres,heldSaturday,May9thatPetcoParkinSanDiego Rocio’soriginalartwork,CorazónBoricua,wasselectedtobefeaturedontheevent’sexclusivelimited-edition commemorativecapHerpieceservedasapowerfulvisualrepresentationofPuertoRicanidentity,strength,andher deepconnectiontotheIsland resonatingwithallthosewhoattendedthismeaningfulcelebrationofcultureand community“CreatingCorazónBoricuawasmywayofhonoringwhoweareandwherewecomefrom,”sharedRocío “Toseeitembracedbythecommunityinsuchaspecialsettingwastrulyanhonor”
PuertoRicoHeritageNightbroughttogetherfansfromacrosstheregiontocelebrateorgullo,tradition,andunity Throughherartistry,Rociohelpedelevatetheeventintoamemorableandculturallyrichexperienceforallin attendanceRocío’sachievementreflectsNACOPRW’smissiontoempowerPuertoRicanwomen,promoteour culture,andupliftourcommunitiesthroughleadership,education,andtheartsWeareproudtocelebratehertalent andtheimpactofherworkWecongratulateRocíoonthisincredibleaccomplishmentandthankherforrepresenting ourcommunitywithsuchprideandexcellence!
PleaseseetheattachedmediacoveragehighlightingRocío’sworkandthisspecialevent
Fox5NewsSanDiegosegment:: https://wwwfacebookcom/fox5sandiego/posts/pfbid02e7RNwq45M9hBXt4ZZb6Gs819RMiPGTS2fa8bdg99MNheRZ8 jW9VuV8DJKJcEVvkQl
ElNuevoDiaNewspaperArticle: https://wwwelnuevodiacom/deportes/beisbol/notas/todos-los-puertorriquenos-se-sienten-duenos-de-los-padrescelebraran-la-herencia-boricua-durante-juego-en-san-diego/
Soundra K. Wooton, ESQ.
Board Members and Saundra Wooten at the Gala
ANTONIA PANTOJA: EDUCADORA, LUCHADORA, CAMPEONA
By Anaida Colón-Muñiz, EdD
When anyone mentions the name Antonia Pantoja, my ears perk up as that name represents a great deal to me As a former student Aspirante, I owe a debt of gratitude to this phenomenal Boricua woman who fought for our educational and civil rights in Puerto Rico as well as in the States She was an especially formidable champion for education, having been raised extremely poor but within a home that greatly valued education, reinforcing the importance of what it was to be “educado”- both in her upbringing at home as well as formally through schooling Moreover, she saw the many injustices faced by Puerto Ricans in New York City in schools and workplaces, such as the sweatshop factories and migrant fields She became a force to contend with to address the injustice For example, she founded several nonprofit organizations that uplifted the lives of Boricuas in Puerto Rican communities around the country Her legacy continues to influence our lives
Bornin1922inSanJuan,PuertoRico,Antoniawasraisedbyhermotherandgrandparents Herbelovedgrandfatherwasaunionorganizer In1929, adevastatinghurricanehitPuertoRico,andthentheGreatDepressionworsenedtheeconomy BecauseAntonia’sfamilyvaluededucation,she graduatedfrom8thgradeandthenattendedhighschool,somethingfewwereprivilegedtodothen Atschool,kidsmadefunofherclothesandshoes, butshefocusedonlearning,andwasalsoabletoattendcollege Shetookajobteachingandlivinginaone-roomschoolhouseinaruralcommunity
AntoniamigratedtoNewYorkCityin1944,asthegrowingmigrationofPuertoRicansgrewtoalmost900,000 SheboardedashipfromPuerto RicotoLouisiana,thenasegregatedtraintoNewYork Thisnewexperiencetaughtherthat,despitebeingacitizen,shewasnottrulywelcome InNew York,shewasnotonlycalleddisparagingnamesbutwasalsodeniedteachingjobs So,sheworkedinafactorywhilefeelingdeeplyfrustratedbythe racismPuertoRicansfaced Likehergrandfather,Antoniaorganizedaunionofworkerstogetbetterworkingconditions,andjoinedotheractivists seekingbetterhealth,education,andincomes TheyformedagroupcalledthePuertoRicanAssociationforCommunityAffairs(PRACA)toadvocatefor thesecivilrights,whileshepursuedhermaster’sdegreeinsocialwork ShefoughttolowerthehighdropoutrateofPuertoRicanhighschoolstudents Teensweretargetedbyboththepoliceandgangs,theirlanguageridiculed,leadingtoinsecurityandshame Thus,in1961,shefoundedASPIRAto organizetutoring,teachPuertoRicanhistoryandculture,anddevelopleadershipandpridetoempowerstudentstoadvocateforchange
Asateeninthe1960s,Iwasoneofmanystudentsabletoparticipateinhighereducationasaresultofherefforts TheASPIRAClubsatmyand otherhighschools,theiracademiccounseling,andmeetingsateachoftheboroughcentersgaveusthesenseofempowerment,purpose,and communitythatwecouldnotfindinourschools IrememberbecomingMissASPIRA1969andrepresentingtheorganizationtoinspiremorestudents Whatanawesomeresponsibilitywasentrustedtome!Itwasanexcitingandcriticaltimethatspurredinmethedesiretolearnmoreaboutmyculture, aswellastofindwaystogivebacktothePuertoRicanandLatinocommunitythrougheducation Gracias,Antonia!
ASPIRAopenedofficesinotherstates,becominghighlyeffectiveinitsgoals Antoniamovedontohighereducation Shetaughtcollegecourses, establishedthePuertoRicanResearchandResourceCenterinWashington,DC,andfoundedBoricuaCollegeinNYCin1974 Meanwhile,sheworked withASPIRA’sleadershipandthePuertoRicanLegalDefenseFundtosuetheNewYorkCityBoardofEducationandwon ThroughtheConsentDecree, thecourtruledthatNewYorkCityhadtoofferbilingualeducationtoteachitsSpanish-speakingstudents Anothersuccess!
Eventually,workingforSanDiegoStateUniversity,AntoniametWilhelmina“Mina”Perry,whobecameherlifelongpartner,engaginginadvocacy projectstogether TheyretiredinPuertoRicoin1984andstartedaneconomicdevelopmentproject,anearlyeducationprogram,andacollege readinessprogram Antoniadiedofcancerin2002,stillworkingarduouslyforourcivilrights Wehonorherforthemanyeffortsshemadetoimprove andsecurethecivilandeducationalrightsofPuertoRicansandtohelpusliveabetterlifeintheUS andPuertoRico (sectionstakenandadaptedfromhttps://wamsnyhistoryorg/life-story/antonia-pantoja/
Antonia was the first Puerto Rican woman to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1966.
Anaida Colon-Muniz Miss ASPIRA 1969
HOMENAJE A LAS MADRES PUERTORRIQUEÑAS
Las Cosas de Mami
By Anaida Colón-Muñiz, Ed D
En mayo, para el Día de las Madres, recordamos las cosas de nuestras mamás: los dichos y abrazos, las oraciones, bendiciones y canciones, los regaños y hasta los castigos Pero especialmente las delicias de la cocina, llenan nuestra memoria Por ejemplo, el famoso arroz y habichuelas En casa, mami decía que no era comida si faltaban el arroz y habichuelas Se preparaban de diferentes maneras, con distintas legumbres y sabores de arroz, y se hacían juntos o por separado Acompañados de carnes, viandas, verduras, no faltaban nunca el arroz y las habichuelas Para mí y mis hermanas, “Milla” o Herminia Muñiz, sigue siendo lo que más se acerca a la santidad Siempre se sacrificó por nosotras, fue guía, nos alimentó y nos enseñó buenos modales con mucho amor y cariño Cuando ella falleció, fue como arrancar una de nuestras anclas más importantes Pero los valores que nos enseñó viven dentro de nuestro ser Y como los recuerdos nutren, así que podemos reír, llorar, y sonreír al recordar las cosas de nuestras madres ¿A ver cuántas de nuestr@s lectores encuentran alguna semejanza con estas costumbres y dichos que nos traen recuerdos de quienes nos dieron vida, nuestras mamás?
La Bendición “¡Que Dios te Bendiga!”-Esta es una de nuestras tradiciones más bonitas, pedir la bendición al entrar o salir de casa Y con amor y gusto nuestras madres siempre respondían, “Que Dios te bendiga y la Virgen te acompañe”
La Protección “¡Ten cuidado! “Parece que nuestras madres siempre estaban preocupadas por nuestra seguridad y bienestar Ellas repetían estas palabras cada vez que nos alejábamos de su lado
La Comida “¡Vente a comer!” La nutrición es importante, pero para nuestras madres era sagrado comer Estar a dieta no existía porque estar “gordita” era siempre considerado superior y más bonito que estar “flaca” Nos criamos comiendo, aunque nos agregaran libritas
El Comportamiento “¡Pórtate bien!” Aunque fuéramos las más santas en nuestra juventud, siempre nos amenazaban con estas palabras, por si acaso se nos ocurriera hacer “algo malo” Y esto de “malo” casi siempre se definía con relación al sexo opuesto
La Hora “¡No llegues muy tarde!” Una y otra vez, protegernos de cualquier mal que encontráramos en el camino fuera de casa parecía aumentar más cuando entraban las horas de la noche El miedo de lo que “pueda pasar ” aún nos persigue como herencia El Respeto “¡No me faltes el respeto!” Peor que cualquier infracción, faltar el respeto era lo máximo y lo menos tolerado dentro de lo que se consideraba malacrianza o el mal comportamiento El respeto en nuestros hogares simbolizaba una combinación de reverencia a nuestros padres, pero con una amenaza no expresada de lo que podríamos sufrir al violar este protocolo de hijos hacia los padres
La Chancleta o El Cocotazo “¡Deja que te coja!” Aunque en casa mami no recurría al castigo corporal, reconozco que esto pareciera ser el último recurso para algunos niños traviesos Nuestra madre prefería aconsejarnos que dar golpes- ya que esto estaba reservado para nuestro padre Pero el miedo de recibir un chancletazo o cocotazo normalmente era suficiente para controlar cualquier travesura
La Fe “¡Que sea lo que Dios quiera!” En muchos de nuestros hogares, algunas de las decisiones que afectaban a nuestras vidas se les otorgaban a Dios Usualmente, esto era más común cuando pasaban cosas fuera de nuestro control o que no se podían controlar por medios o manos humanas (como una enfermedad severa) En otras ocasiones se usaba cuando había alguna indecisión personal El Clima“ ¡Va a llover!” Recuerdo que, aunque estuviera azul y soleado, y las noticias no anunciaran lluvia, debia escuchar si mi mamá miraba al cielo y me decía que iba a llover Si yo rehusaba, por creer más en la ciencia que en mi madre, siempre caía un aguacero
El Lamento-“¡Ay Bendito!” es tan puertorriqueño como el coquí, y nada podría expresar mejor muchos de nuestros sentimientos, como la tristeza, la lástima, la pena, el dolor, o la sorpresa más que el Ay Bendito de nuestras mamás El Café “¿Quieres un cafecito?” Ni un día comenzaba sin esta gloriosa bebida que anunciaba la llegada de la mañana con su aroma y rico sabor No importaba si se tomara negro y “ puya ” , con leche y dulce, “ cargao ” o “ aguao ” , o si fuera “colao” o de cafetera, nuestras madres nos inculcaron el amor al café Y aprendimos que tomarse una tacita en la tarde nos daba energía para llegar al atardecer
El Amor al Prójimo “¡Llévale este platito de comida a Don Moncho, que está enfermo!” o “¡Dale este dinerito a ese niño que está pidiendo ayuda!” Nuestras madres nos regalaron el don de tener compasión, especialmente hacia las personas que tuvieran menos que nosotros, aunque no tuviéramos mucho Ser generoso se considera unas de las virtudes más importantes de un ser humano Siempre recuerdo la inmensa generosidad de mami y su cariño y gentileza para con las personas, fueran conocidos o desconocidos
Habrá mil cosas más que podemos recordar de nuestras queridas madres, pero lo principal que recordaremos es el amor, el cuidado, y el cariño que nos dieron sin condición Espero que cada año disfruten este día tan especial de las madres con todos sus seres más queridos Y seguiremos dando las gracias por haber tenido la dicha de una madre Boricua o de cualquiera de las bellas culturas latinoamericanas que compartimos en común, especialmente en cuanto a la adoración y celebración de nuestras mamás
NACOPRW-SoCal Board Statement
IN MEMORIAM: darma e. castro paden
Co-Founder NACOPRW SoCal 1944-2026
The board of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, SoCal Chapter, honors the memory of our chapter co-founder, Darma E Castro-Paden, who passed away on January 12 , 2026, at the age of 82 She was married for 57 years to Stan Paden and had three children, from whom she had eight grandchildren She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many during her lifetime She was kind and giving and treated everyone with respect and dignity Her positive attitude and infectious smile were appreciated by every person she met th
A native of Utuado, Puerto Rico, Darma spent her youth in New York City before moving to California, where she went to high school and college, graduating from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in Spanish and an art minor She was a social worker, probation officer, job developer, and academic counselor She was also involved in artwork and other creative activities, and in her church
She became inspired to create our chapter in 1997 after learning about the National organization from her cousin She was instrumental in creating the bylaws and structure of the chapter with her co-founder and friend, Laura Almodovar Solé, in order to receive the chapter’s charter in 1998 Darma served in various positions during her 19 years of service and participated in the annual national conventions regularly She was recognized nationally with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 She was beautifully artistic and creative and responsible for making the guanin that we still use during our installation each year
Darma’s dream came true in that NACOPRW SoCal continues to thrive Her service to the chapter and the community included participating in regular meetings and workshops, such as making coquito, as well as a SoCal Youth Group, the Mujer a Mujercita mother and daughter mentoring day, and the women ’ s Scholarship Program, which we have successfully expanded significantly over the years Darma would be pleased to know that what began as one annual $500 scholarship for a Puerto Rican youth now offers between $3,000-$3,500 annually on average to four aspiring college bound Latina women
Ms Almodóvar-Solé pointed out in her notification to us that, “Darma was a beautiful person with a very positive outlook, generous spirit, and genuine desire to serve others She will be missed, but most importantly, the valuable lessons learned through her actions and mentoring will remain forever with those who knew her well Darma’s legacy inspires us to be better human beings ”
We appreciate Darma for her vision and we hope to continue her legacy with our good work at NACOPRW SoCal
CELEBRATION OF LIFE: SANDRA HELENA HURTADO
By Gloria San Miguel
In this issue, we pause to honor and celebrate the life of Sandy, beloved sister of our dear member, Marian Hurtado Sandy passed away in December 2025 and was remembered with a beautiful Celebration of Life held in April 2026 on the island of Icaco, Puerto Rico
A dedicated nurse, Sandy was known for her joyful spirit, boundless energy, and positive outlook on life She had a deep love for the outdoors and brought light and warmth to all who knew her
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Hurtado family, especially to Marian and Sandy’s son, Ulises May her memory continue to bring comfort and strength to those who loved her
Scholarship Program 2026: Get Involved!
By Marjorie Patton
Aswepreparetolaunchanewandexcitingseason,wearethrilledtokickoffour2026ScholarshipProgram,an initiativethatcontinuestoupliftandsupportLatinastudentsacrossSouthernCalifornia
Lastyear,thankstothededicationofourmembersandsponsors,weproudlyawarded$3,000inscholarships This year,wehopetobuildonthatmomentumandmakeanevengreaterimpact Yourcontinuedvolunteereffortsand financialsupportaremoreimportantthanever Nowisthetimetogetinvolved Wearecurrentlyinvitingmembersto participateintheScholarshipCommittee,whereyourvoiceandperspectivehelpshapetheselectionprocess,from reviewingapplicationstointerviewingfinalists
TheofficialcampaignlaunchesJune1stwithapplicationsduebyJune30th EligibleapplicantsincludeLatina studentsresidinginSouthernCaliforniawhoareenrolledinatleastpart-timehighereducationcourseworkandmeet academicrequirements
We encourage all members to:
Helpspreadthewordoncethecampaignbegins
ConsidervolunteeringontheScholarshipCommittee
Stayengagedaswemovethroughtheselectionprocess
Helpsecurefundsforthisveryimportantcause
Your participation is essential to the success of this program and the opportunities it creates for deserving students Staytunedformoreupdatesaswebeginour2026season We look forward to another inspiring year together!
MUSIC, HERITAGE, AND HEART: LARISA MARTÍNEZ CAPTIVATES ON MOTHER’S DAY
By Gloria San Miguel
The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall was filled with elegance and emotion this past Mother’s Day as acclaimed Puerto Rican soprano Larisa Martínez took the stage for a special afternoon performance celebrating love, heritage, and music
Held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the concert offered audiences a rich and expressive musical journey Martínez, known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, delivered a program that celebrated the classics as well as honored her Puerto Rican roots while showcasing the diversity of Latin American music The performance featured works by renowned composers such as Leo Delibes, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Ernani Braga, and a beautiful song cycle by Puerto Rican composer, Narciso Figueroa creating an experience that blended lyrical beauty with cultural storytelling The show ended with a “West Side Story” medley The performance was accompained by pianist Kamal Khan
This memorable event was made possible by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County bringing together community and culture in a meaningful way In addition to celebrating Mother’s Day, the concert also supported a greater cause: a portion of ticket sales will be donated by NACOPRW SoCal to benefit its scholarship program and charitable initiatives, furthering its mission to uplift and empower the community
The event offered an impressive tribute to culture, family, and the power of music on a day dedicated to celebrating mothers
Bravo Larisa Martínez! We are very proud of you Larisa can be followed in Instagram @larisamartinezsoprano
To learn more about Larisa Martinez go to: https://www larisamartinez info/about
To see Larisa perform with Andrea Bocelli at the Viña del Mar Festival go to: https://youtu be/gUK3F35XVyU?si=E0cqoX5iudLGyvsa
Members of our chapter met with Larisa after her beautiful performance. From left to right: Diego Ibarra, Gloria San Miguel, Grissel Benítez-Hodge, Larisa Martínez, Larisa’s mother Luisa Torres , and Dorianne Montalvo.
FOURTH DOMINO TOURNAMENT & FUNDRAISER 2026
By Gloria San Miguel
The NACOPRW SoCal 4th Annual Domino Tournament, held on Saturday, April 2, 2026, was a wonderful success, bringing together more than 40 attendees for an afternoon filled with camaraderie, culture, and purpose This annual event continues to grow as a meaningful fundraiser supporting our scholarship program, and this year was no exception. This event was led by our Treasurer, Sonia Colón-Lamas, and the amazing events committee, composed of: Anaida Colón-Muñiz, Hilda Ovalle, María Quezada, Dorianne Montalvo and Grissel Benítez-Hodge
Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere highlighted by friendship, music, and delicious food, including crowd favorites like Cuban sandwiches and Argentinian empanadas prepared by Lucas Catering. More importantly, the tournament served as a beautiful reminder of how our cherished tradition of dominoes can unite us while giving back to a worthy cause
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event so special. Congratulations to our 2026 winners: in the Beginners Category, María Quezada and Hilary Bacon, and in the Advanced Category, Dennis Tirado and Ariel Rivera. Your enthusiasm and sportsmanship made the tournament truly memorable
We look forward to continuing this tradition and growing our impact together in the years to come!
BAD BUNNY A PUERTO RICAN WORLDWIDE LESSON
By Sonia Colón-Lamas
In just 13 minutes, Benito Antonio Ocasio, better known as “Bad Bunny”, gave an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime performance at this year ’ s Super Bowl LX Halftime show held on February 8 2026, in Santa Clara, California at Levi’s Stadium The game was between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, with the Seahawks winning, 29-13 But the game was not the key reason why Boricuas gathered in SoCal to celebrate this day
As the entire world watched the much-awaited and controversial halftime Super Bowl Show, Bad Bunny taught a historical lesson entirely in Spanish, which had never been done The spectacular show was a nonstop “orgullo” of Puerto Rico’s heritage, music, cuisine, and the resilience of its people In a poetic, musical act, it was evident that Benito values the importance of our migration to the States, and especially the value of our identity What impressed me the most about Bad Bunny was that he did not allow anything or anyone to make him feel ashamed of who we are On the contrary, he put together an amazing display of what unity looks like, despite the controversy and hateful rhetoric His guiding principle was “only Love can heal Hate!” Bad Bunny closed the show with dancers waving flags of all the countries of the Americas, including the USA In the final seconds, he revealed the message on the football he was carrying It read “Together We Are America”! With this, he reaffirmed that all of the countries in North, Central, and South America are an important part of what makes up the Americas
A special “ thank you “ to our artist member, Rocío Delgado, for hosting a joyful Watch Party and having us all wear garb that was symbolic of our cultural pride and heritage, including her beautiful Corazon Boricua-designed Tshirts While this was not a NACOPRW SoCal event, many members were present The group that gathered sang every song along with Bad Bunny and cheered his every dance move, as well as the phenomenal performance of all the actors and dancers on the field It was a true “espectáculo inolvidable”! As the music played, we could see and feel the pride and joy in the faces of all who gathered to watch this memorable event on that very special day
RINCÓN LITERARIO
By Milly C. Lugo-Ríos
TheGiftsofElJíbaro byOdemarisMendoza
“Thereisabitofa”jíbaro”inallofus Thequestionisjusthowmuch?”(backcoverofTheGiftsofElJíbaro) PuertoRicanOdemarisMendoza,aformereducator,wantedtocapturethestoriesfromherchildhoodand,at age50,decidedtowritedownthesestories WhenIreadthebook,IfeltlikeIwassittingonthefrontporchof myhouseinPuertoRico,surroundedbymyauntsandgrandmothers,astheytoldmeabouthowlifechanges whenmovingfromthecampo(thecountryside)tothecity Inthisstory,BraulioandSantiago,jíbarosfromthe townofCeiba,traveltoSanJuanina‘pisaycorre'(‘stepandrun’-acommonnameforacheapformofpublic transportation) Theyareseekingbetteropportunitiesinthebusinessworld Andthisisthewaythestory begins Thereadertravelswiththemastheywork,laterbegintheirownbusiness,marry,gotowar,have childrenandgrandchildren,visitNewYorkCity,andgothroughtheprocessofgrievingalovedone Each characterremindsyouofafriend,arelative,aneighbor,orperhapsyourself!
Ifoundthisbookaneasyandrelaxingread Itisnotaliteraryclassic,butabookthattakesyoutotheold daysinPuertoRicoandgivesyouhopeforthefuture;abookthatmakesyouproudtobeaPuertoRican
Asabonus,authenticPuertoRicanrecipesofthedishesmentionedinthebookarefoundinthelastpages Also,alltypicalslangandregionalwordsareexplainedattheendofeachchapter Youmayenjoywatchinga videointerviewwiththeauthorat: https://wwwyoutubecom/watch?v=no8VeZ7muzw
Rating: 5 cocos out of 5
CreditsNBC
Mark your Calendars
June1-31,2026-ScholarshipApplicationPeriod
June27,2026-DíadeSanJuanActivity(HPRSD)
July3,2026-PuertoRicoPresentation,IrvineMulticultural Association
July21,2026-MemberMeeting(Zoom)
Sunday,September13,2026-OrgulloBoricuaAwardEvent
October11,2026-DeMujerAMujercitaMentoringActivity
October20,2026-MemberMeeting(Zoom)
November7-9,2025-NACOPRWNationalConvention,San Juan,PuertoRico
November14(tentative)-CoquitoWorkshop
Wedding Bells!
Congratulations to our member Lizette Alvarado on the wedding of her daughter Giselle Godínez & Zachary Gregg. Giselle knows our chapter well because she was part of the youth group many years ago.
íFelicidades!
Dearreaders,
ANNOUNCING ORGULLO BORICUA 2026!
La Esquinita de National
NACOPRW National kicked off 2026 with strong engagement, meaningful progress, and exciting growth across the organization.
A highlight of the quarter was the first Cafecito Event on March 29th, where members from across the country connected and met the new National Board. Be sure to join the next Cafecito on Sunday, June 28 at 4:00 PM EST
The organization also reached an important milestone with the completion of updates to the National By-Laws, finalized during the April 4th National Executive Committee meeting. Thank you to all who contributed to this important work.
At the chapter level, we congratulate the Philadelphia Chapter on the installation of its new board on April 26: Mónica Parrilla (President), Christina Vega (First Vice President), Alexzandria Sánchez (Second Vice President), María Canales (Treasurer), and Luz Colón (Secretary).
We are also proud to welcome the new NACOPRW Harrisburg Chapter. Congratulations to its leadership team: Ruby Maldonado (President), Gloria Vázquez Merrick (First Vice President), Evita Vidott-Cotta (Second Vice President), Amanda Batista (Secretary), and Stephanie Richardson (Treasurer).
Finally, mark your calendars for the NACOPRW National Convention, taking place November 6–8, 2026, in Puerto Rico. More details to come.
Nilsa J Thorsos, 2nd VP and Chair/Contributor
Milly C. Lugo-Ríos, Member and Contributor
Marjorie Patton, Member and Contributor
Sonia Colón-Lamas, Treasurer and Contributor
Gloria San Miguel, President and Contributor/Layout
Anaida Colón Muñiz, 1st Vice President and Contributor/Copy Editor