Every now and then I meet someone whose passion, drive and commitment to the Portuguese community is truly inspiring. Sometimes it is a professor at a college, the president of an organization, or someone who has started and is running an organization from scratch with the sole purpose of helping the community.

This year I have had the pleasure of meeting two young Portuguese-Americans who I consider to be amazing individuals – full of passion, inspiration and ambition, and we, the Portuguese community, are lucky to have them on our team. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about these two individuals – not because they graduated first in their class or because they are famous or hold some high position in corporate America, but because they have a commitment to and love for our community that serves as a model to all of us, and because they are our future leaders.

Adriana Silveira
“PYU [Portuguese Youth United] is just starting,” writes Adriana Silveira of Gilroy, California. “The overall idea is to inform [people] up and down the state about events and information - whether it’s education opportunities, Portuguese [programs] abroad, local folklore groups, or Portuguese bands – as just a way for people to get involved.”
In her introductory email to the PYU, Adriana explains where her idea for the PYU came from. “I am currently the Supreme Council of SES Junior President and will be finishing my term in November. During my term I met great folklore leaders, fraternal presidents and band members throughout the state and a thought emerged. About 3 years ago this group PYU was originated to join Portuguese clubs in High School and College. Cal State Stanislaus carried the idea through their program but the idea that evolved from little ole Gilroy faded. Well, now that I have learned about other groups I thought lets take it a step farther and include all organizations, groups or clubs. So many people would be more involved in groups, in education programs, willing to volunteer if they only knew. We as Portuguese people are capable of joining and making things happen, we’ve done it with the wonderful success of the folklore festival and the fraternal societies. I have been involved in the Portuguese community for my entire life and am one simple person who would just like to see something happen. It was a good start with festasonline.com and I commend Rodney Santos but lets take it up a notch together.
”The way I look at it if influential people could come together through e-mail maybe we could make something bigger and better happen. Festa de Bola in Artesia is a great. Why not have something of the sort more often? That’s the idea let people [know], make more events and get participation. The concept is simple. Where it will go, I’m not sure but it has to start with ideas and with people and willing to make it happen. I’m currently trying to petition the Government of Portugal for information and how they can assist something like this.”

While this is idea is simple in nature, it is an enormous task to maintain a list that has the potential to grow to thousands of recipients. More importantly is the underlying theme behind this project – awareness and unity. The idea that bringing awareness to all communities about events and happenings throughout the state will ultimately bring the community closer together, enabling us to work together and help each other, and finally become the united people that we should be.

Adriana’s list is currently aimed at the California communities. If you would like to be added to her list, or would like to talk to her about how to start your own list in your state, please send your name and email address to angelaatmundo@yahoo.com, and I will forward your information to her.

Elizabeth Ricardo
Elizabeth Ricardo is a first generation Portuguese-American from Santa Clara, California. A junior at Santa Clara University, Elizabeth has made giving back to her community a way of life not just a hobby. Last year after September 11th, Elizabeth, with the help of friends and family, organized a benefit to raise funds for the September 11th Fund, and was profiled in the local newspaper. One could say that she’s had a good teacher - her mother Maria Ricardo is the brains and muscle behind the Portuguese-American Forum of Santa Clara. But Elizabeth’s drive and determination is innate and comes to her naturally.
Some might remember Elizabeth from a bold, yet true, statement she made at a Forum meeting earlier this year. After a few hours of discussion going round and round in circles, Elizabeth stated something to the effect, “I think we’ve talked enough about what to do. It’s time to take action and actually do something.” Elizabeth’s statement was met by the only round of applause that afternoon, and echoed the sentiment of so many of us who have experienced frustration when trying to introduce something new to the community and get something done. Currently, Elizabeth is helping to coordinate the 1st Annual PALCUS Youth Dance to be held in Santa Clara on November 8th. This event would not have been possible if not for her driving determination and endless supply of ideas.

Adriana and Elizabeth are two examples of future leaders emerging in our community, and I know there are many others out there. We must continue to support, encourage and inspire them, so they can continue to support, encourage and inspire us. Para bems Elizabeth and Adriana, and thank you.

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