DANR & National Council Leaders Testify, Again, Before NYS Redistricting Task Force & Propose A Latino Congressional Map Uniting Washington Heights in Manhattan, the North West Bronx, and Corona / Jackson Heights in Queens

Washington, DC (February 1, 2012). Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, President of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR), Mr. Miguel Santana, DANR Chairman, and Mr. Nestor Montilla, Sr., Chairman of the National Dominican American Council, testified again, before members of the New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment at a hearing held yesterday at the Bronx Museum of Arts.

They endorsed and proposed a 3rd Hispanic Congressional District uniting Washington Heights in Manhattan, the North West Bronx, and Corona / Jackson Heights in Queens. For a printable copy of the map proposal click here– Fair Representation NM – Bronx Congressional Districts – New Proposal (v10.0.0)-1

The proposal was agreed to by the Northern Manhattan and West Bronx Committee for Fair Representation and prepared by Jose Bello from GLACTION, LLC.

Following are transcripts of their testimonies:

1.
Testimony of Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, President Dominican American National Roundtable before The NYS LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH AND
REAPPORTIONMENT
January 31, 2012

Good afternoon  Co-Chairs SENATOR  MICHAEL F. NOZZOLIO and  MEMBER OF ASSEMBLYMAN JOHN J. MCENENY,  TASK FORCE MEMBERS

On behalf of the Dominican American National Roundtable, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to again address the Task Force regarding the redistricting of New York’s Legislature and Congress.

Back in September I appeared before you and appealed to your sense of justice and fair play in the performance of your duties of adjusting the lines of the New York State Legislature, as well as the Congress, to comply with one-person, one-vote requirements for fair representation in any legislative body across the country.

I pointed out the astonishing growth of the Latino population in the United States, and in New York specifically. A growth that, according to the principles governing the redistricting process, should be reflected in the new maps.

Traditionally, our communities have been divided for partisan and incumbency reasons; our influence been diluted; and unfairly been subjected to substantive disadvantages.

Our communities deserve fair representation at all levels of government. We can only have this representation if legislative districts are drawn fairly.

We proposed a map for Senate district 31st  that would have 60.7% Latino population, giving it the ability to elect a senator of their choice.

We are disappointed that this task force, moved towards “whitening” Senate District 31st, bringing it from 57% Latino to 56% Latino.  We request that you reconsider, and reiterate our request to strengthen Latino influence in Senate District 31st by  adding to it the Latino community from the west (Bronx), rather than extending it south to include a community that has little in common with Washington Heights.

Additionally, we propose a congressional district that will unite the communities of the West Bronx, Northern Manhattan, and Corona Queens, which encompasses fast growing Dominican-American populations that share communalities and challenges. Such district will be an appropriate response to the tremendous growth of our community in New York City, and can be created without negatively impacting other communities or violating any principles of fair apportionment.

An added and valuable benefit of creating this district will be bringing people into the political process that have previously been kept from it, and thus making government more representative of the people.

In a democracy, the principle of one person-one vote is a sacred concept. If the principle is to apply in New York, then ensuring a greater voice for Latinos in the halls of power is the greatest test facing this Task Force.

We look forward to working with the Committee to contribute in your effort to make sure that New York achieves a fair and constitutional redistricting.

Thank you,

Maria Teresa Feliciano, President
Dominican American National Roundtable

About DANR

The Dominican-American National Roundtable (DANR) is a non-partisan, non-profit corporation seeking to bring together the different voices of all people of Dominican origin in the United States.  DANR is a national forum for analysis, planning, and action to advance the educational, economic, legal, social, cultural, and political interests of Dominican Americans. It aims to ensure for U. S. Dominicans the full exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution of the United States of America.  With those objectives in mind, DANR is committed to enriching the quality of life in the United States by highlighting the contributions of Dominicans to the larger American society.

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2.
Testimony of Mr. Nestor Montilla, Sr., President National Dominican American National Council, before The NYS LEGISLATIVE TASK FORCE ON DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH AND
REAPPORTIONMENT
January 31, 2012

Good afternoon Co-Chairs NOZZOLIO and MCENENY,  MEMBERS of the TASK FORCE

On behalf of the National Dominican American Council I would like to thank you for the opportunity to again address the Committee regarding the redistricting of New York’s Legislature and Congress.

We have reviewed your released Assembly and Senate maps and, regarding Senate District 31, rather than increase the percentage of Latino population as we proposed back in September, you decreased it by almost 4 percentage points. We would like to reiterate our recommendation of increasing the Latino population of SD 31 to include the West Bronx community which shares many commonalities with the remaining of the district, and for reasons we outlined in our testimony back in September.

We would also like to submit for your consideration a proposal for a Congressional District that unites the Spanish speaking communities (sharing national origin, religion, economic ties, family ties) living in the corridor of: Corona, Queens to University Heights/Kingsbridge in the Bronx to Washington Heights in Manhattan, NY.

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“Driving” Geography of the Proposed Hispanic Congressional District:

1)Broadway northbound from 140 street until 207 street
. 2) From Broadway, 207 street in Manhattan, crossing the bridge eastward into W. Fordham Road and into Bronx and Pelham Parkway
. 3) Hutchison River Parkway southbound crossing the Whitestone Bridge into Route 678
. 4) Northern Boulevard westbound until 77th street.

Neighborhoods within proposed Hispanic Congressional District

New York County:
•    Hamilton Heights (Hispanic voting districts from 140th Street northbound Broadway)
•    Washington Heights
•    Inwood
•    Marbel Hill

In Bronx County:
•    University Heights
•    Kingsbridge (south)
•    Bedford Park – Fordham University – Bronx Zoo
•    Morris Park
•    Westchester (east)
•    Throgs Neck – Locust point + Schuylerville

In Queens County
1)    College Point
2)    North Corona
3)    Corona
4)    Jackson Heights (east)

As we have indicated to you before, the Spanish Speaking population of the state of New York has grown exponentially in the last ten years, meriting the opportunity to elect their candidate of choice in an additional Majority-Minority Congressional Hispanic District.  Spanish Speaking communities will be better represented in the US Congress by a Spanish Speaking Representative – if they choose and have the opportunity to elect one.

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Immigrant communities from the Dominican Republic are one single community of interest mostly concentrated in three New York City neighborhoods: Corona in Queens, University Heights/Kingsbridge in the Bronx, and in Washington Heights in Manhattan.

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The majority of the New York City and New York State Elected Officials from Dominican American origin represent constituencies from these three neighborhoods: two state senators, two state assembly representatives, and thee New York City Council Members.

Creating this Congressional District seems to be the most logical step towards affording this community fair and equitable representation.

We look forward to working with the Task Force to contribute in its effort to make sure that New York achieves a fair and constitutional redistricting.

Thank you,

Nestor Montilla, Sr., President
National Dominican American Council (NDAC)

About NDAC

The National Dominican American Council (NDAC) is a civic-community-engagement and public relations entity composed of over 120 local member councils in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the role of setting the national agenda of the Dominican American National Roundtable and advocating for the socio-economic and political enfranchisement of all Latinos and Dominican-Americans in areas concerning education, economic development, health, immigration and community empowerment.

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3.

Testimony of DANR Chairman Mr. Miguel Santana, DANR Chairman:

Good Afternoon Members of the Task Force,

My name is Miguel Santana, Chair Man of the Dominican American National Roundtable and as a Bronx resident who lives at 3064 Bailey Ave., I want to thank you for the opportunity to address this body regarding the current redistricting process.

I request that in drawing the new legislative districts in the state of New York, you consider communities of common interests, more specifically the rapid growth of the Latino population. As per the 2010 Census, Latinos are the largest minority group in New York State and the new legislative map should reflect this change.  This approach requires the creation of Majority Latino Districts or Latino Opportunity Districts that will allow us to elect candidates of our choice in numbers commensurate with our population.

Until the early 1980s, Hispanic representation in Congress lingered in the single digits. The gains in Hispanic office-holding during the 1980s and 1990s can be attributed in part to the passage and implementation of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). The VRA facilitated the establishment of numerous majority-minority districts, in which minority voters constitute a majority of the relevant population, be it total population, voting-age population (VAP), or citizen voting-age population (CVAP).

The electoral benefits of majority-minority districts became evident after the 1990 round of redistricting. State legislatures constructed ten new majority-Latino districts, and shortly thereafter seven Hispanic freshmen joined the House of Representatives.

Justice O’Connor defended this radical change in section 5 by citing five sociological studies that she claimed suggested that “the most effective way to maximize minority voting strength may be to create more influence or coalitional districts.”  The majority-minority districts remain the primary means through which Hispanic communities can elect their preferred candidates.

Today we have three communities of common interest that join our Latino population.  These communities are Washington Heights in Manhattan, the North West Bronx, and Corona / Jackson Heights in Queens. The common thread that bonds these communities together are their educational trajectory, social consciousness and entrepreneurial spirit.  Collectively they fuel the local economy through the development and patronage of small businesses such as, barber shops, beauty salons, multi services, grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and car services.

In closing, I ask you to approve a new legislative map that joins the Latino population of Washington Heights, the North West Bronx, and Corona / Jackson Heights communities of Queens. Ultimately, establishing a majority Latino district will provide us the opportunity to elect a congress member of our choice.

Thank you

Miguel Santana

NYS Task Force on Redistricting Announces Its Second Round of Public Hearings

Washington, DC (January 26, 2011). The New York State Legislative Task Force on Redistricting (LATFOR) published drafts of its NYS Assembly and Senate proposed maps and announced a series of hearings around the state seeking input from the general public.

Map proposals and hearing schedule are available on LATFOR website at http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/

The Task Force must propose also districts for the U.S. Congress. Those proposals are expected to be released in a few weeks.

For a printable copy of the hearing schedule, click here.  NYS Legislative Task Force Hearing Schedule

 

RESERVE LA FECHA: El 28 de Julio Usted y su Familia Estan Invitados a Unirse a Miles de Dominicanos y Latinos en Washington, DC

-English-

Para imprimir una copia de la invitación, pulse el siguiente link:

RESERVE LA FECHA/SAVE THE DATE: SABADO 28 DE JULIO DEL 2012, 11:00AM.

Washington Monument ubicado en the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Inscríbase/Register here.

Para más información contáctenos en/For more information contact us at nationalcouncil@danr.org or call at 202-238-0097.

DANR Introduces Redistricting Maps in Rhode Island For Fair Representation for Latinos

Se Funda Concilio Dominico Americano Local de Perth Amboy en New Jersey

Washington, DC (Martes 13 de diciembre del 2011).–La Mesa Redonda y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano fundaron un  concilio local en Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

Entre los miembros fundadores presentes se incluyen a los siguientes líderes: Demetrio Almonte, Samuel Lebreault, Bernabe Francisco, Isabel Francisco, Milady Tejada, Artimedes Restituyo, Frank Salado, Victor Collado, Fausto Diaz y Victor Coronado.

Youth community organizer Victor Coronado fue nombrado coordinador de concilios locales en el Sur del Estado de New Jersey, incluyendo New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Atlantic City, Camden, Trenton, Vineland, and Lakewood.

Acerca del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC)

NDAC es un órgano cívico de capacitación, apoderamiento, relaciones públicas, comunitarias y participación compuesto por más de 120 concilios locales operando en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios, incluyendo Puerto Rico y la Islas Vírgenes, con la función de determinar la agenda nacional dominico americana. En alianza mancomunada con la Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana, NDAC aboga por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de nuestras communidades en áreas concernientes a educación, desarrollo económico, salud, inmigración, vivienda y apoderamiento comunitario (nationalcouncil@danr.org).

Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana / Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR)

DANR es la única corporacion 501 (c) (3) no partidista y sin fines de lucro con sede en Washington, DC, completamente dedicada a la investigación y abogacía por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de los dominicanos en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios. DANR es presidida por un Presidente Nacional, un Presidente Nacional de Jóvenes, una Junta de 15 directores estatales compuesta por líderes y profesionales, un cabinete ejecutivo que incluye un chairman, un tesorero, vicepresidentes estatales, una Vice Presidente representando Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes Americanas y un comité de directores en educación, desarrollo económico, membresía y entre otras áreas, apoderamiento político (www.danr.org).

Reuniones de Apoderamiento en Massachusetts, Rhode Island y Connecticut

–ACENTUACION OMITIDA–

Washington, DC  (12 de diciembre del 2011).— Culminando un año repleto de actividades y cursos de capacitacion de liderazgo estrategico  a traves de los Estados Unidos de America y territorios, concentrandose en centros urbanos con poblacion dominicana, La Mesa Redonda y El Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano concluyeron el sabado 10 y domingo 11 de diciembre del 2011 con sesiones de trabajo en Massachusetts, Rhode Island y Connecticut.

En Massachusetts, lideres y funcionarios locales y estatales, entre los que se encontraba el Representante Estatal Marcos Devers,  se reunieron el domingo 11 en Nate Smith House localizada en 55 Lamartine Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

Durante sus palabras de bienvenida, Devers presento una proclama de la Legislatura Estatal reconociendo a la Dra. Maria Teresa Feliciano, Presidente de la Mesa Redonda, por su liderazgo de mas de tres decadas en Los Estados Unidos y por su vision de conducir el destino de la comunidad nacional dominicana hacia la prosperidad y apoderamiento socio-economico y politico. Devers hizo enfasis en la contribucion y cabildeo eficaz de la Dra. Feliciano y de la Mesa Redonda a favor de un proceso de redistribucion de distritos legislativos  justo que resulte en apoderamiento de los dominicanos que residen en Massachusetts.

Destaco que la poblacion dominicana en el estado continua creciendo. Segun los datos del Censo 2000, el numero de dominicanos en Massachusetts era 67,616. Actualmente el numero es 103, 292 convirtiendo al estado en el 4to en los Estados Unidos, en poblacion dominicana. El crecimiento poblacional de la comunidad en la ultima decada alcanzo un 52.8 por ciento.

El sabado 10 de diciembre, antes de la reunion en Boston, la Presidente Feliciano y Nestor Montilla, Chairman del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano, visitaron New Haven y Hartford en el Estado de Connecticut, donde sostuvieron reuniones estrategicas con lideres de la comunidad dominicana, incluyendo los activistas Olga de la Rosa y Elvis Tejada.  La agenda de trabajo  de la Mesa Redonda para el año entrante incluye una plenaria estatal con la comunidad dominicana en Connecticut.

Chairman Montilla compartio datos oficiales del Censo sobre el numero de dominicanos en el estado.  La poblacion dominicana asciende a unos 26,093, reflejando un crecimiento de un 110.4 %. En el 2000 habian unos 12, 401 dominicanos en Connecticut.  Hoy ocupa el septimo lugar en Estados Unidos en poblacion dominicana.

Luego de visitar Connecticut, la Presidente de la Mesa Redonda y el Chairman del Concilio Nacional sostuvieron una session estrategica en el Estado de Rhode Island con el Honorable Juan Pichardo, Senador Estatal, la Honorable Grace Diaz, Asambleista, Victor Capellan, ex Presidente de la Mesa Redonda, y la lider comunal Everin Perez, quien fungio por muchos años en la Junta de Directores del DANR.

El Estado de Rhode Island ocupa el sexto lugar en poblacion dominicana en USA. De acuerdo al Censo 2010, la poblacion alcanza unos 35,008, de 24,753 en el año 2000. Se estima que el crecimiento poblacional dominicano en el estado durante la ultima decada fue de un 41.4%.

Las proximas reuniones del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano y de la Mesa Redonda se efecturaran en el transcurso de la semana, incluyendo una en Perth Amboy, NJ, donde se formalizara el nombramiento de Victor Coronado como coordinador de concilios locales en el sur del Estado de New Jersey.

Esta semana en el  Estado de Rhode Island, se incluye testimonio y sumision de mapas legislativos a la Comision Estatal de Resdistricting por La Mesa Redonda y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano. Los mapas sugeridos ofrecen a los Latinos mas oportunidadesde lanzarse como candidatos a puestos estatales y locales.

Ademas, durante las actividades pautadas en Providence se efectuara una reunion para juramentar nuevos concilios locales y nombrar coordinadores regionales y locales.

En resumen, este fin de semana vio la formalizacion de nuevos concilios locales y el nombramiento de coordinadores regionales en New England.  Durante la reunion llevada a cabo en Boston este pasado domingo, la lider comunitaria Magali Troncoso fue nombrada co0rdinadora general de los concilios locales en el Estado de Massachusetts. Similarmente la activista y empresaria Dhinora Sanchez fue nombrada coordinadora local de los concilios de Lynn, MA y el joven lider Kendrys Vazquez fue fombrado coordinador del concilio local de Lawrence, MA.

Magalis Troncoso Lama:

Magalis Troncoso Lama Oriunda de la República Dominicana.

Inmigró a los Estados Unidos en el 1994 con un bachillerato en periodismo.

Obtuvo también un bachillerato en servicios comunitarios de la Universidad de Massachusetts en Boston, y una maestria en Administración de la Univesidad de Phoenix.

Magalis es reconocida como una activista comunitaria por más de 15 años, trabajando en diferentes organizaciones sin fines lucro y organizando en el area de inmigracion, vivienda, reforma de welfare, educacion bilingue, violencia domestica, liderazgo Latino y derecho de los trabajadores inmigrantes.

En la actualidad es administradora del Centro de Desarrollo Dominicano y trabaja como directora de organizacion en la Coalición de Inquilinos de Boston.

Kendrys Vásquez:

Kendrys Vásquez es un joven lider comunitario con la meta y visión de mejorar su comunidad. Graduado con un doble bachillerato en Ciencias Politicas y Comunicación de Merrimack College, donde asistio en beca estudiantil por merito academico gracias al programa “Accept the Challenge”.

Recientemente fue electo Concejal por el Distrito C de la Ciudad de Lawrence, convirtiendose en la persona mas joven nacido en la República Dominicana en obtener una pocisión electa en los Estados Unidos y el Concejal más joven de la Ciudad en el próximo termino.

Kendrys es fundador y ex-presidente de la organización “Latinos Club” la cual fue “Organización del Año 2006” bajo su liderazgo. Además, fue Representante del Consejo Estudiantil de la Clase del 2008 por cuatro años, siendo el primer Latino electo a esta posision.

La participacion comunitaria de Kendrys incluye un sin numero de eventos locales y nacionales; trabajo con el ex-congresista Martin Meehan, en las campañas del actual Gobernador Deval Patrick y la actual congresista Niki Tsongas; y en varias campañas politicas para Concejal, Representante Estatal y Alcalde.

Kendrys es co-fundador y miembro de DRYVE (Dominican Republic Youth Volunteer Efforts – Esfuerzos Voluntarios de la Juventud de República Dominica), una organización creada para motivar la juventud a continuar sus estudios academicos.  Tambien es miembro de la Directiva de Semana Hispana en Lawrence, Inc. y Arlington Community Trabajando, Inc.

En el 2005 fue selecionado para visitar la Casa Blanca y conversar sobre los problemas que enfrenta la juventud de hoy. Kendrys fue nombrado “Outstanding Leader of the Class of 2008 – Lider Sobresaliente de la Clase del 2008” en Merrimack College, “Young Leader of Today – Lider Jóven de Hoy” por el Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Fue seleccionado dos veces (2006 y 2007) para participar en la conferencia “Monster Diversity Leadership Program – Programa de Liderazgo de Diversidad de Monster” en Tampa, FL y New York, NY donde más de 25,000 estudiantes solicitan  solo 300 son selecionados.

Actualmente, Kendrys Vásquez recide en la ciudad de Lawrence y trabaja como Coordinador de Recreación en Arc of Greater Lawrence, una división de CLASS, Inc.

Dinorah Méndez BSW, M.Ed.:

Con más de 20 años de experiencia en el campo de la salud y educaciόn pública y como activista comunitaria Dinorah Méndez, ha trabajado con individuos, familias y diversos grupos en el área de la salud mental y la educaciόn. En los últimos años se ha dedicado al área del bienestar físico y ambiental que nos afecta a todos. Su experiencia abarca consejería, facilitaciόn de terapia individual y de grupos  para víctimas de violencia  doméstica y asalto sexual, además de consejería académica y crecimiento personal.

Con su vasta experiencia en el área de los negocios y pequeña empresa, se ha convertido en una maestra e instrutora de desarrollo personal para empresarios y empleados.

La Licenciada Méndez ha publicado artículos, investigaciones  y planea escribir sobre tiene técnicas para lograr un mejor balance en desarrollo personal e interacciόn social.

Algunos de los talleres y seminarios presentados por Dinorah incluyen:

Abuso Infantil, Autismo, Desόrdenes de conducta   ADHD,  Adolescentes que abusan, Desarrollo Humano  niños, adultos, Desόrdenes  pre post Menopausa, Tόxicos en el hogar, Como cuidar el Medio Ambiente, Sanando Heridas and Logrando Metas.

Acerca del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC)

NDAC es un órgano cívico de capacitación, apoderamiento, relaciones públicas, comunitarias y participación compuesto por más de 120 concilios locales operando en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios, incluyendo Puerto Rico y la Islas Vírgenes, con la función de determinar la agenda nacional dominico americana. En alianza mancomunada con la Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana, NDAC aboga por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de nuestras communidades en áreas concernientes a educación, desarrollo económico, salud, inmigración, vivienda y apoderamiento comunitario (nationalcouncil@danr.org).

Mesa Redonda Dominico Americana / Dominican American National Roundtable (DNAR)

DANR es la única corporacion 501 (c) (3) no partidista y sin fines de lucro con sede en Washington, DC, completamente dedicada a la investigación y abogacía por el desarrollo socio-económico y político de los dominicanos en los Estados Unidos y sus territorios. DANR es presidida por un Presidente Nacional, un Presidente Nacional de Jóvenes, una Junta de 15 directores estatales compuesta por líderes y profesionales, un cabinete ejecutivo que incluye un chairman, un tesorero, vicepresidentes estatales, una Vice Presidente representando Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes Americanas y un comité de directores en educación, desarrollo económico, membresía y entre otras áreas, apoderamiento político (www.danr.org).

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Remarks by DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano and NDAC Chairman Nestor Montilla at Somos el Futuro Conference in Puerto Rico

Washington, DC (November 11, 2011). Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, President of the Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR), and Nestor Montilla, Sr., Chairman of the National Dominican American Council (NDAC) delivered remarks at the Friday, November 10, 2011 7:00PM dinner of the 2011 Somos Winter Conference at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel.

The Dinner was hosted by New York State Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, Chaiman of the the Somos Conference. Attendees included elected officials, leaders and professionals from the Unites States and Puerto Rico.

Following are transcript remakrs of Chairman Montilla and President Feliciano:

Remarks by Dr. María Teresa Feliciano, DANR President:

Buenas Noches!

It is with joy and pride that I partake of the 2011 Somos Winter Conference.

On behalf of the Dominican American National Roundtable and its board of Directors, we acknowledge, thank and extend our respect.

This is a very significant opportunity to acknowledge the legacy of our leaders, primarily the Puerto Rican Leadership in the United States, as if not for them, Dominicans would not have the opportunity to occupy a place in government, and represent our diverse communities. We have a common destiny, dating back to the 1800’s, that has only strengthen throughout the years, and with our migration to the United States.

And now more than ever, when our population has exploded and ALL eyes are on us, and our possibility of expanding our lot in the representation and decision-making fields.

Among those with an interest in the political implications of population growth, the question for 2010 is the same as for the 1990s–and that for the 1980s, when will the decade of Latinos finally arrive? Or When will Latinos begin to have something close to the political power seemingly inherent in their rapidly growing numbers?

I say the time is now! If not now, when? This is our decade!

We thank the Puerto Rican Leadership for leading the way and making space for our communities.

We thank Icons such as Congressman Serrano, our beloved congressman for over 20 years, a darling of his increasingly Dominican district, and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, the man who has taken Somos to the level of national leader in our quest for empowerment and inclusion, for being beacons in our journey.

And we thank women, like Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo, who by being one of the firsts, took all the grief that come with being a woman in leadership; and in the process, paved the way for many of us.

We thank younger leaders, such as Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz, Jr. who embraces coalitional politics, the most powerful tool for empowerment that we have.

We look forward to what has yet to be accomplished together, and to becoming a force to reckon with, as our numbers and contributions well deserve.

P’Alante!

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Remarks by Nestor Montilla, Sr.,  Chairman of the National Dominican American Council (NDAC):

Good Evening!

Please allow me to acknowledge the presence of the Honorable Claribel Martinez-Marmolejos, the first Dominican woman elected to office in Puerto Rico; she is currently a candidate for senate in Puerto Rico.

Our heartfelt “thanks” to Assemblyman Felix Ortiz for the invitation to participate in the 2011 Somos Winter Conference.

Tonight, I would like to share with you how Dominicans are following in your footsteps, in the area of organizing and mobilizing.

Dominicans and Puerto Ricans have a common history, shared through our culture, way of life and institutions. From the first Puerto Rican immigrants to Hispaniola who founded many of our towns, including La Romana, Dominican Republic, where I was born; to educator and philosopher Eugenio Maria de Hostos; to the revolutionary leaders who fought for the independence of our people in Latin America and the Caribbean; to forming alliances in urban America, in places as diverse as the Bronx, El Barrio, and Washington Heights in NY; Paterson and Camden in NJ; Lawrence and Boston in MA; Miami and Orlando in Fl; Philadelphia and Allentown in PA; Providence in RI; San Juan, PR, and many others.

The National Dominican American Council and the Dominican American National Roundtable is a national movement that seeks to represent, organize and mobilize our communities in places where we live and work.

With 120 local councils throughout the United States, NDAC symbolizes the way Dominicans are, for the first time, organizing, since their arrival to the United States over half a century ago. Together with our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters, and other communities of color, we intend to have our voice heard, our interests taken into account, and our place at the decision-making table respected. We are looking forward to electing the first Puerto Rican U.S. Senator, the first Dominican member of Congress, New York’s first Puerto Rican Mayor, and Puerto Rico’s first Dominican Senator.

We are seeking nothing more than what other groups before us have accomplished: inclusion at all levels of society, commensurate with our numbers and contribution.

We are aware of the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and how the enfranchising of Puerto Ricans, African Americans and other communities in the United States came to be. Thanks to the provisions of this legislation, Nydia Velazquez  was elected the first Puerto Rican woman to the U.S. Congress representing the State of New York. We are seeking the creation of such a district for New York Dominicans under the Voting Rights Act. The Act that also applies to all of the US and its territories, including Puerto Rico.

We are pleased to know that our current leaders, to whom we extend our “Respecto”, understand that fair political representation and new demographics bring about change in leadership.

We ask you to join the Roundtable and the National Council in June of 2012 in Washington DC, where 100,000 Dominicans will convene to celebrate our presence in, and contributions to the United States of America.

We ain’t going to make it, if not together. Our time is now! We are ready, we are ready, we are ready. Thank you!

NDAC Swears-in New Local Councils in Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ

Washington, DC (November 7, 2011). The National Dominican American Council (NDAC) sworn-in two new local councils in Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ.

The ceremony took place during a working meeting of the National Council at Pennsauken Public Library located  at 5605 Crescent Blvd. Pennsauken, NJ 08110 on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 12:00PM to 4:00PM.

Sarita Montilla was unanimously elected Director of NDAC local council in Philadelphia, PA.

She was born in San Pedro de Macoris, a small town in the Dominican Republic, to Miguel and Florinda Montilla. As one of eight children, she worked extra hard to help her family by taking care of the younger children during the day and studying at night.

She graduated from high school with honors and attended the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) where she received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.

After getting married, she moved to the United States and with the encouragement and support of her family, she continued her education in Child Care at Teacher College of Columbia University in New York City.

Once Sarita moved to Philadelphia, she began working at The Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, Inc. (Concilio), the oldest Latino organization in Philadelphia with a well-established reputation as a leader for Latino family services, with the mission of ensuring that equitable social, educational, cultural, prevention/intervention services and programs are made available to the Philadelphia community. She has worked at Concilio for the last 17 years.  From her first position as GED teacher, then drug and alcohol counselor, she has become a social worker, a position she sees as heartbreaking and rewarding at the same time.

“She is beloved by her clients, coworkers and everybody in our community,” said Facundo Knight, DANR Vice President representing the State of Pennsylvania.

Sarita is a single mother. Her daughter, Sharon, was born in Dominican Republic. She came to the United States to reunited with her mother.

“Sharon has finished up her education at Temple University and is now a Coordinator at a prominent Market Research firm in Philadelphia,” said Sarita.  ”We are now in the midst of the very exciting task of planning my daughter Sharon’s wedding.”

Sarita is the first to volunteer to any cause she believes in. Currenly, she is a member of the Philadelphia Emergency Support, a member of the Foster Parent’s Association, a member of the Dominican Festival and Parade, member of the Dominican Cultural Center, and a volunteer of many causes; she volunteered on Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez’ political re-election campaign.

Sarita also organizes events to raise money for community causes. Recently, she raised funding towards victims of the Haiti earthquake disaster (amount raised: $33,000).

She is always willing to give 110% to any cause and does so with a positive and motivating outlook towards projects.

On September 14, 2011, Sarita received 2011 ODESSA Mentoring Award from the National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW), a non-profit, non-partisan organization to promote the full participation of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic women in their economic, social and political life in the United States and Puerto Rico.

As a U.S. citizen, Sarita believes she has accomplished the America Dream.

In her new role as Director of the National Dominican American local Council in Philadelphia, Sarita has been joined by local leaders and Miguel Martinez, who was elected treasurer, and Arlene Reyes, elected secretary.

Members of the Philadelphia, PA local Council: Arlene Reyes, Sarita Montilla, Danlizzia Velazquez, Iris Montilla, Viviana Garcia, Miguel Martinez, Feliz Espino, Elinton De los Santos, Facundo Night, NDAC National Chairman Nestor Montilla, Victoriano de la Cruz, Rafael Batista and Franklin Medrano. Photo by Eduardo Hoepelman.

Mr. César H. Imbert was unanimously elected Director of NDAC local council in Camden, NJ.

In his new role as Director of the National Dominican American local Council in Camden, NJ, Imbert has been joined by a group of local leaders, and Rosanna Genao who was elected treasurer, and Mildred E. Rojas, elected secretary.

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In a note sent to NDAC, Mr. Imbert said: “Soy un servidor de la humanidad y como servidor voy a brindar mis conocimientos y todo lo que Dios concidere necesario para cumplir con el proposito que el me tiene destinado” (I am a public servant, and as such, I offer my knowledge and talent to the fulfillment of God’s purpose for my life).

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Currently, Mr. Imbert works as a manager at ARAMARK, praised by FORTUNE magazine as one of the world’s most admired companies in professional services for providing award-winning food services, facilities management, uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities, school districts, stadiums, and businesses around the world.

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Since 2004, Mr. Imbert has served ARAMRK in different capacities, including as director of custodial services, custodial manager, shift manager, and among several other positions, general manager. Previously, he worked as manager, and other supervisory roles at Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, New York University, Deutsche Bank, American Building Maintenance Industries and Long Island Railroad.

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Mr. Imbert graduated from Devry Technical Institute in Woodbridge, NJ.  He also studied at Bronx Community College of The City University of New York.

Members of Camden, NJ local council: Front row from left Mildred E. Rojas, Rosanna Genao, DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano, Varinia Russo. Back row from left, Miguel Amador, DAND PA Vice President Facundo knight, NDAC National Chairman Nestor Montilla, NDAC Camden Director Cesar H. Imbert, Radhames Almonte, and Jose Ruiz.

The event was coordinated by DANR Vice President Facundo Knight and a team of local volunteers. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President, and Nestor Montilla, Sr., Chairman of the National Dominican American Council.

For photos of the event and more information visit www.danr.org.

NDAC is a civic-community-engagement and public relations training organ composed of over 120 local councils functioning in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NDAC responsibilities include setting the national Dominican American agenda at the Dominican American National Roundtable Annual Convention, and advocating for the socio-economic and political development of all Dominican Americans and our diverse communities in areas concerning education, economic development, health, immigration, housing and community empowerment.

For more information about the National Dominican American Council, call 202-238-0097 or send an e-mail to nationalcouncil@danr.org or visit www.danr.org.

To become local member in your area, click here.

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The National Dominican American Council to Launch Aggressive Completely Nonpartisan Grassroots National Voter Registration Campaign “1+1: Mi Voto Cuenta”

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Washington, DC (October 12, 2011). The Dominican American National Roundtable and the National Dominican American Council (NDAC) announced the launching of the national nonpartisan grassroots voter registration campaign “Uno Más Uno”(One Plus One): Mi Voto Cuenta.”

The announcement was made by DANR President Maria Teresa Feliciano during her State of Dominicans in the US Address delivered on Saturday, October 8th at non during DANR 14th Annual National Leadership Summit  at Lehman College of The City University of New York.

The “Uno más Uno: Mi Voto Cuenta” campaign will be a broad public effort in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to encourage Dominicans, Hispanics and citizens of the U.S. diverse communities to not only register to vote, but most importantly, to actually go out and vote at every local, state and national elections.

“The purpose is to increase the political empowerment of the Dominican and minority communities, by registering new voters for participation in the upcoming primary and general Presidential elections of 2012,” said Maria Teresa Feliciano, DANR President.

The campaign, to be spearheaded by the National Dominican American Council (NDAC), seeks to mobilize hundreds of volunteers and students to conduct voter registration drives at colleges, universities, events, communities and public spaces around the country where people form our diverse communities frequent and live.

“It’s inconceivable and detrimental to our country and our communities  that there are millions of people who are citizens of the United States of America but unfortunately are not registered to vote, and even if many are, they do not bother going out to vote,” said Nestor Montilla, Sr., Chairman of the National Dominican American Council.  ”Everybody in our community should realize that to vote is to incorporate in U.S. politics. Voting participation should be a priority in our communities.”

“Since its founding 14 years ago, the Dominican American National Roundtable has been advocating for people of our diverse communities to register to vote.  It’s time to make sure all Dominicans are registered to vote in the United States; it’s time to make sure that everyone of our registered voters vote at every single election,” said Chairman Montilla.

According to the 2011 U.S. Census, there are 1.4 million Dominicans in the United States. There are significant number of Dominicans residing in each of the 435 U.S. Congressional Districts, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

To volunteer in the campaign and for more information call 202-238-0097 or send an e-mail to nationalcouncil@danr.org

About NDAC

The National Dominican American Council (NDAC) is the civic-community-engagement and public relations trainning organ of The Dominican American National Roundtable (DANR) composed of over 120 local councils functioning in the United States and territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the role of setting the national agenda at DANR National Annual Convention and advocating for the socio-economic and political development of all Dominican Americans and our communities in areas concerning human development, education, economic development, health, immigration and community empowerment.

Felicitan a la Mesa Redonda y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano por Exitosa Conferencia en New York

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Washington, DC (11 de octubre de 2011). En perfectas condiciones climáticas y en el hermoso campus de Lehman College de la Universidad de La Ciudad de Nueva York en el Bronx,  La Mesa Redonda Dominico  Americana (DANR) y el Consejo Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC),  celebró la 14ava Cumbre Nacional de Liderazgo Anual desde el viernes 7 al sábado 8 de octubre del 2011.

Bajo el tema  “Nuestro Progreso en Educación, Desarrollo Económico y Apoderamiento Comunitario: Allanando el Camino”, la Cumbre inició en la mañana del viernes, 7 de Octubre con una reunion de retiro de La Junta Nacional de Directores.

Simpatizantes, amigos y miembros felicitaron a DANR y el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano por la extraordinaria Cumbre Nacional de Liderazgo.

“Felicitaciones a la Dra. Maria Teresa Feliciano y al equipo de trabajo de DANR por coordinar tan interesante e importante conferencia”, dijo en un correo electrónico Brigitte S. Pérez, Director de Annual Fund, Office of Institutional Advancement of Mercy College, y nuevo miembro de un concilio local del Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC).

“La Cumbre proveyó una plataforma idónea para conversaciones provocativas y de confraternización. Les felicito por un evento extraordinario”,  dijo en un correo electrónico  Julissa Bonfante, Director de Business Development of VOXXI, una plataforma de  multimedia con opinión, blogs, y análisis sobre noticias e información relevante al mercado bilingüe y bicultural (http://voxxi.tumblr.com/). Ella viajó desde Miami a New York City para participar en la cumbre.

“Para nuestra Junta Directiva Nacional fue inspirador participar en la cumbre,” dijo María Teresa Feliciano, la Presidente de DANR. ” Todos disfrutamos de los estimulantes foros que trataron asuntos de relevancia al desarrollo socio-económico y político de nuestras comunidades. En nombre de la Junta Directiva Nacional  y miembros de DANR anticipo su reacción,  comentarios y sugerencias sobre esta cumbre y los recibimos con gusto y buena disposición. Envíenos  sus sugerencias  y comentarios a info@danr.org.”

La lista de funcionarios electos, dignatarios y líderes participantes de la cumbre incluyeron al Congresista Charles Rangel,  Asambleísta Estatal de New York Carl E. Heastie, Presidente del Condado del Bronx  Rubén Díaz, Jr., Asambleísta Estatal de New York, Asambleísta Estatal Guillermo Linares, Asambleísta Estatal de New York Keith L. T. Wright, Vice Chanciller y Secretario de la Junta  Gobernantes de CUNY, Jay Hershenson, Presidente de Lehman College Dr. Ricardo Fernández, Presidente Hostos Community College, Dr. Félix Matos Rodríguez, Presidente de Bronx Community College  Dr. Carol M. Berotte Joseph, Concejal de New York Robert Jackson, Representante Estatal de Massachusetts Marcos Devers, Representante Estatal de Maryland Joselyn Peña-Melnyk, Concejal de New Jersey Julio Tavarez, Concejal de Pennsylvania Julio Guridy, Senador Estatal de New York Gustavo Rivera, Senador Estatal de New York Rubén Díaz, Comisionado Alex Méndez, Concejal de West New York Fiordaliza Frías, y entre otros, la Comisionada Wendy Guzmán.

La Cumbre celebró una Recepción de Apertura donde participó Su Excelencia Raúl H. Yzaguirre, Embajador Norteamericano en la República Dominicana, auspiciadores, la junta directiva, estudiantes, amigos, y dignatarios.

Durante la recepción, en el East Dining Room de Lehman College – decorado con las banderas de 50 paises del mundo – el Concilio Nacional Dominico Americano (NDAC) juramentó el primer concilio internacional, compuesto por representantes de diez países. Sus miembros incluyen  Madee Chandran – r6 catalyst Corporation, India; Hosney Abdelgelil – Tri-State Arab American Association of Engineers, Architects and IT Professionals – Egypt; Wayne Kao- Korean American Association of Brooklyn, South Korea; Hashi Moto- Japanese Cultural Exchange- Japan; Jimmy Gao- Fukon American Chamber of Commerce-China; Hajia Ramatu Ahmed – National Council of Ghanaian Associations – Africa; Mitchell C. Shelowitz – Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer International Law Firm – Israel; Alina Kaymin – Russian American Chamber of Commerce- Russia; Sylvia Mata – League Of United Latino American Citizens Queens Council – South America.

El entretenimiento estuvo a cargo de guitarrista Yili Nelson y cantautor y personalidad de television Nazario Brea, Presidente y CEO de TV Music Video, Inc.

La Recepción fue seguida por el  “Youth Showcase” en el Lovinger Theater, donde se congregaron cientos de jóvenes de todos los Estados Unidos en una noche cultural de poesía/Latin Jazz/Bachata/Hip Hop/Merengue/Art.  Artistas participantes de DANR Youth Showcase incluyeron Urban Unity’s Ova Floh and Millie Deville; LcthePoet; Kony Brooks; LRevolution; Feel-X; City; REY; Generation x mob; Ed Nelson; Daily G; La C Guapa; Lyrica=Ysen; Megaciph; Clave Azul; The Recreation; Truth Be Told, and Yunel Cruz, Youth Sensation.

El sábado, 8 de octubre a las 8:30 AM, La Cumbre inició con el Desayuno Legislativo sobre Redistribución de Distritos y Demográficas.  Los oradores Joseph Salvo, Ph.D., Director del Departamento de Planificación y Población de la Ciudad de New York , Néstor Montilla, Sr., Chairman del Concejo Nacional Dominico Americano, John García, Esq., Abogado de Latino Justice, y Joseph Wiscovitch, Presidente de Wiscovitch & Associates, compartieron con gráficas y estadísticas los cambios de población dominicana en New York, porcentajes de votantes y sus implicaciones para el proceso de redistribución de distritos.

Para una copia de la presentación del Dr. Salvo presione aquí: Dominican Conference Talk 10-08-11 final-1

El desayuno fue seguido por talleres donde panelistas y participantes dilucidaron los temas escogidos y sometieron sugerencias para tratar los retos presentados.

En “Crimen e Inseguridad en la República Dominicana: Una Emergencia Nacional” los Presentadores Dr. Ramón Antonio Veras (El Negro Veras), Dr. Rosario Espinal de Temple University, Periodista Sara Pérez, Dra. Lilian Bobea, Líder Comunal Rhadames Pérez, y educador y activista comunal José Morales, trataron el tema de la criminalidad en la República Dominicana, sus causas y posibles soluciones, en una sesión interactiva y estimulante.

Para una copia de la presentación del Dr. Veras en Español, presione aquí CONFERENCIA NEW YORK-4).

Para una copia de la presentacion de la Dra. Bobea en Espanol, pulse aqui: PRESENTACION LILIAN BOBEA,_ DOMINICAN AMERICAN NATIONAL ROUND TABLE.2

En “Asuntos Críticos en Educación” los presentadores  José Cruz, Maestro en la Ciudad de New York,  Rhina Tavarez, Maestra en Paterson, New Jersey, Directora Nancy Díaz y  Martha Madera, Presidente de la Asociación  Dominico Americana de Supervisores y Administradores (ADASA), Gloria Ortiz, Profesor Martin Danenberg y Dr. Julia Lara, VP de DANR en Washington, DC. consideraron asuntos como deserción escolar, participación de padres, métodos de enseñanza  innovativos.

“Dominicanos y Afro-Americanos: Hablemos!”  fue una conversación productiva en la que los presentadores y participantes trataron las similaridades e intereses en común de los dos grupos y ofrecieron sugerencias para un  plan estratégico de apoderamiento para los Dominicanos y los Afro-Americanos en la Urbe Americana.

Los presentadores fueron Asambleísta Estatal de New York Keith L. T. Wright, Asambleísta Estatal de New York Carl E. Heastie, Chairman de NDAC Néstor Montilla, Miosotis Muñoz, Representante de MA Marcos Devers, Fred Price de Medgar Evers College, Representante de MD Joselyn Peña-Melnyk, Rosita Romero, Presidente de Dominican Women Center, Facundo Knight, VP de DANR  en PA y Dr. Dilcia Granville, VP de DANR en New York.

“Este taller abre la puerta a una conversacion y a planificacion de la realidad que los negros y los dominicanos viven juntos en la Urbe Americana, en relacion a poder politica, educacion y encarcelamiento”, dijo Fred L. Price de Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York. ”Este taller es un paso en camino  tratar y supercar obstaculos para nuestro avance  colectivo. Felicito a DANR y el Concilio Nacional por brindar a los Negros y Dominicanos una oportunidad única para conversar.”

En el taller “NDAC Local Councils & Youth Leadership, I & II”, los presentadores  Dr. María Teresa Feliciano, Presidente de DANR, Amaris Guzmán, Presidente Juvenil de DANR, el Profesor Dr. Alberto Correa, de la Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Graduados de DANR 2011 Fellowship Program, Chairman de NDAC Néstor Montilla, Leodanis Inojosa de Puerto Rico y Dinorah Méndez de Lynn, Massachusetts, disertaron un intenso entrenamiento de liderazgo que incluyó las siguientes áreas: identificación de estilos de liderazgo, formación y desarrollo de equipos de trabajo y elementos básicos de organización y movilización efectivas.

Los presentadores listados en “Dominicanos & Puertorriqueños: Hablemos!” incluyeron Felipe Luciano, Zenaida Méndez, Francisco Ramírez Castilla, Joseph Wiscovitch, Hon. Claribel Martínez Marmolejos, and Dr. Dilcia Granville, DANR VP en New York. En una sesión interactiva que ofreció un trasfondo de la relación Dominico-Puertorriqueña, su larga trayectoria histórica juntos y su inseparable futuro. Los presentadores y participantes ofrecieron sugerencias sobre cómo proceder juntos hacia un futuro de apoderamiento socio-económico y político.

En el taller “Councils: Building Bridges”, los miembros del concilio internacional del NDAC trataron el tema de comercio y estímulo de proyectos económicos entre las diásporas representadas. Los presentadores incluyeron a Luis Balzac, José Antonio Ocampo de Columbia University, Kimberly Park, John Wang, Mandip Singh, Francisco J. Sánchez, Asambleísta Félix Ortiz, Maritza Del Toro, Pedro Díaz Ballester, Ismael Betancourt, Peter Fontanes, CEO Fontanes Group y Vice Presidenta de DANR en New York Francesca Peña.

“Nuestros Funcionarios Electos: Representantes y Protectores” ofreció una imagen de la relación de los funcionarios electos y la comunidad que los elige. Se trataron medidas que permitan el fortalecimiento de ambos. Los presentadores incluyeron al Representante Estatal de Massachusetts Marcos Devers, Concejal de Pennsylvania Julio Guridy, Concejal de New Jersey Julio Tavárez, y líder comunal Yudelka Tapia.

En “Desarrollo Económico”, los participantes Virgilio Mota, Luz A. Hopewell, Dr. y Bishop Ebony Kirkland, Ana Recio Harvey, Empresaria  Cira Angeles, Tesorero de DANR Luis Facundo, y Josephine Infante, Directora Ejecutiva de Hunts Point Development Corporation, trataron varios aspectos de desarrollo económico y empresarial, incluyendo e-commerce y retos de mujeres de empresa.

La sesión plenaria de La Cumbre en el Lovinger Theater, abrio con una invocacion por el Rev. Dr. Hector Chiesa, Presidente de la Junta Directiva de Radio Visión Cristiana y la entonación de los himnos nacionales de la Republica Dominicana y los Estados Unidos por la Cantautora Cristina Necula, Director de Relaciones de Graduados de Lehman College, y la estudiante de Baruch College y DANR 2011 Fellow Paola Martínez, respectivamente.

Los discursos y presentaciones estuvieron a cargo del Presidente de Lehman College Dr. Ricardo Fernández, el Vice Chanciller de CUNY Jay Hershenson, y la Dra. María Teresa Feliciano, Presidente de DANR quien pronunció el discurso tradicional de DANR  “El Estado de los Dominicanos en Los Estados Unidos”. Para una copia del discurso de la Dra. Feliciano, presione aqui  State of Dominicans in the US by Presient Maria Teresa Feliciano).

El Presidente del Condado del Bronx Rubén Díaz, Jr., y el Senador Estatal de New York Rubén Díaz, dieron la bienvenida a los participantes del Summit al Bronx. El Asambleista Estatal de New York Guillermo Linares presentó a Su Excelencia Raúl H. Yzaguirre, Embajador Norteamericano en la Republica Dominicana, quien pronunció el discurso principal “Nuestro Progreso en Educación, Desarrollo Económico y Apoderamiento Comunitario.”

Antes de la Recepción de Clausura, celebrada en una tarde perfecta, el programa de la Cumbre incluyo una ceremonia formal donde se juramentaron más de cien miembros de concilios locales del NDAC. Los nuevos miembros posaron, junto a los funcionarios electos presentes y la Junta de Directores del DANR, en la escalinata del bello Music Building de Lehman College, donde tomo lugar la Cumbre, para una foto de grupo por el reconocido fotógrafo Eduardo Hoepelman.

La Cumbre concluyó con un concierto clásico de la Mega 97.9 FM con Rubby Pérez y amigos, incluyendo el Maestro Ramón Orlando, y los cantantes Yunel Cruz y Alex Matos.

En nombre de la Junta Directiva de DANR, Presidente Feliciano, acompañada por Chairman de  NDAC Néstor Montilla y Vice Presidente de DANR en NY Miguel Santana, presento el DANR Lifetime Achievement Award Guanín a Rubby Pérez en honor a sus treinta años en la música.
La Cumbre Anual de DANR es considerada uno de los más importantes eventos en el calendario Latino y Dominico-Americano en los Estados Unidos.

La 14va. Cumbre Nacional de Liderazgo Anual fue posible gracias a:

Lehman College, The City University of New York, Ford Motor Company Fund, Eugenio Maria De Hostos Community College, National Supermarket Association, Anheuser-Bush, La Mega 97.9FM, Cibao Meat Products, Bronxnet Television, Bronx Community College, Jet Blue, AT&T, Innovaciones Psicoeducativas, Inc, The Latino Studies Institute, Hunts Point Economic Development Corporation, National Dominican American Council, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico…

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