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Elvira Mendez, President of the Organization
of Women of the Americas, and its Board of Directors, warmly welcome all
those who enter this virtual space to discover who we are and what we do.
This page will provide you with information about our Organization and
the various cultural and social activities we organize to raise funds to
help support the work of charitable organizations and programs that
address the problems faced by women and children from Latin America and
the Caribbean, in their countries of origin and here in Washington, D.C.
and its surrounding area.
We welcome you to the portal!
About Us
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The OWA, a non-profit, charitable organization operated under Section
501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, was founded in 1997. Its
members comprise lady Ambassadors who are permanent members of the
Organization of American States (OAS) and the wives of Ambassadors,
Permanent Observers and Alternate Representatives (permanent Members and
Observers) to the OAS; the wife of the Secretary General and of the
Assistant Secretary General of the OAS, and associate members.
The principal objectives of the OWA are: to sensitize the needs and
problems of women and children from the different countries of Latin
America and the Caribbean; to strengthen the close ties between member
countries of the OAS; and to unite the diplomatic community and citizens
of the Americas who live in the metropolitan area of Washington D.C., in
an aim to organize and promote cultural and social fund-raising
activities and help address the needs of charities and programs that
provide support to women and children in this region of the world.
Since it was founded, the OWA has made contributions
to numerous organizations, including the Oncology Section of the
Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; the Caribbean
American Intercultural Organization; the OAS program to help landmine
victims in Central America; the “Casa Rosada” home for children with AIDS
in the Dominican Republic; Programs of the Mother Theresa of Calcutta’s
Missionaries of Charity in Washington, D.C.; the San José de Malambo
Orphanage in Panama; the Spanish Catholic Center of Washington D.C.; the
Arc en Ciel Orphanage in Haiti; the “Mundo Mejor” Foundation in Colombia;
and the Sisters of Mother Theresa in Peru.
One of its main fund-raising events is the Food
Festival of the Americas which is held in the OAS Aztec Garden in the
spring. A variety of food, music and dance from different countries in
Latin America and the Caribbean can be sampled and a large raffle is held
during the Festival, offering the chance to win excellent prizes such as
airline tickets, traditional craftwork and regional food and drink.
Another important activity is the annual Bingo
event, which relies on the valuable support of the Permanent Missions
and Observers to the OAS, by promoting the sale of tickets and donating
prizes, food and drink. This event is held in the Americas Room of the
OAS building in November.
The OWA’s headquarters are located in the Protocol
Office of the OAS:
17th Street & Constitution Avenue N.W. – Washington, D.C. 20006-44995
Tel: 202-458-3000 / Fax: 202-518-1124
Web page:
www.oas.org/OMA
E-mail: oma.oas.org@gmail.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2012-2014)
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