Celebrating Dominican Independence, GFDD Collaborates on Initiative Honoring Dominican Excellence During “Duarte Honors”

On Friday, February 21, 2014, Hands On New York & Dominicanos Unidos de New York (DUNY), in collaboration with Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), hosted its second annual celebration of "The Duarte Honors" within the proud framework of 170 years of Dominican independence.

The special occasion, which took place at the V Centenario in the Bronx, honored several high-profile personalities who have excelled for
their valuable contributions to communities in New York and beyond.

Prominent community leader and President of DUNY, Haile Rivera, who is the mastermind behind the event stated; "The personalities that we are honoring  have shown that, with determination, anything can be achieved. A perfect example is our Founding Father Juan Pablo Duarte, who never let the circumstances and threats defeat him and who fought for his people to be free and
independent”.

The honorees, which this year included a high representation of women leaders, included; Maria E. Alma (Executive Producer, The Show de Luis Jimenez, Univision Radio;Carmen Acosta (President, Asociación de Mujeres Progresistas – AMP); Cira Angeles (President, LA Riverside Brokerage); Adalberto Dominguez (distinguished journalist); Ana Garcia – Reyes (Associate Dean, Hostos Community College); Dr. Jose A. Goris, MD; Maria Rosado (Comunity
Activists); Ivon C. Silver (General Coordinator – Miss Latina USA); Luz Torres (Owner, Lulo Restaurant);  Luis Antonio Valera (Director of Promotion and Marketing, Univision Radio); Endy Rodriguez (Executive Director, Telemundo News 47); Jose Zabala (Photogropher/Reporter, Zabalaaldia.com); and Dr. Ramon E. Coronado.

Furthermore, J”Martin received a special recognition for his musical achievements and business success.

The high achievers were recognized by the Municipal Council (City Hall), with gift cards.

Links:
www.duny.org
www.handsonnewyork.net