Under the theme “The Contribution of Women in the Education of Our Country,” the Alumni Association of the Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas de Mayagüez, known as CROEM Alumni, in co-sponsorship with the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico, celebrated the fifth Women’s Week recognition ceremony with an emotional event in which fifteen (15) Puerto Rican women were honored for their contributions to Puerto Rican society.
“This ceremony reaffirms the direct contribution of women in the field of education—not only for those who are or have been in the classroom. Puerto Rican women have stood out for their educational role from the home, in schools, in their workplaces, and even within their social circles. Our specialized school, CROEM—the most important public educational institution of its kind in our country—operates with a team largely composed of women who stand out for their skills and academic knowledge. Above all, they are leaders in the education of high-achieving students with an emphasis on science, mathematics, and technology. Each woman receiving this annual recognition represents the contribution women make toward progress and the development of Puerto Rico,” stated Wilson Nazario, Executive Director of CROEM Alumni.
The ceremony, held with the co-sponsorship of the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico and its bishop Rafael Morales Maldonado, recognized fifteen women from various professional fields. All honorees received the CROEM Alumni Medal, which is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated contributions to improving the quality of life of Puerto Ricans. In addition, each honoree received a personalized Official Motion approved by the Puerto Rico House of Representatives and signed by Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez, as well as another motion approved by the Puerto Rico Senate, presented by Senator Marisita Jiménez, with the support of Senators Joaquín Sánchez, Jeison Rosa Ramos, and Senators Ada Álvarez Conde and Roxanna Soto Aguilú.
“On this occasion, our ceremony also recognizes Professor Gloria Portalatín Arocho, who during the 2025–2026 academic year has become the educator with the longest tenure in the Puerto Rico Department of Education, having dedicated more than six decades (over 60 years) to the teaching profession. At 84 years old, she continues to teach at Juan Ponce de León School in the Municipality of Florida. Our organization also recognized Dr. Carmen Teresa Colón-Zayas (nephrologist and CROEM graduate, Class of 1971); Dr. Marianyoly Ortiz-Ortiz (scientist and CROEM graduate, Class of 2003); Ángela Meyer (artist, producer, and Municipal Legislator of San Juan); Rosachely Rivera Santana (former Mayor of Gurabo and current Secretary of State of Puerto Rico); Anamary Naredo Rodríguez (entrepreneur and merchant); María VannReyes (entrepreneur and merchant); Attorney Marie Carmen Muntaner Rodríguez (legal advisor to the Puerto Rico Hospital Association); Niurka Y. Vélez Feliciano (official of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company); Maritza W. Ruiz Cabán (Administrator of the Aguadilla Municipal Government); Yadira Torres Rivas (executive of the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico); Deborah Martorell Colón (meteorologist at TeleOnce); Ivette Sosa Guzmán (reporter at Telemundo Channel 2); Linnette Torres Aldarondo (actress and host of the program “Buen Día” on WIPR Channel 6); and Ada Monzón Lloreda (meteorologist at Noticentro, WAPA TV). The selection of this year’s honorees was carried out by a CROEM Alumni committee composed of men and women, all successful in their respective professional fields,” said the Executive Director of CROEM Alumni.
CROEM Alumni also invited the women honored during Women’s Week to join the Puerto Rico delegation that travels annually to the Puerto Rican Week festivities and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, celebrated during the second week of June in New York City.