Abinader honors 12 outstanding Dominicans in Europe for professional achievements

Madrid, Spain.- President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó led the presentation of the “Index Somos Todos” Outstanding Dominican Abroad Recognition, honoring 12 Dominicans living in Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom for their professional achievements and contributions to the Dominican Republic’s image abroad.

The ceremony was held at the Capitol Cinema in Madrid, recognizing Dominicans who have excelled in medicine, culture, research, sports, innovation and business.

Bisonó praised the recipients for their perseverance, excellence and commitment to their communities, while Vice Minister for Dominican Communities Abroad Celinés Toribio described their knowledge and contributions as part of the country’s collective heritage.

The honorees included seven Dominicans in Spain: ballet director Héctor Farías; dentist and entrepreneur Eslaysa Indira Reynoso García; pulmonologist Rosanel Amaro Rodríguez; gastroenterologist and researcher Lissette Batista; physician Carlos Vinicio Rodríguez Jumelles; digital artist entrepreneur Carla F. Jovine Rijo; and businesswoman Gricell Garrido Colón.

Three Dominicans were recognized in Italy: folklorist Beatriz Acosta Acosta, economist Emely Natividad Balbi Méndez, and actress and former Miss Italy Denny Méndez. In the United Kingdom, the recognition went to intensive care specialist Laura Esther de la Cruz Rosario and artist and cultural promoter Mario Lenny Ramírez Ruiz, known as “Viktor con K.”

The initiative seeks to highlight the achievements of Dominicans abroad and strengthen their connection with the Dominican Republic through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic and consular network.