NEW YORK, NY – The National Dominican Day Parade, Inc. (NatDDP), under the leadership of Chair Cristina Contreras and the Board of Directors, proudly announced the honorees and events for the 44th Annual National Dominican Day Parade.
This year’s theme, “Identidad y Cultura,” 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 7 and featured in the 44th Annual Parade on August 9 along 6th Avenue in Manhattan.
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2026 HONOREES
GOYA: Legacy Award – Recognized as the 2026 Legacy Award honoree, celebrating outstanding corporate partnership, community distribution support, and lasting dedication to Dominican heritage and culture.
Ramon Tallaj, M.D.: Grand Marshal – M.D., Founder, and Chairman of SOMOS Community Care, a nonprofit physician-led network serving over one million underserved beneficiaries across New York City.
Frederick Martínez (El Pachá): El Rey del Desfile – Renowned radio host and television personality (Locutor at La Mega), celebrated for his long-standing career and energetic presence in Hispanic media.
José Alberto (El Canario): The Parade Godfather. José Alberto “El Canario,” recognized worldwide as “The Showman of Salsa,” is a Dominican superstar and four-time Latin Grammy winner with a five-decade career marked by his exceptional voice and dynamic stage presence.
Anthony Peña: Bronx Borough Dominican – Excellence in Community Empowerment: Visionary leader, community-centered entrepreneur, and current National President of the National Supermarket Association (NSA).
Honorable Wanda Negron: Bronx Borough Adopted Dominican – Excellence in Legal Justice: Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, Bronx County (Civil Term), dedicated to serving her community with distinction, fairness, and equal justice from the bench.
Edwin Guzmán: Bronx Borough Dominican – Excellence in Culinary Services: Hardworking culinary professional and entrepreneur from the Bronx, committed to uplifting his community and preserving traditional flavors.
Belkis Lora: Bronx Borough Dominican – Excellence in Community Engagement: Dedicated community advocate who immigrated from the Dominican Republic in 1989, spending decades building networks to empower and unite local families.
Monsignor Kevin Sullivan: Manhattan Borough Adopted Dominican – Excellence in Philanthropy: Served as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York from 2001 to 2025, leading vital human service efforts.
Michelle Lewis: NatDDP Adopted Dominican – Excellence in Health Services: Visionary healthcare executive shaping the future of healthcare delivery as CEO of Gotham Health, a key division of NYC Health + Hospitals.
Yoselin Genao-Estrella: Ambassador of Community Empowerment: Distinguished nonprofit executive, housing advocate, and community development leader with over two decades of experience organizing for social justice.
Dinorah Claudio: Ambassador of Public Safety: Seasoned Emergency Medical Services leader serving as Division Commander for FDNY-EMS in Brooklyn, New York, with over 36 years of lifesaving public service.
Sydney Valerio: Ambassador in Creative Arts: New York City-born writer, educator, and ultra-creative artist dedicated to highlighting identity, empowerment, and Dominican cultural narratives.
Roberto Rojas: Cacique de la Esperanza: Widely known as “El Humilde Rojas,” a prominent entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist committed to supporting educational and social development programs.
Aydee Trimino: Ambassador of Public Health: Compassionate community health leader dedicated to expanding clinical outreach, mental health awareness, and medical access for immigrant communities.
Ho Chi Domínguez (Jochy Jochy): Embajador de la Alegría: Renowned Dominican comedian and communicator with a successful 30-year career bringing joy, humor, and cultural representation across international media platforms.
Tiaris Cabrera: Embajadora de Comunicación: Accomplished journalist and media professional based in New York City, recognized for her unwavering commitment to community-focused broadcasting.
Natalie Ramones: Ambassador of Entrepreneurship: Queens-born business professional and proud community leader celebrating her Dominican roots and fostering local economic growth.
Lizbel Ortiz: Ambassador of Youth Empowerment: Passionate advocate, digital content creator, and mentor focused on building career pipelines and resource networks for the next generation.
Kelvin A. Morel (KAM): Ambassador of Visual Arts: Multi-talented visual artist and creator from Guaricano, Santo Domingo, showcasing the strength and beauty of the Dominican diaspora through multimedia design.
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