Portugal Day, from our Executive Committee
Today is Portugal Day, a day when we honor and reflect on the contributions and legacy of Portuguese people.
Every June 10th, we're reminded that the Portuguese spirit has always been carried forward by people who chose to show up for it, wherever they are in the world. The members of our Executive Committee are a perfect example of this.
Rodrigo Carvalho, António Folhadela Oliveira, Nuno Guerreiro, Tomás Tavares d'Almeida, Dario Nolasco and João Salvação Barreto - each with their own demanding day jobs, volunteer their time to this Chamber of Commerce because they believe Portugal deserves to be visible and relevant, all the way from New York.
Today, we asked them to share with our community what drives that commitment.
Read what they had to say below:
For centuries, the Portuguese have explored the world, connecting cultures, building relationships, and fostering trade across continents. Few nations have a diaspora as global and entrepreneurial as Portugal’s. Today, there is virtually no corner of the world where one cannot find Portuguese talent, ambition, and influence.
The Portuguese diaspora is one of the country's greatest strategic assets—one that should be celebrated, strengthened, and leveraged to create new opportunities for Portugal and future generations.
As a proud Portuguese, it is both meaningful and rewarding to contribute, even in a small way, to increasing Portugal’s visibility and relevance in the United States. Helping Portuguese companies, entrepreneurs, and innovations gain recognition on the global stage is not only a professional mission, but also a personal source of pride.
Rodrigo Carvalho, President of the Board of Directors
I am driven by the responsibility to honor the rich history and cultural heritage of Portugal, while simultaneously building a vibrant future for the Portuguese community in the US. By keeping Portugal visible and relevant, we ensure that our country's contributions continue to resonate globally and inspire the next generation of Portuguese Americans.
António Folhadela de Oliveira, Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee
Though I have been fortunate to call many countries home, my heart is deeply anchored in Portugal. It is profoundly rewarding to channel my global experiences into giving back and paying it forward. Through my work with the Portugal-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, I connect with my core heritage while serving as a catalyst—bridging the best of both nations and creating new opportunities for others. It is an immense privilege to eliminate the physical ocean between us through meaningful business and cultural impact.
Nuno Guerreiro, Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee
I am very proud to serve on the EXCO of the PUSCC. Sovena has been a long-time sustaining member of the chamber, and we pride ourselves to support companies and business that want to come to the US, by sharing our vision, our history, and most importantly, our challenges along the way. To help these companies developing a path to success in this market, is what motivates us to continue participating.
Tomás Tavares d'Almeida, Vice President and Member of the Executive Committee
It is a privilege to serve on the Executive Committee of the PUSCC, as it enables me to assist in developing and supporting economic, professional, and business relations between Portugal and the United States. At the PUSCC, we aim to have a positive impact by fostering opportunities, strengthening professional networks, and contributing to the long-term success of the Portuguese-American community. I am honored to work with colleagues who share a commitment not only to promoting Portugal in the United States, but also to assisting Portuguese businesses, both large and small, succeed.
Dario Nolasco, Secretary and Member of the Executive Committee
Portugal’s identity has long been shaped by the willingness of its people to venture, explore, and connect with the world. This spirit has fueled a remarkable global diaspora and driven meaningful contributions across different areas of society. Few captured this defining trait more eloquently than LuÃs de Camões. It is this legacy that we celebrate each year on June 10th — the Day of Portugal, of Camões, and of the Portuguese Communities.
Collaborating with the PUSCC has been a valuable opportunity to make a small contribution to this enduring legacy, by sharing experiences and supporting Portuguese companies as they look to expand into the United States — one of the most dynamic and competitive markets in the world.
João Salvação Barreto, Treasurer and Member of the Executive Committee