Last Friday, on June 10th, Dia de Portugal, The National Organization of Portuguese Americans (NOPA) initiated the first ever Young Portuguese American Leaders Summit (YPALS), or Jovens Líderes Luso-Americanos, in Washington, DC.
Mr. Jose Morais, NOPA Chairman, expressed that is was his and NOPA Founder Francisco Semião's goal to increase awareness of Portugal's emerging issues among young and influential professionals of Portuguese descent living in the United States.
The summit focused on Portuguese politics, economics and culture and the state of relations between Portugal and the United States. Likewise, there were presentations on the "Portuguese-American agenda" that is of interest to the Portuguese immigrant community in this country which included proud history and achievements of the Portuguese people, economic opportunities and importance of civic engagement in the US and Portugal.
The group was greeted by Ambassador Nuno Brito at his residence the afternoon before the summit and gave participants a tour of the mansion. The next day during the program, Congressman Nunes' staff greeted participants and gave a tour of the Capitol facilities.
After this year's successful event, NOPA plans to expand the 2012 YPALS program to two days to allow for more presenters and trips to important Washington, DC institutions.
"Identity and Image of the Portuguese American Community in the US and Participation in the US Society" and "Historical and Cultural Legacy in the US and Valuation of Portuguese Heritage/Roots."
Speakers: Dr. George Perry and Mr. James McGlinchey
Panel 2
"Current State of Business Exchanges Between the US and Portugal - Opportunities and Future Prospects."
Speakers: Dr. Jorge A. Vasconcellos e Sá, Dr. Miguel Frasquilho, Dr. Bruno Freitas
Panel 3
"The Portuguese Political System" and "Perception of Portugal by Portuguese American Communities and Plans for a Closer Relationship in the Present Political, Economy and Cultural Climate."
Presenters: Dr. Graça Castanho, Mr. Nuno Pinto, Mr. Antonio Carneiro Jacinto
Chicago, IL
Program Director
NOPA, Inc.
Daniel Rocha
San Francisco, CA
Client Services Manager
iProspect
Elizabeth Perry - Student Delegate
San Antonio, TX
Student
University of Texas at San Antonio
Filipe Domingues
College Park, MD
Principal
FPD Consulting
Glenn Daluz
Phoenix, AZ
Financial Professional/Underwriter
Wells Fargo Mortgage
Joana Godinho
Washington, DC
News Assistant
CNN
Dr. Jorge Pinto Ferreira
Raleigh, NC
President
Portuguese Association of North Carolina
José Cabral Aniceto
New Bedford, MA
Senior Assistant Director of Finance
Renaissance Boston Waterfront
Mark Grilo
Newark, NJ
Executive Board
Union of Luso-American Clubs of New Jersey
Mark Lopes
Washington, DC
Deputy Assistant Administrator
Latin America and Caribbean Bureau
U.S. Agency for International Development
Michael Borges
Tulare, CA
Attorney/Political Advisor
Miguel Palmeiro
Rockville, MD
Attorney
Palmeiro Group
Counselor for Press, Public Diplomacy and Trade
Embassy of Portugal
Bruno Freitas
President
Portos da Região Autónoma da Madeira
Dr. George Perry
Dean, College of Sciences
University of Texas at San Antonio
Dr. Graça Castanho
Regional Director for Communities
Azorean Government
Mr. James McGlinchey
Founding Coordinator
Portuguese American Citizenship Project
Dr. Jorge A. Vasconcellos e Sá
President
Portuguese Institute for Economic Freedom
Miguel Frasquilho
Director
Economic Research Banco Espirito Santo
Nuno Pinto
Executive Director
World Bank
LEADERS SUMMIT
2011
Sponsors
