Theme: “Quisqueya & USA: United in Culture and Tradition”
NEW YORK, NY – [Insert Date] — The National Dominican Day Parade, Inc. (NatDDP), under the leadership of Chair Cristina Contreras and the Board of Directors, proudly announces the honorees and events for the 43rd Annual National Dominican Day Parade.
This year’s theme, “Quisqueya & USA: United in Culture and Tradition,” honors the vibrant legacy of the Dominican Republic and its deep cultural and civic ties with the United States. The Parade and its Gala continue to highlight individuals who embody excellence across public service, media, arts, technology, labor, and community advocacy. Honorees will be celebrated during the Benefit Gala on August 8 and featured in the 43rd Annual Parade on August 10 along 6th Avenue in Manhattan.
2025 HONOREES
- 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.
- Domingo Cruz: Bronx Borough Dominican Honoree – Cultural Advocate Bronx-based artist and educator preserving Dominican identity through creative public installations and education.
- 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.
- Fidel Malena: Bronx Borough Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Governmental Services: NYS Governor’s Bronx Representative known for civic leadership and expanding public access.
- Mimi Henriquez: Bronx Borough Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Business Innovation: Entrepreneur and INDEX NY leader empowering Dominican diaspora nonprofits and trade networks.
- Marisol Mancebo: Yonkers Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Community Leadership: Executive Director of Yonkers PAL and civic trailblazer serving youth and Dominican families.
- Maria C. Garcia: Yonkers Dominican Honoree – Trailblazer: Founder of the Dominican American Cultural Club in Yonkers and lifelong leader in education and community development.
- Milagros «Millie» Gutierrez: Yonkers Adopted Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Community Outreach: Founder of YSEF, delivering aid across Yonkers and Latin America through humanitarian logistics.
- Jhonaly Guzmán: Embajador de Excelencia en Maquillaje: Beauty entrepreneur and stylist behind major Dominican fashion and TV productions.
- Saury “Saucy” Hunt: Ambassador of Live Entertainment Production: Tour producer and creative strategist elevating Dominican talent on global stages.
- Juan Manuel Méndez García: Padrino: Director of the DR’s Emergency Operations Center (COE), coordinating national crisis response with honor.
- Shadie Tineo: Embajadora de Crecimiento y Desarrollo: Emerging Dominican leader and strategist driving nonprofit development and equity efforts.
- Carmen Rojas: Embajadora de Empoderamiento Comunitario: Founder of Padres Defensores de los Niños, a powerful advocate for education and immigrant rights.
- Rafael Toro: Manhattan Borough Adopted Dominican Honoree – Cultural Icon: Goya PR Director and creator of Goya Gives, supporting 300+ organizations nationwide.
- 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. - Dominican Bar Association: Manhattan Borough Dominican Honoree – Excellence in Community Advocacy: Legal nonprofit advancing justice, scholarships, and leadership in the Dominican legal field.
- Dr. Roger Henriquez: Ambassador of Medical Services: Physician and community health advocate with decades of service to Dominican families.
- Excarlet Molina (Mega): Ambassador of Radio & Entertainment: Mega 97.9 host and cultural influencer known for her empowering and vibrant voice.
- Darling Burdiez (NBC): Ambassador of Media: 12x Emmy-winning Telemundo anchor and respected journalist serving Dominican communities.
- Rudy Liriano: Ambassador of Culinary Services: Founder of Puerto Plata Hospitality Group, elevating Dominican seafood and nightlife experiences.
- 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.
- Nelson Cruz: Grand Marshal: MLB All-Star and philanthropist improving health and education in the Dominican Republic through his foundation.
- 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.
- Candy Santana: Ambassador of Arts & Entertainment: Filmmaker and founder of Ánima Azul, telling Dominican stories through cinema and empowerment.
- Daniel Peralta: Embajador de Modas y Diseños: Internationally honored Dominican designer known for heritage-infused couture.
- César Romero: Premio a la Trayectoria: Media icon and host of “Hechos y Gente,” with 45+ years in Dominican community broadcasting.
- Jandy Ventura: Legado del Merengue: Son of Johnny Ventura, continuing the merengue legend’s legacy through global performance.
- Hipólito Gil: Ambassador of Public Safety: NYPD Deputy Inspector and FBI Academy graduate committed to leadership and mental health advocacy.
- 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.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
- Broadcast Partner: PIX11.
- Champions: Goya, JetBlue, Montefiore, NYC Health + Hospitals.
- Media Champions: ABC, El Diario, La Mega, Telemundo.
- Partners: 1199, Acacia / ACDP, Camille Rose, Coca-Cola (Liberty), Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, Spectrum, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, TWU Local 100.
- Supporters: Agape, Arajet, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of NY, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Crothall, CUNY, Del Caribe Meats / Super Vega, Grupo Rica, Intermex – Nacional, MetroPlus, NYCFC, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, NY Presbyterian, NYS Assemblyman George Alvarez, Verizon / Total Wireless, Roc Nation / Equity Distro.
- Associates: Banreservas, Bronx United IPA / Dr. Flora Fajardo, Café Induban / Café Santo Domingo, Camali Music Group, Cibao Meats, Consulado Dominicano, El Scenario, Emblem Health, Golden Corral, Hispanic Federation, Mamitas Ice, NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, NYSNA, Papi Wines, Remitly, Somos, Naica, Top Rank Boxing, UFT – United Federation of Teachers, Western Union / Vimenca, WMI Facilitator Technologies.
- Patrons: Café La Llave, Carrion Accident & Injury Attorneys, Dominican Bar Association, Hostos Community College, Krispy Kreme, Liriano & Associates Engineering, Miss Jessie’s, NMIC, Red Bull, RIX Magazine, Romano Law, SBH / Saint Barnabas Hospital, Zaremba Brown.
- Media Partners: Canal América, Remolacha, Telemicro Internacional, TV Quisqueya, MisterDJ.
2025 NATDDP UPCOMING EVENTS
- July 31 | 6:00 PM – Manhattan Heritage Celebration
United Palace, 4140 Broadway, NY, NY - August 5 & 7 | 3:00–7:00 PM – Wristband Distribution
Alianza Dominicana, 530 W 166th St, 2nd Fl., NY, NY - August 5 | 11:00 AM – Goya Food Distribution
Alianza Dominicana - August 8 | 8:00 PM – Benefit Gala
Greentree Country Club, 538 Davenport Ave., New Rochelle, NY - August 10 | 11:00 AM – 43rd Annual Parade
6th Ave (from 39th St to 54th St), Manhattan
SCHOLARSHIPS
One of our most meaningful efforts is our scholarship program, which has awarded over $1.1 million to 270+ outstanding students nationwide. It reflects our belief in the power of education to transform lives and uplift entire communities. We’re excited to announce that the next round of scholarships opens August 1, 2025—and we can’t wait to support the next generation of Dominican leaders.
National Dominican Day Parade
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Cristina Contreras
Chair, Board of Directors
Wilton Cedeno
Special Advisor
José Ramón Martínez
1st Vice President
Leonardo Iván Dominguez
2nd Vice President
Co-Chair, Culture, Arts & Education Committee
Manny Saez
Chair, Development Committee
Ronnie Caraballo
Treasurer
María T. Osorio
Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bernardo “Bernie” Rodriguez
Chair, Volunteer Committee
Gregoria Feliciano
Co-Chair, Scholarship Committee
Alexander Nuñez Torres
Co-Chair, Scholarship Committee
Maria Lizardo
Board Member
María M. Khury
Board Member
Osaliki Sepulveda
Board Member
Ysmael DeCastro
Board Member
Marvin Tavarez
Board Member
To get involved, donate, or become a sponsor:
Click for Press Conference Pictures
2025 Sponsors
