June 11, 1999
Las Vegas, NV — Dr. Antonia Pantoja, the founder of ASPIRA and a lifelong crusader for the nation's Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities, was honored by the Points of Light Foundation, which presented her with its Lenore and George W. Romney Citizen Volunteer Award. The prestigious award recognizes distinguished Americans who have demonstrated the spirit of volunteering and citizenship exemplified by the late Michigan governor and his wife.
Dr. Pantoja received her award from Robert F. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Foundation during its annual National Community Service conference, which is co-sponsored by the Corporation for National Service. "ASPIRA means to aspire. And through the years Dr. Pantoja and ASPIRA have helped change the lives of millions of Hispanic men and women," said Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. "She is truly an inspiration to us all."
Dr. Pantoja's achievements on behalf of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic people began during her graduate student years at Columbia University, when she helped create the Hispanic Youth Adult Association, which later became the Puerto Rican Association for Community Affairs (RACA).
The Puerto Rican Forum, created with other young professionals, paved the way for ASPIRA, an organization committed to helping Latino youth develop their intellectual and leadership potential so they can improve their lives and their communities. ASPIRA provides career and college counseling, financial aid, scholarship assistance, advocacy, and other opportunities, serving more than 25,000 students in 400 schools.
A native of Puerto Rico, where she taught school for two years, Dr. Pantoja was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton, the highest honor the nation bestows upon civilians.
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