The National Puerto Rican Agenda (NPRA) was created as a nonpartisan alliance of stateside organizations, elected officials, community leaders, and citizen volunteers. Born out of a collective desire to strengthen our capacity and elevate our impact in addressing Puerto Rico’s extended economic crisis and promoting Puerto Rican political and civic participation in Puerto Rico and the United States, NPRA brings together a rich tapestry of advocacy efforts at the national, state, and local levels.
Our vision is a world where island-based and state-side Puerto Ricans are engaged and empowered to pursue public policies that provide an equitable and sustainable future where our communities can heal, grow, and thrive. We believe that providing a forum that brings together diverse stakeholders and bridges collaborative initiatives, we can accomplish a common goal – improving the lives of Puerto Ricans everywhere.
To get there, we must organize our public policy advocacy efforts, in the diaspora and on the island, in support of legislation and policies that remove the barriers of economic, educational, and healthcare inequities.
Our members represent Puerto Rican communities in the states of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington DC. We have proudly collaborated with an extensive network of Alliance Member Organizations for this common mission:
- Acacia's El Centro Borinqueño
- Alianza por Puerto Rico
- ASPIRA Association
- Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM)
- Boricua Vota
- Center for Puerto Rican Studies at CUNY Hunter College
- Chicago Puerto Rican Agenda
- Delaware 4 Puerto Rico
- El Puente
- Iniciativa Puertorriqueña
- Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion (IBA)
- NACOPRW
- National Boricua Human Rights Network
- Pennsylvania 4 Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rican Congress
We invite you to become a member today and help us promote a more effective and robust advocacy model. United, we can ensure policy makers pay attention to issues that adversely affect our communities and take action to pass laws and institute policies and programs that will improve the lives of all Puerto Ricans.
- National Puerto Rican Agenda
Our Mission
The mission of the National Puerto Rican Agenda is to unite, educate, and create solutions for the Puerto Rican people in the United States and Puerto Rico. We seek to work with the government, candidates, political parties, organizations, and, most importantly, the public to make the mission of this organization a reality.
Alongside our mission to unite, educate, and create solutions for the Puerto Rican people in the United States and Puerto Rico, the National Puerto Rican Agenda has taken up an ambitious agenda on central issues concerning Puerto Ricans in the United States and Puerto Rico.
On July 24, 2016, at the First Constituent Assembly in Camden, New Jersey, over 200 people gathered to solidify the direction and work of the newly formed NPRA. Together, the attendants established a position on a number of central issues affecting Puerto Ricans. The agenda was revised and approved at the July 14, 2018 Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Who We Are
Executive Comittee
Nilda Ruíz
President
As President, Nilda works with the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, and her appointed Committees to lead the organization’s advocacy efforts and help shape its strategic direction. Ms. Ruiz is also the 2nd President and CEO of Asociacion Puertorriquenos En Marcha, Inc., a Philadelphia-based health, human services and community economic development nonprofit organization founded in 1970. She is a respected community leader and multi-award recipient for her transformative work in Philadelphia, PA.
Jimmy Torres- Vélez
Vice-President
Jimmy Torres- Vélez is the Executive Director of APM/Iniciativa, Florida that advocates for the improvements and advances of the Puerto Rican and Latino communities in Central Florida.
He holds a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and has been a professor at the University of Puerto Rico.
Jimmy has been a community activist for the last 40 years known many Latino communities through out the United States. As part of his work, he has created communication spaces on radio, TV, social media and has published opinion columns in newspapers.
Jimmy has experience in political-legislative work, adult education, and development of mobilization projects. Currently he is the Chair of the Action Committee of the National Puerto Rican Agenda.
Joseph "Joe" Rodriguez
Vice-President
Joseph Rodriguez is currently the President of the Board & Co-Founder of Puerto Ricans United, Inc. (PRU), the umbrella organization that sponsors the Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven, Connecticut.
PRU’s mission is to promote, preserve, and celebrate the Puerto Rican culture while actively engaging in community service. Since its creation in 2015, PRU has expanded its footprint in New Haven, Connecticut. From an annual cultural festival held in August, a Three Kings Day Celebration that serves over seven hundred kids, to cultural awareness exhibits and the annual Abolition of Slavery Commemoration that takes place in March, the all-volunteer organization works daily to fulfil its mission.
After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Joe knew that the organization could not sit on the sidelines while the island of Puerto Rico and its people suffer, so working with his fellow board of directors, sponsors, community partners, and the City of New Haven, a collaborative initiative was launched called, “New Haven 4 Puerto Rico”. The goal was to raise funds towards relief efforts while also creating an advocacy arm, recognizing that Puerto Ricans must mobilize & organize, and demand fair and equal treatment. The initiative was a success raising over $100,000 and two advocacy trips to Washington D.C. Through Joe’s leadership, the organization continues to promote the Puerto Rican culture while actively engaging the broader Puerto Rican community in Connecticut on the importance of civic engagement.
Joe has previously served on the FLECHAS Inc.’s (Loiza Festival) Board of Directors and was a Board Member with the former CT State Puerto Rican Day Parade. He currently serves as the Second Vice President to the National Puerto Rican Agenda’s Board of Directors, Member, CT Coalition of Puerto Rican Parade & Festival Committees, and is a regular at many cultural parades, festivals, and discussions held by the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College in New York.
Joe lives in New Haven, CT with his daughter and is a product of the New Haven Public School system and Albert Magnus College’s Criminal Justice Program.
He is employed by the U.S. Senate as a Deputy State Director.
Mayra I. Negrón-Roche
Treasurer
Mayra serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Inquilinos Boricuas En Acción (IBA), a national model of a community development corporation dedicated to empowering individuals and families. IBA works to improve lives and help achieve socio-economic mobility through high-quality affordable housing, education, financial empowerment, resident engagement, and arts programs.
With over 25 years of experience in business administration, finance, real estate, and asset management, Mayra has played a pivotal role in IBA's growth and success. Since joining the organization in 2000, her journey showcases dedication and strong leadership.
Over the years, Mayra has taken on roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in her appointment as COO in 2013. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations, including Property Management, Real Estate Development, and Asset Management for a portfolio of 667 units, as well as Commercial Real Estate. Additionally, she provides vision, direction, coaching, and support to senior staff and employees, ensuring alignment with IBA’s mission.
Mayra holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Puerto Rico. As a real estate investor with properties in Boston, Massachusetts, Tampa, Florida, and Puerto Rico, she demonstrates a hands-on understanding of the industry and a deep personal commitment to the field.
Ivis García
Secretary
Ms. Garcia is an Assistant Professor in Urban Planning. She is based in Chicago and collaborates on a variety of Puerto Rican advocacy efforts with a focus on housing and community development in the Humboldt Park area.
Luz B. Colón
Deputy Secretary
Luz B. Colon epitomizes integrity, hard work and passion for service in every detail of Community Service for the last 25 years for the City of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania in various Governmental roles. Luz grew up in North Philadelphia, in the Kensington section, the very same community in where her roots were planted and continues to serve. Luz’s cultural background and focus on community collaboration has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and community and government leadership roles.
In March of 2016, Luz was named by Governor Tom Wolf as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission for Latino Affairs (GACLA). Luz has embraced this state-wide leadership role with typical vigor and charm, strongly connecting with near and distant Latino communities throughout Pennsylvania. Luz also has had the pleasure to work for council members such as the former Councilman Angel L. Ortiz and current Council members, Blondell Reynolds Brown & Bill Greenlee. Her position with Councilman Greenlee specifically allowed her to grow into a significant leadership role. These positions have allowed her to service the needs and bridge the gap between the Government and the community.
Through her role as the Governor Wolf’s Latino liaison and her other government and leadership roles, Luz has organized innumerable community events all over the city and state to bring her many resources to help communities. A highlight of her accomplishments locally is that she was one of the founders of the Philadelphia 76ers La Liga Del Barrio Basketball League Organization. Where her leadership role was recognized by Philadelphia 76ers Basketball League and awarded the 76ers Game Changer award in 2018.
As a Latina, she represents the Latino Community and assumes personal responsibility to bring forth and showcase what the Latino community is doing in a positive light in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She is a current member of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Woman (NACOPRW) and the National Puerto Rican Agenda (NPRA). She’s also dedicated 15 years as a committee person for the 20th Ward and 10th Division in the City of Philadelphia, to help get out the vote. In 2014, Luz was invited to sit on the Philadelphia FIGHT Advisory Committee, the largest HIV/AIDS comprehensive medical care organization in the Philadelphia area and was recently appointed board member of APM (Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc.)
Luz is the proud mother of two little boys, Joseph, age 19 and Sebastian, age 14. Because Luz is so passionate about growth and knowledge, she is currently enrolled in Rosemont College to finish her undergrade in pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
Action Committee Chairs
Jimmy Torres- Vélez
Chapter Development and Outreach Chair
Jimmy Torres- Vélez is the Executive Director of APM/Iniciativa, Florida that advocates for the improvements and advances of the Puerto Rican and Latino communities in Central Florida.
He holds a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and has been a professor at the University of Puerto Rico.
Jimmy has been a community activist for the last 40 years known many Latino communities through out the United States. As part of his work, he has created communication spaces on radio, TV, social media and has published opinion columns in newspapers.
Jimmy has experience in political-legislative work, adult education, and development of mobilization projects. Currently he is the Chair of the Action Committee of the National Puerto Rican Agenda.
Board of Directors
Harry Franqui-Rivera PH.D
Board Member, New York
As a founding member, Dr. Franqui-Rivera is a passionate advocate of NPRA’s mission and helps guide the organization’s vision and strategic direction. He is an Associate Professor of History at Bloomfield College, New Jersey and author of Soldiers of the Nation: Military Service and Modern Puerto Rico, 1868-1952 (Studies in War, Society, and the Military Series). He writes, blogs, and publishes in online magazines about current issues ranging from geopolitics, local and national politics and economics to social and cultural matters.
Ivis García
Secretary
Ms. Garcia is an Assistant Professor in Urban Planning. She is based in Chicago and collaborates on a variety of Puerto Rican advocacy efforts with a focus on housing and community development in the Humboldt Park area.
Natascha Otero
Board Member, At Large
Ms. Otero is a Public Relations / Marketing professional who has been an advocate of the Puerto Rican community for the past 20 years. She focuses on Puerto Rican-owned businesses and her passion and commitment is on culturally strategic campaigns that unite Puerto Rican communities, not only in Florida, where she resides, but nationally. Otero-Santiago has volunteered her time in the past 6 election cycles to promote the vote, has led donation efforts after disasters in the island, and has been involved in policy advocacy.
Joseph "Joe" Rodriguez
Board Member, Connecticut
Joseph Rodriguez is currently the President of the Board & Co-Founder of Puerto Ricans United, Inc. (PRU), the umbrella organization that sponsors the Puerto Rican Festival of New Haven, Connecticut.
PRU’s mission is to promote, preserve, and celebrate the Puerto Rican culture while actively engaging in community service. Since its creation in 2015, PRU has expanded its footprint in New Haven, Connecticut. From an annual cultural festival held in August, a Three Kings Day Celebration that serves over seven hundred kids, to cultural awareness exhibits and the annual Abolition of Slavery Commemoration that takes place in March, the all-volunteer organization works daily to fulfil its mission.
After Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Joe knew that the organization could not sit on the sidelines while the island of Puerto Rico and its people suffer, so working with his fellow board of directors, sponsors, community partners, and the City of New Haven, a collaborative initiative was launched called, “New Haven 4 Puerto Rico”. The goal was to raise funds towards relief efforts while also creating an advocacy arm, recognizing that Puerto Ricans must mobilize & organize, and demand fair and equal treatment. The initiative was a success raising over $100,000 and two advocacy trips to Washington D.C. Through Joe’s leadership, the organization continues to promote the Puerto Rican culture while actively engaging the broader Puerto Rican community in Connecticut on the importance of civic engagement.
Joe has previously served on the FLECHAS Inc.’s (Loiza Festival) Board of Directors and was a Board Member with the former CT State Puerto Rican Day Parade. He currently serves as the Second Vice President to the National Puerto Rican Agenda’s Board of Directors, Member, CT Coalition of Puerto Rican Parade & Festival Committees, and is a regular at many cultural parades, festivals, and discussions held by the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College in New York.
Joe lives in New Haven, CT with his daughter and is a product of the New Haven Public School system and Albert Magnus College’s Criminal Justice Program.
He is employed by the U.S. Senate as a Deputy State Director.
NPRA State Chapters
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Become an Individual Member and join a Chapter Committee!
Start a Chapter
NPRA invites active, individual members in areas not currently served by a state chapter to consider lending your voice, leadership, and passion for Puerto Rico by creating an NPRA State Chapter in your community.
Our State Chapter Leaders include a dynamic representation of local influencers and organization leaders who seek to increase formal partnerships and collaboration amongst local agencies, community stakeholders, and other entities to promote a more efficient and robust advocacy model for the Puerto Rican people.
To learn more about the formal process of State Chapter creation, contact Jimmy Torres Velez, Chapter Development and Outreach Chair.
Agenda
On July 24, 2016, at the First Constituent Assembly in Camden, New Jersey, over 200 people gathered to solidify the direction and work of the newly formed NPRA. Together, the attendants established a position on a number of central issues affecting Puerto Ricans. The agenda was revised and approved at the July 14, 2018 Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
NPRA Bylaws
Bylaws serve as both a legally binding document and operating manual that establishes the rules by which NPRA is governed. Here you can learn more about membership requirements, frequency of meetings, amendment procedures, voting procedures, and more.
