I believe the time is perfect for the National Puerto Rican Diaspora Museum based on the unique time in history in which we find ourselves where human rights, the definition of equality, government structures, and almost every definition of what we have relied on to define societies is in question.

Puerto Ricans represent such a small number of the world population yet have experienced so many aspects of the socio-political shifts that have determined how people define themselves within a larger society. 

Our motherland now stands on the brink of upheaval and change but with no clear roadmap going forward. Yet we have a rich history of participation and inclusion on the world map for over 500 years. The island of Puerto Rico has been under US rule for 126 of those years. The presence of Puerto Ricans on mainland USA has included the early participation of scholars, politicians, and freedom fighters, as well as everyday folk in search of jobs, opportunities for growth for them and their children, as well as the improvement of living conditions in Puerto Rico. In the process, we have integrated into the fabric of the US mainland fighting for our rights and those of others, to include: equity standing in the economy, quality education, social standing, political participation, quality health and social services, women’s rights, and much more. Puerto Ricans have risen to high stature in the arts, sports, politics, education, space research, business, and more. Yet our journey through the US landscape is barely noted and is, in fact, in danger of disappearing.

We do, however, have the opportunity to right that path by dedicating resources to the creation of The National Diaspora Museum, Inc. where we can memorialize these many contributions.

Noemi Santana
Vice-Chairperson & Secretary

Noemi Santana has worked in many industries both in Puerto Rico and in New York and remains active in the concerns and activities of the Puerto Rican Diaspora.

She was two-term national president of the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. (NACOPRW), and has continued to advocate for the rights of others through socio-civic participation.  She is an experienced Public Relations & Marketing Consultant specializing in creating access to Puerto Rican, Hispanic, African-American, and other ethnic markets. She has served on many Boards, has produced health and nutrition education videos for clients, is a self-published author, performance poet, and has been an activist in support of women’s and children’s rights – particularly in the area of work equity for women, the reduction of adolescent pregnancy, and quality health access (with or without documentation).  Noemi has worked on several political campaigns, participated in voter registration and education projects, and conducted exit polling at inner-city polling sites. She is a graduate of the Latino Leadership Institute where she was conferred a certificate in Political Campaign Management. Her most recent activism has been through Respect and Justice for Puerto Rico, a group seeking much needed change in the obscure 1920s shipping regulation, The Jones Act, that continues to strangle Puerto Rico’s economy. 

Noemi is the founder of the National Puerto Rican Diaspora Museum, Inc., along with seven other Founding Board Members in Hartford, Connecticut. She has been guest or keynote speaker and panelist at numerous conferences and special events, and has received a number of awards and recognition for both professional and socio-civic achievement; and was recognized by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Board for her contributions to arts and culture.