In 1961 Felisa Rincón de Gautier attends the swearing in of John F. Kennedy as the 35th U.S. President. Pablo Casals had a concert at the White House.
Felisa Rincón de Gautier Distinguished Woman Award
Felisa Rincón de Gautier
The Felisa Rincón de Gautier Distinguished Woman Award event was created in 2017 to honor Felisa Rincón de Gautier (1897 –1994) who was the first woman to be elected as the Mayor of a capital city in the Americas. A noted women's rights activist and an active participant in the suffragist movement, she was mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico for 22 years (from 1946 to 1968).
Through this award ceremony and the giving of these annual awards to prestigious women each year – it is PRAA’s goal to heighten and exemplify Ms. Rincon de Gautier's impeccable service and commitment to her community, women, and her country. This award aims to recognize women for their distinguished service and their contributions as role models and advocates who inspire other women and the broader community.
Felisa Rincón de Gautier y otros funcionarios a la entrada de minibus de San Juan. (1965) Credit: Puerto Rico Historical Building Drawings Society
2021 Honorees
The Felisa Rincon de Gautier Distinguished Woman Award event was held virtually March 25, 2021. We congratulate our 2021 honorees!
Dr. Wanda Figueroa
Advocacy Award
Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta has dedicated her life to improve the mental health, education, and quality of life of communities. She is currently the President & CEO of River Valley and its affiliated corporations, which operates the River Valley Behavioral Health Hospital for Children….. Read More Here
Adamari Lopez
Culture & Media Award
Adamari Lopez is one of the most recognized personalities of Hispanic television with extensive experience in the world of soap operas that positioned her as one of the most prominent celebrities of recent years. Since Adamari joined the team of presenters of "A New Day", she has won the affection of viewers who tune in to the popular Telemundo morning program awarded with two national Emmy awards in the United States, Puerto Rico, in Latin America through Telemundo Internacional….. Read More Here
Dr. Carmen Ayala
Education Award
Dr. Carmen Ayala is now serving as the State Superintendent of Education. Appointed by the State Board of Education in 2019, she was previously serving as the Superintendent of Berwyn North School District 98 where she steadily turned around lower-performing schools…. Read More Here
Event Highlights
2021 Felisa Rincón de Gautier Distinguished Woman Award, Adamari Lopez, Culture & Media Award
2019 Felisa Rincón de Gautier Distinguished Woman Award, Evette Cardona, Philanthropy Award
