Puerto Rico celebrated its next generation of leaders as the DDEC recognized outstanding young people for their service, leadership and innovation during the closing of Youth Month.
SAN JUAN — Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) recognized nine young leaders from across the island during the closing celebration of Youth Month, honoring their outstanding contributions to community service, leadership and social impact.
The ceremony, held at Distrito T-Mobile, featured the presentation of the Puerto Rican Youth Medal to individuals between the ages of 13 and 29 who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism, service and acts of courage.
“Our youth are active, committed and determined to create positive change,” Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said in a statement. “They are talented, entrepreneurial leaders who inspire others through their dedication to serving Puerto Rico.”
DDEC Secretary Carlos J. Ríos Pierluisi highlighted the importance of investing in the island’s next generation.
“Recognizing these young leaders shows that Puerto Rico’s youth have the talent and determination to make a meaningful impact in our communities. Investing in our youth is investing in Puerto Rico’s future,” he said.
In the Community Service category, first place was awarded to Aaron Santos Morales, founder of the nonprofit Paws Rescue Puerto Rico, which focuses on rescuing abandoned animals. Jimena Zoé López Colón and Jelix Serrano González earned second and third place, respectively.
The Helping Those in Need category recognized Jeanetliz Santiago Morales, Alexis Báez Pérez, and Fernanda Pérez Rodríguez.
In the Acts of Valor category, Carlos A. Vélez Dávila, a student at the Special Education and Comprehensive Rehabilitation School (CODERI), received first place. William Cosme Rivera and Solmirielys Juarbe Orta were also recognized.
The DDEC also presented its Youth Commitment Award to Jóvenes de Puerto Rico en Riesgo, a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs, mentorship and safe spaces for young people facing vulnerable circumstances.
During the event, officials also recognized the winners of Make it Real, a new initiative under the DDEC’s Youth Development Program designed to encourage high school students to develop entrepreneurial skills through innovation, creativity and artificial intelligence.
The top winners—Derick Rivera Quiñones, Jacob Rivera and Génesis Pérez—were honored for transforming business ideas into practical projects with the support of workshops and mentorship.
The ceremony concluded with recognition of participants in the DDEC Summer Internship Program, the Luis A. Ferré Internship and La Fortaleza’s Architecture Internship, highlighting their contributions to public service and economic development initiatives across Puerto Rico.
