In 1921, she returned to the island and was offered the position of history professor at the College of Liberal Arts of the University of Puerto Rico, thus becoming the first woman to teach in that institution.

Barbosa was also very active in her father's cause and served as political advisor and mentor to many of the politicians who shared her father's political goals, most notably those from the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, including former Resident Commissioner and Governor from 2009 to 2013 Luis Fortuño and former Senate of Puerto Rico President and 2009-2013 Puerto Rico Secretary of State Kenneth McClintock.

The program was created as a means to provide professional development training opportunities for public school practitioners and educators in Puerto Rico.

The Pilar Barbosa Program serves as a catalyst for long term educational realignment using the graduates as agents of sustainable reform in the public school system.

The Washington Center provides an integrated academic and work experience to prepare participants for lives of leadership, professional achievement, and civic engagement.