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Saturday, March 24, 2012

Puerto Rican Nominated by Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi is Honored as Latina Leader of the United States

Moraima Oyola is the creator of the movement: "But Today is Not the Day"

San Juan, Puerto Rico - Resident Commisioner Pedro Pierluisi announced today that Moraima Oyola, civic leader and founder of the movement But Today is Not the Day, will be honored as a Latina Leader of the United Satesat a ceremony on Tuesday in Washington, DC.

Oyola was nominated for this award by the Resident Commissioner in recognition of the personal obstacles she has overcome and the tremendous contributions she has made to the community through multiple social initiatives.

"We all recognize Moraima as a courageous and action-oriented woman. Not only has she overcome the challenges she confronted in her own life, but she has also inspired thousands of others to do the same. With her personal story of survival, Moraima has made a real difference in the lives of so many others.   She is a true heroine.   I hope that everyone, especially the women of Puerto Rico, continue to be inspired by her and to see her as an example of what can be achieved despite difficult circumstances," said the Resident Commissioner.

Each year, the event Latina Leaders: Celebrating Our Voices pays homage to a select group of Hispanic women, nominated by members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who have devoted their time and energy to making a positive difference in their communities. As a member of the Caucus, Pierluisi nominated Oyola.

"I want to extend my profound gratitude to the Resident Commissioner, Pedro Pierluisi, for validating the service, commitment and character of Puerto Rican women. I accept this award on behalf of all women who have come to understand that success is not defined by what we have, but rather by who we are.  More than focusing on being successful women, we should focus on being courageous women! I will continue to raise the flag of peace for our people. Puerto Rico can count on me!" said Oyola, upon being notified of her selection as a Latina Leader of the United States. 

In addition to the recent civic movement she established and leads, Oyola is also the Executive Director of theForging a New Beginning Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to help marginalized population groups like student drop-outs, single mothers, the homeless, abused women, and former prisoners.

“Moraima seeks to give people the hope they need to improve their lives. Particularly given our current social reality, it is so important to have individuals like her--individuals dedicated to building alternate pathways for people to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, just like she has.   Through her initiatives, Moraima has contributed to our efforts to fight crime and instill good values. What a tremendous source of pride for Puerto Rico! And what an honor for me to be able to bestow upon this most-deserving Puerto Rican woman the title of Latina Leader of the United States," said Pierluisi.

The Movement But Today is Not the Day seeks to create alliances between leaders in Puerto Rico's municipalities in order to combat crime and to promote peace, good values and security. The movement has called upon all of Puerto Rico's institutions to counter each negative action with a positive action for society.

The Forging a New Beginning Foundation consists of various programs designed to create opportunities for disadvantaged groups.   One of these programs provides work four days for week for ex-prisoners, school drop-outs, single mothers, and abused women.   On the fifth day, participants receive legal and spiritual counseling and attend events that promote self-reliance and provide motivation.

Another program that the Foundation administers seeks to provide housing for 25 former prisoners or homeless persons.   Participants in this program also benefit from social services, meals, recreational activities, personal development activities, and job opportunities until they achieve self-sufficiency.

In addition, Oyola recently designed a program that aims to prevent drug use and teenage pregnancy among at-risk youth. The program offers educational sessions for the children of single mothers and for both young people and their parents.

Oyola attributes her passion for social service to the difficult experiences she faced in her own life, which she detailed in her autobiography, Who Told You That You Can't?

Moraima Oyola and other Latina Leader honorees will be recognized this Tuesday, March 27th, in the Kennedy Caucus Room in the United States Senate.