Congressional Hispanic Caucus staff meet with Friends of Puerto Rico on economic development

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus hosted a roundtable with Friends of Puerto Rico to discuss initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunity across the islands.

CHC staff and interns joined Angelique Sina, president and founder of Friends of Puerto Rico, at a Capitol Hill briefing focused on advancing economic development in Puerto Rico through entrepreneurship, education, and support for small businesses. The discussion centered on creating pathways for women, youth, and communities across the islands.

CHC Chair Representative Adriano Espaillat (D) of New York spoke to the significance of Puerto Rico within the caucus’s priorities.

“Puerto Rico is the beating heart of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus,” Espaillat said. “Friends of Puerto Rico exemplifies the kind of leadership our communities need, advancing economic opportunity while investing in the next generation. Their commitment to empowering youth and uplifting women is helping build a stronger, more resilient future for Puerto Rico.”

Sina emphasized the role of federal partnerships in sustaining community-rooted investment.

“Friends of Puerto Rico is honored to brief the staff of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and share how community-rooted investments in education, entrepreneurship, and workforce development are creating measurable opportunity across Puerto Rico,” Sina said. “Puerto Rico is rich in talent, resilience, and potential. Through strong federal partnerships, we can continue building the pathways that allow our youth, women entrepreneurs, and communities not only to stay, but to thrive.”

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is composed of 43 members and serves as a forum for Hispanic members of Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda. The caucus is dedicated to advancing issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands.