On March 11, 2026, the Episcopal Church and CROEM Alumni held a remarkable event in Ponce de Leon, recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in education. This fifth ceremony, themed “The Contributions of Women to the Education of Our Country,” celebrated the achievements of 15 outstanding women who have made significant impacts in Puerto Rico. The timing of the event coincided with Women’s Week, underscoring the importance of acknowledging women’s roles in shaping society.

CROEM, the most important public educational institution in Puerto Rico, boasts a notable majority of female educators. The event aimed to honor the contributions of women, particularly in the field of education, and each honoree received the prestigious CROEM ALUMNI Medal, which is awarded to individuals who have enhanced the quality of life for Puerto Ricans. Furthermore, each recipient was presented with personalized official motions from both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of Puerto Rico.

Honorees and Their Achievements

This year’s honorees included a diverse group of women excelling in various fields:

  • Professor Gloria Portalatín Arocho, who has dedicated over 60 years to education and continues to teach.
  • Dr. Carmen Teresa Colón-Zayas, a nephrologist and CROEM graduate from 1971.
  • Dr. Marianyoly Ortiz-Ortiz, a scientist and CROEM graduate from 2003.
  • Ángela Meyer, an artist, producer, and community politician.
  • Rosachely Rivera Santana, former mayor of Gurabo and current Secretary of State.
  • Anamary Naredo Rodríguez, an entrepreneur.
  • María VannReyes, also an entrepreneur.
  • Lcda. Marie Carmen Muntaner Rodríguez, a legal advisor.
  • Niurka Y. Vélez Feliciano, a tourism representative.
  • Maritza W. Ruiz Cabán, an administrative manager.
  • Yadira Torres Rivas, a diocesan employee.
  • Deborah Martorell Colón, a meteorologist.
  • Ivette Sosa Guzmán, a reporter.
  • Linnette Torres Aldarondo, an actress and host.
  • Ada Monzón Lloreda, a meteorologist.

The selection of these remarkable women was made by a committee from CROEMITAS, consisting of successful professionals who recognized their exceptional contributions to society. In a gesture of further recognition, the honorees were invited to join the Puerto Rican Delegation for the Puerto Rican Week and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York.

The Importance of Education and Gender Equality

Recognizing the achievements of women in education is crucial, especially in light of global challenges. Since 1990, the educational attainment of girls and boys has been converging, yet geographical disparities in access to education persist. For instance, around 773 million people worldwide lack basic literacy skills, two-thirds of whom are women. While strides have been made, girls in many regions still face significant barriers to education.

According to UNESCO, in 2019, approximately 64 million children of primary school age were out of school, with gender-specific enrollment differences still prevalent. Regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia face significant challenges in achieving gender parity in education. Gender-transformative education aims to address these structural inequalities, challenging societal norms and stereotypes that hinder equal access to opportunities.

As we celebrate the contributions of women like those honored at the ceremony, it is essential to continue advocating for educational equity and gender equality. The work of these trailblazers not only paves the way for future generations but also highlights the ongoing need for systemic change in our education systems.

For more information on this inspiring event, visit the original source here.

To learn more about the global context of gender and education, check out the source here.