Puerto Rico Tertulia with Christine Nieves | Washington, DC

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), Power 4 Puerto Rico and The Raben Group hosted a Puerto Rico Tertuila “Puerto Rico Beyond the Media Coverage, State of Bigger Cities, & Politics,” with Christine Nieves of Emerge Puerto Rico at The Raben Group in Washington, DC today! 

Christine Nieves, who is part of HHF’s LOFT Network, returned to support her native Puerto Rico during the financial crisis after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania and Oxford University, and enjoying a rising career path. Six months later, Christine was living in the region hit by the eye of Hurricane Maria when it was a Category 5.

Two weeks after impact, she focused on galvanizing the community of Mariana (located in the mountainous region of Humacao and Yabucoa, mostly forgotten by emergency response which focused on other parts of the island). Christine led the conversation along with HHF’s President and CEO, Antonio Tijerino. 

The talk focused on Emerge Puerto Rico, Christine answered questions about the state of the island in the rural areas and the proud survivors who will rebuild and reenergize for a stronger Puerto Rico! HHF will also present a program with Ralph’s in coordination with Christine to transport food, medical supplies and toys to Puerto Rico along with a volunteer effort to support Emerge Puerto Rico.

“How would you feel if you had no hope? It’s been 5 months of darkness, of no electricity and so we want to have build that hope,” said Antonio. 

Months after Hurricane María made its mark in Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico is rebuilding day by day with the help of organizations and coalitions like Emerge Puerto Rico. Christine Nieves of Emerge Puerto Rico discussed the conditions in Puerto Rico and how everything has collapsed except for invisible infrastructure. 

“One thing that didn’t collapse was invisible infrastructure, everything else collapsed. Power lines, electricity, water, but it was the people knowing each other and knowing what they’re good at, where they came together and decided, “maybe we can do something without electricity and water.” It was those connections among people that helped us put together Proyecto Puerto Rico which continues even this morning as I was walking here today,” said Christine.  

#Power4PuertoRico is a coalition of organizations, leaders and advocates from across the nation working together to address the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. Through advocacy, strategic communications and direct mobilization #Power4PuertoRico is calling on Congress and the Administration to adopt an ambitious, new agenda that will put Puerto Rico’s economy on the road to future growth and prosperity. 

To learn more about #Power4PuertoRico go here.