Impacto

The 2026 NPRA Summit & Convention helped advance a unified vision for Puerto Rico

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez takes the stage at the National Puerto Rican Agenda Awards Gala, delivering a powerful message on leadership, accountability, and community. Moments after being recognized with the first-ever Antonia Pantoja Award. (Photo: Benjamin Figueroa Medina)

Lancaster, PA — The National Puerto Rican Agenda (NPRA) Summit and Convention held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from April 23–25, 2026, brought together Puerto Rican leaders, professionals, and community voices from across the diaspora, focused on unity, strategy, and action for Puerto Rico.

The event opened with registration, leadership meetings, and a Welcome Reception that established a collaborative and purpose-driven tone. From the outset, the summit emphasized alignment, shared goals, and intentional collective action—moving beyond surface-level networking to meaningful engagement.

La congresista Nydia Velázquez (centro) junto a Nilda Ruíz (derecha) y el excongresista Luis Gutiérrez (izquierda) durante la gala de premiación de la Cumbre y Convención 2026 de la NPRA en Lancaster, Pensilvania. (Foto: Benjamín Figueroa Medina)

Friday marked the core of the summit, featuring educational panels and discussions centered on leadership, education, economic development, and civic engagement. Topics ranged from Puerto Rican studies and workforce development to access to capital and the Boricua vote, all grounded in lived community experience. Discussions also explored cultural district development, political participation, and community investment. Attendees were actively engaged—challenging ideas, exchanging perspectives, and building connections intended to last beyond the event.

Ángel Ortiz (on podium), backstage Luz Colón, former Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, and Roberto Lugo during the surprise tribute to Ángel Ortiz.(Photo: Benjamín Figueroa Medina)

A tribute to Ángel Ortiz stood out as one of the most powerful and emotional moments of the conference, resonating deeply throughout the room.

La congresista Nydia Velázquez en la Gala de Premios de la Agenda Nacional Puertorriqueña, tras recibir el inaugural Premio Antonia Pantoja y compartir un poderoso mensaje sobre liderazgo, responsabilidad y comunidad. (Foto: Benjamin Figueroa Medina)

That evening, the Awards Gala shifted the focus toward a more personal and cultural celebration, honoring Puerto Rican identity through music, conversation, and shared pride. A highlight of the weekend was the recognition of Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, whose presence reflected decades of leadership, strength, and unwavering commitment to Puerto Rico and the diaspora.

Reverend Luis Cortés Jr. (left) and Rev. Gabriel Salguero (right).(Photo: Benjamín Figueroa Medina)

Saturday refocused attention on organizational structure and governance, with sessions on strategic planning, voting, financial opportunities, and chapter alignment. The convention meeting addressed key reports, facilitated important discussions, and advanced leadership decisions guiding the organization’s next phase.

NPRA President Nilda Ruíz (left), BroPak CEO Benjamín Figueroa Medina (middle-left), Greater Hispanic Chamber of Philadelphia President / CEO Jennifer Rodriguez (middle-right), Eric Diaz, LareDiaz Law Founder / NPRA 2nd Vice President of the New York Chapter.

A major outcome of the convention was the re-election of the current NPRA board for another term, reinforcing leadership continuity and organizational stability. The re-elected board includes President Nilda Ruíz; Vice Presidents Jimmy Torres-Vélez and Joseph “Joe” Rodriguez; Treasurer Mayra I. Negrón-Roche; Secretary Ivis García; Deputy Secretary Luz B. Colón; and Public Relations and Communications Officer José Luis Rodríguez.

Overall, the summit successfully united a diverse diaspora, strengthened relationships, fostered meaningful dialogue, and laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration—for Puerto Rico. For more information, visit the National Puerto Rican Agenda or contact npracomms@gmail.com.

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