Bridging the past, present, and future for Puerto Rican women in Northern Illinois
Our Vision
NACOPRW provides training, mentorship and leadership development at the local and national level through workshops and institutes during the annual convention, and through chapter programs. We preserve our Puerto Rican and Latino heritage through cultural activities and events. We seek justice and give voice to the preservation of civil, health, educational and other rights through the dissemination of information, networking, collaboration and advocacy with other national and local groups, and through education, celebration, community and civil involvement.
Our Board
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful design, and real connection.
Angela Acevedo, President, leverages over 15 years of leadership in program development and strategic advocacy to champion the advancement of our community. Currently a PhD candidate in Human Services, her work is driven by a profound commitment to women’s empowerment and a passion for ensuring youth achieve meaningful career success. By blending her expertise in workforce development with a talent for cross-sector collaboration, Angela focuses on creating sustainable pipelines for underrepresented groups and strengthening the collective impact of minority women. Her vision is rooted in dismantling barriers and building a future where both current and next-generation leaders have the resources and partnerships necessary to thrive professionally and personally.
Susana Gonzalez, Vice-President, is committed to the mission and values of NACOPRW. She serves as a nurse educator at ASI NE Inc. and adjunct faculty at DePaul University School of Nursing, bringing extensive leadership experience in academics, operations, and community partnerships. With dual master’s degrees (MSN and MHA) and decades of board service, she is dedicated to volunteerism, youth leadership, and empowering women.
Maritza Ocasio, Treasurer, is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist and Program Supervisor at Rincon Family Services for the New Hope School of Counseling’s CRSS/CPRS Certification program. She is dedicated to community wellness and empowerment, helping train future recovery professionals. She also serves on the Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago’s Health Committee, supporting initiatives that promote health equity in Puerto Rican communities.
