CIRCULO DE PUERTO RICO, INC.
WASHINGTON, D.C. | MARYLAND | VIRGINIA | PUERTO RICO
It is organized for charitable, educational, cultural and civic purposes, and it is a non-partisan and non-sectarian organization.
Está organizada con fines benéficos, educativos, culturales y cívicos, y es una organización no partidista y no sectaria.
Board Members
NAYDA FORTEZA | PRESIDENT
Nayda Forteza was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and moved to Washington, DC in 2006. She has a Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Major in Accounting from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico (San Juan, PR), she has achieved Level 3 DoD Financial Management Certification Program, (Washington, DC) and is a Certified Fraud Examiner. Nayda was awarded the “Most Valuable Fundraiser” and “President Award” and is a former member of Toastmasters International, served in the following capacities as club Vice-President of Education, Club President, and Area D2 Governor for area Clubs. Nayda joined el Círculo de Puerto Rico, Inc. in 2020.
DAVE HOLMES | VICE PRESIDENT
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Dave Holmes who resides in Fairfax Station Virginia is a retired federal government Senior Executive Service member, and a US Army veteran. Dave was born in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Recinto de Rio Piedras. Upon graduation from UPR, Dave began his career in the US Army and lived in the Panama Canal Zone. He subsequently started his lengthy career in federal law enforcement when sworn in as a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent. He retired from federal service in 2012. Dave is the proud father of four children who are all members of CPRI, and four grandchildren. After retirement, Dave offered his volunteer services to the Ecumenical Council Helping Others (ECHO) in Springfield VA where he is a counselor. He has been a long-term member of CPRI and was also a former board member in the University of Puerto Rico Alumni Association (UPRAA) in Washington. DC.
LISSETE D. MELENDEZ | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA
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Lissete D. Meléndez, Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a mother and entrepreneur. I have dedicated more than +20 years of my professional life to marketing. I moved to Virginia in 2016 to work as a contractor. I have accumulated extensive experience in marketing, branding, and logistics leadership. My focus on customer service has been fundamental in my work, and I have a track record of exceeding sales projections, managing teams, and developing new business partnerships.
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I have had the privilege of supporting a wide variety of organizations, both private and public, and I have always been able to develop strong strategic missions and execute them successfully, paying special attention to detail and demonstrating excellent communication skills. I am a dynamic relationship builder, capable of leading multidisciplinary teams.
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ROBERT ODOM | TREASURER
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Robert Odom is a career federal employee with the Department of Homeland Security. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Sacred Heart University of Puerto Rico and completed various leadership development opportunities such as the George Washington University Senior Leaders Program, U.S. Graduate School New Leaders Program, and Second Level Command Preparation.
Robert, who lived in Puerto Rico most of his life, is fluent in Spanish and is passionate about Puerto Rican culture, history, and traditions.
Robert Odom es empleado federal de carrera con el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional. Es graduado con un bachillerato en administración de empresas y contabilidad de la Universidad del Sagrado Corazón y ha completado varios programas de desarrollo en liderazgo como el Senior Leaders Program de la George Washington University, el New Leaders Program de la U.S. Graduate School, y Second Level Command Preparation.
Robert, quien vivió la mayoría de su vida en Puerto Rico, domina el español y es apasionado por la cultura, historia, y tradiciones de Puerto Rico.
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EDDIE GALARZA | DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH & DONATIONS
(Colonel, Retired), Project Management Professional (PMP), is committed to serve as CPRI Director of Donations and Outreach. Eddie serves as Vice-president for Department of Defense Sales and Business Development. He has over 35 years of professional and military experience and relevant leadership experience in Information Technology and Cyberspace Operations.
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GEORGE TURNER | DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH & DONATIONS
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ADAMARIS VARGAS | SECRETARY
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Originally from Puerto Rico and now residing in Maryland, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Maryland. During high school, she held leadership positions in various honor societies and student associations, actively representing her community and supporting others. Adamaris has also gained experience through internships and employment in the computer science and cybersecurity field. She is eager to apply her skills and collaborate with CPRI members to contribute to the organization's goals and mission as an administrative assistant.
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