LANCASTER, PA — April 23–25, 2026 — The National Puerto Rican Agenda (NPRA) successfully hosted its biennial National Puerto Rican Summit & Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, bringing together Puerto Rican leaders from across the United States for three days of dialogue, collaboration, and collective action.
The gathering convened representatives from key sectors including education, healthcare, housing, social services, communications, public investment, credit unions, nonprofits, and civic engagement, united by a shared purpose: to strengthen Puerto Rican communities nationwide while keeping Puerto Rico and its people at the center of the work.
Participants described the Summit as highly engaging, impactful, and historic—marked by unprecedented unity across sectors and regions.
Unity, dialogue, and shared vision
The Summit opened with a warm “Welcome to Lancaster” offered by Jaime Arroyo, Lancaster’s first Puerto Rican mayor. The opening reception, hosted by community-based financial institutions Finanta and Finanta Credit Union, set an energetic and inclusive tone.
Reflecting the full diversity of the Puerto Rican diaspora, participants exchanged perspectives with conviviality and mutual respect, informed by lived experience and a shared commitment to justice and equity.
Over two and a half days, panels, presentations, and keynote addresses addressed NPRA’s core focus areas: Economic Development, Housing, Healthcare, Education, and Civic Engagement. Attendees described the sessions as both educational and inspirational.
Key highlights included:
- Educational programming focused on Puerto Rican contributions to U.S. history, voter engagement strategies for Puerto Rican and Latino communities, financial opportunity, and best practices for effective community organizing.
- A tribute honoring Ángel Ortiz and Judge Nelson Díaz, recognizing their lasting impact on the Puerto Rican community of Philadelphia.
- New cross-sector connections, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration nationwide.
Historic tribute to Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez
The Summit’s historic highpoint was the 2026 NPRA Dra. Antonia Pantoja Leadership Award Gala, which opened with a welcome video from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
“By creating the Antonia Pantoja Award, we celebrate her legacy and ensure that future generations remember one of our greatest heroes,” said Nilda Ruíz, NPRA President.
Desiree Colón, President of NPRA’s New York Chapter, highlighted Dr. Antonia Pantoja’s life and legacy and introduced a documentary connecting her work to the evening’s honoree, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.
In collaboration with Desvío Production, NPRA presented a tribute video featuring remarks from Congressional Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Congressman Darren Soto, civic leader Luis Miranda, and archival footage honoring Velázquez’s decades-long advocacy for civil rights, economic justice, small businesses, and the end of military bombing in Vieques.
The award was presented by former Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, who shared inspirational reflections with the audience. The Gala also served as a vibrant cultural celebration, bringing the community together through music and dance.
Convention outcomes and future action
Delegates from 13 states and Puerto Rico participated in the formal Convention, which reaffirmed NPRA’s commitment to unity despite diverse perspectives.
Delegates re-elected the current leadership team led by Nilda Ruíz and approved key resolutions, including:
- Archiving NPRA’s history for future generations.
- Supporting Puerto Rico’s advocacy for full Medicaid funding and opposing proposed cuts.
- Supporting Jolgorio Boricua activities in Chicago this July to amplify mobilization and advocacy.
- Reaffirming democratic values and addressing Puerto Rico’s colonial status.
- Developing a hurricane emergency preparedness “playbook” to mobilize nationwide support in future disasters.
- Encouraging NPRA state chapters to recognize November as Puerto Rican Heritage Month, modeled after New York’s Comité Noviembre.
NPRA and its partners will build on the momentum of the 2026 Summit, continuing to advance a resourceful, caring, visionary, and adaptive agenda in service of Puerto Rican communities across the United States and in Puerto Rico.