Consul Jesús Vásquez participates in Embassy reception in Washington for Dominicans On The Hill 2026

Washington, DC. The Dominican diaspora once again occupies spaces of power in the U.S. capital with the celebration of Dominicans on the Hill 2026, a gathering that brings together community leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, professionals, and cultural figures around Dominican identity and the strengthening of ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

The agenda began Tuesday night with an official reception at the headquarters of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Washington, where Ambassador María Isabel Castillo welcomed the guests within the framework of Dominicans On The Hill 2026, an initiative organized by Dominican-born Congressman Adriano Espaillat.

The Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New York, Jesús Vásquez Martínez (Chu), participated in the reception, highlighting the importance of Dominicans On The Hill 2026 for the Dominican community abroad.

In a message published on his X account, formerly Twitter, he stated that he took part in the reception offered by the ambassador in Washington as part of Dominicans On The Hill 2026, coordinated by Congressman Adriano Espaillat, describing it as a valuable opportunity to continue strengthening ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Participé en la recepción ofrecida por nuestra embajadora en Washington, María Isabel Castillo, en el marco de #DominicansOnTheHill2026, coordinado por el congresista Adriano Espaillat. Un espacio valioso para seguir fortaleciendo los lazos RD–EE. 🇩🇴🤝🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/zj6eHUFfqR

— Jesús Vásquez Martinez (@chuvasquez) February 11, 2026

The eighth edition of Dominicans on the Hill is being held this Wednesday, February 11, at the United States Capitol and at the Capital Turnaround center in Washington. It is not just another event on the diaspora’s agenda; it is a meeting point where Dominican identity engages directly with U.S. political power.

Each year, during Dominican Heritage Month, this gathering has grown in importance and significance. What began as a community representation initiative has become a platform where legislators, professionals, students, and social leaders exchange ideas about the present and future of the Dominican community in the United States.

The office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat reported that this year’s program includes cultural activities and dialogues with influential figures from various sectors. The closing will feature an artistic component with the participation of José Alberto El Canario, Adalgisa Pantaleón, Manny Pérez, Lumy Lizardo, and Jandy Ventura, who will also be recognized for their careers.

The central focus of the 2026 conference is on advancing public policy and opportunities in the area of health. The intention is clear. To identify strategic priorities that will strengthen health services, promote innovation, and consolidate leadership both within and beyond the Dominican community.

The agenda brings together representatives from institutions such as Google, the Inter-American Development Bank, and Carna Health. Entities from the U.S. health sector are also participating, including Montefiore, SOMOS Community Care, MetroPlusHealth, Planned Parenthood, HealthFirst, and Arium Health. From the Dominican Republic, the National Competitiveness Council, Digemaps, and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic are joining.

Over time, Dominicans on the Hill has ceased to be merely a symbolic event. It has consolidated itself as a national convention that recognizes the contributions of Dominican Americans and promotes direct dialogue between public and private sectors. Each edition gathers hundreds of participants from different states, strengthening a network of leadership that now transcends the cultural sphere.

Transformation of Dominicans on the Hill into an NGO

This year also marks a structural change. The event is moving toward its transformation into a national nonprofit organization. The transition of the organizing committee from Congressman Espaillat’s office to an interdisciplinary team of Dominican professionals based in different regions of the country aims to institutionalize the project and ensure its continuity beyond a legislative office.

The new structure has designed an agenda that includes discussions on access to health services, reproductive health, aging with dignity, the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare systems, and the strategic role of biomedical supply chains between the United States and the Dominican Republic.

In Washington, DC, Dominican identity is not only celebrated. It is organized, projected, and seeks to make an impact. That is the dimension that today defines Dominicans on the Hill.