Honorees
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Ramón Mercedes: Bronx Borough Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Journalism: Veteran journalist with 50+ years covering Dominican affairs for over 20 media outlets across the U.S. and DR.
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Domingo Cruz: Bronx Borough Dominican Honoree – Cultural Advocate Bronx-based artist and educator preserving Dominican identity through creative public installations and education.
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Giamara M. Rosado: Bronx Borough Adopted Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Community Legal Services: SVP of Legal Affairs at Acacia Network, leading governance for NYC’s largest Latino-led nonprofit.
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Fidel Malena: Bronx Borough Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Governmental Services: NYS Governor’s Bronx Representative known for civic leadership and expanding public access.
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Mimi Henriquez: Bronx Borough Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Business Innovation: Entrepreneur and INDEX NY leader empowering Dominican diaspora nonprofits and trade networks.
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Marisol Mancebo: Yonkers Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Community Leadership: Executive Director of Yonkers PAL and civic trailblazer serving youth and Dominican families.
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Maria C. Garcia: Yonkers Dominican Honoree – Trailblazer: Founder of the Dominican American Cultural Club in Yonkers and lifelong leader in education and community development.
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Milagros “Millie” Gutierrez: Yonkers Adopted Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Community Outreach: Founder of YSEF, delivering aid across Yonkers and Latin America through humanitarian logistics.
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Jhonaly Guzmán: Embajador de Excelencia en Maquillaje: Beauty entrepreneur and stylist behind major Dominican fashion and TV productions.
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Saury “Saucy” Hunt: Ambassador of Live Entertainment Production: Tour producer and creative strategist elevating Dominican talent on global stages.
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Juan Manuel Méndez García: Padrino: Director of the DR’s Emergency Operations Center (COE), coordinating national crisis response with honor.
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Shadie Tineo: Embajadora de Crecimiento y Desarrollo: Emerging Dominican leader and strategist driving nonprofit development and equity efforts.
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Carmen Rojas: Embajadora de Empoderamiento Comunitario: Founder of Padres Defensores de los Niños, a powerful advocate for education and immigrant rights.
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Rafael Toro: Manhattan Borough Adopted Dominican Honoree – Cultural Icon: Goya PR Director and creator of Goya Gives, supporting 300+ organizations nationwide.
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Mayra Linares-García: Manhattan Borough Dominican Honoree – Madrina
VP of Public Affairs at Liberty Coca-Cola and Trustee of CUNY, bridging business, education, and community leadership.
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Dominican Bar Association: Manhattan Borough Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Community Advocacy: Legal nonprofit advancing justice, scholarships, and leadership in the Dominican legal field.
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Dr. Roger Henriquez: Ambassador of Medical Services: Physician and community health advocate with decades of service to Dominican families.
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Excarlet Molina (Mega): Ambassador of Radio & Entertainment: Mega 97.9 host and cultural influencer known for her empowering and vibrant voice.
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Darling Burdiez (NBC): Ambassador of Media: 12x Emmy-winning Telemundo anchor and respected journalist serving Dominican communities.
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Rudy Liriano: Ambassador of Culinary Services: Founder of Puerto Plata Hospitality Group, elevating Dominican seafood and nightlife experiences.
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Yonesy Núñez: Ambassador of Technology: A Dominican tech leader with a doctorate from Pace University, he’s been named among the Top 100 Most Influential Hispanic Leaders in Technology.
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Nelson Cruz: Grand Marshal: MLB All-Star and philanthropist improving health and education in the Dominican Republic through his foundation.
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Carlos Antonio Cruz: Ambassador – Revelación del Año: Media influencer and former NYC delivery professional who rose to national fame through La Casa de los Famosos All-Stars.
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Candy Santana: Ambassador of Arts & Entertainment: Filmmaker and founder of Ánima Azul, telling Dominican stories through cinema and empowerment.
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Daniel Peralta: Embajador de Modas y Diseños: Internationally honored Dominican designer known for heritage-infused couture.
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César Romero: Premio a la Trayectoria: Media icon and host of “Hechos y Gente,” with 45+ years in Dominican community broadcasting.
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Jandy Ventura: Legado del Merengue: Son of Johnny Ventura, continuing the merengue legend’s legacy through global performance.
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Hipólito Gil: Ambassador of Public Safety: NYPD Deputy Inspector and FBI Academy graduate committed to leadership and mental health advocacy.
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Joel Armogasto Martinez “The Kid Mero”: Ambassador of Arts and Culture
Comedian, writer, and producer of Desus & Mero and Bodega Boys; Bronx Dominican powerhouse uplifting community through humor and media. -
Carlos Bernabel: Ambassador of Hope: Once behind the wheel of a city bus, now at the forefront of labor leadership—this Secretary-Treasurer of TWU Local 100 stands up for 44,000 transit workers across New York and Connecticut.
Cultural Celebrations
Bronx Dominican Heritage Celebration
🎉 A fantastic evening celebrating the 43rd Annual National Dominican Day Parade kickoff, hosted by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. Thank you for a memorable event! 🌟 👏 Congratulations to our 2025 honorees: Mimi Henriquez, Ramón Mercedes, Domingo Cruz, Fidel Malena, and Giamara M. Rosado for your outstanding contributions to the Bronx and Dominican communities. 🏆 Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who joined us. Let’s continue honoring our heritage under the 2025 theme: 🇩🇴 Quisqueya & 🇺🇸 USA – United in Culture and Tradition. #QuisqueyaAndUSA #DominicanHeritage #DominicanPride #DominicanParade #DesfileDominicano #NatDDP2025
Yonkers Dominican Heritage Celebration
Join us in celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Dominicanswho will march with us at the 43rd Anniversary of the National Dominican Day Parade Quisqueya & USA: United in Culture and Tradition.
