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BRIDGE BUILDER

The 2025
Dominican American Distinguished Awards
Honorees

BRIDGE BUILDER

The son of Dominican immigrants, Mayor Héctor C. Lora stands as a pioneering force in New Jersey public life. From becoming the first Dominican American elected to the Passaic City Council to serving as County Freeholder Director and now Mayor, his leadership has been marked by conviction, unity, and purpose—championing representation, inclusion, and the advancement of Dominican American voices in civic leadership.

The son of Dominican immigrants, Mayor Héctor C. Lora stands as a pioneering force in New Jersey public life. From becoming the first Dominican American elected to the Passaic City Council to serving as County Freeholder Director and now Mayor, his leadership has been marked by conviction, unity, and purpose—championing representation, inclusion, and the advancement of Dominican American voices in civic leadership.

ALLY IN ACTION

María Elena Pérez de Vicini is the Founder of the Centro Médico de Diabetes, Obesidad y Especialidades (CEMDOE), a world-class medical center in the Dominican Republic dedicated to prevention, treatment, and compassionate care. A visionary in health innovation and philanthropy, she has devoted over a decade to improving the quality of life for patients with diabetes. Her leadership bridges wellness, social responsibility, and sustainability—setting new standards for patient-centered healthcare across the Caribbean.

María Elena Pérez de Vicini is the Founder of the Centro Médico de Diabetes, Obesidad y Especialidades (CEMDOE), a world-class medical center in the Dominican Republic dedicated to prevention, treatment, and compassionate care. A visionary in health innovation and philanthropy, she has devoted over a decade to improving the quality of life for patients with diabetes. Her leadership bridges wellness, social responsibility, and sustainability—setting new standards for patient-centered healthcare across the Caribbean.

RAICES

The Fundación Alberto Cruz is a nonprofit institution dedicated to elevating Dominican art and culture across the diaspora. Founded in 2023 upon nearly four decades of prior patronage, the foundation supports artists through exhibitions, research, publications, grants, and cultural programming. Under the leadership of collector-philanthropist Alberto Cruz, it builds bridges between local creators and global audiences, highlighting the social, aesthetic, and educational power of Dominican cultural production.

The Fundación Alberto Cruz is a nonprofit institution dedicated to elevating Dominican art and culture across the diaspora. Founded in 2023 upon nearly four decades of prior patronage, the foundation supports artists through exhibitions, research, publications, grants, and cultural programming. Under the leadership of collector-philanthropist Alberto Cruz, it builds bridges between local creators and global audiences, highlighting the social, aesthetic, and educational power of Dominican cultural production.

DA ONE. under 40

Héctor Castillo Carvajal is the founder and CEO of Don Carvajal Café, a Dominican-American coffee brand built on the pillars of coffee, community, and culture. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, he channeled his love for his heritage and commitment to ethical business into a specialty coffee venture that bridges his homeland and his adopted home. Carvajal works directly with farmers, prioritizes sustainability, and builds economic opportunity in diaspora communities.

Founder's Council

Delta Vacations and Comunidad Connect exemplify the spirit of partnership that defines the DADA Founders’ Council Award. Together, they have transformed travel into a force for empowerment—linking global exploration with tangible community impact. Through sustainable projects that strengthen families and expand economic opportunity, this alliance bridges corporate purpose and grassroots action, reflecting the founding vision of collaboration, inclusion, and legacy that drives the Dominican American Distinguished Awards.

Delta Vacations and Comunidad Connect exemplify the spirit of partnership that defines the DADA Founders’ Council Award. Together, they have transformed travel into a force for empowerment—linking global exploration with tangible community impact. Through sustainable projects that strengthen families and expand economic opportunity, this alliance bridges corporate purpose and grassroots action, reflecting the founding vision of collaboration, inclusion, and legacy that drives the Dominican American Distinguished Awards.

DA Ambassador

Steven Puig, President of Banco BHD, is a distinguished leader whose vision bridges finance, innovation, and social progress across the Dominican Republic and the diaspora. With over three decades in international and national banking, he has championed inclusive growth and the empowerment of women through finance. For his enduring commitment to advancing Dominican leadership on a global stage, he is honored with the Dominican American Ambassador Award, presented by the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce.

Steven Puig, President of Banco BHD, is a distinguished leader whose vision bridges finance, innovation, and social progress across the Dominican Republic and the diaspora. With over three decades in international and national banking, he has championed inclusive growth and the empowerment of women through finance. For his enduring commitment to advancing Dominican leadership on a global stage, he is honored with the Dominican American Ambassador Award, presented by the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce.

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