Abinader honors 14 Dominicans for their contributions in the U.S.

New York.-  President Luis Abinader, First Lady Raquel Arbaje and Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó led the fourth edition of the “Index Somos Todos” Outstanding Dominican Abroad Recognition, honoring 14 Dominicans for their careers and contributions in the United States.

The recognition, organized by the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (Index), highlighted professionals from fields including medicine, business, academia, technology, education, the arts, public service and community leadership.

During the ceremony, Bisonó emphasized the government’s efforts to strengthen ties with the Dominican diaspora, noting that more than three million Dominicans live in 129 countries and territories. He said the diaspora contributes not only through remittances but also through investment, entrepreneurship, knowledge and professional experience.

Bisonó noted that remittances reached approximately US$11.9 billion in 2025, with most coming from the United States.

The 14 honorees include professionals such as New York police lieutenant Gypsy Pichardo; pulmonologist and professor Wilson Arismendy Quezada; businesswoman Bernarda Rodríguez; public health coordinator Yraida Aponte; communications strategist Mayra Serafina Linares; technology executive Jorge Ulloa; physician Yohanna Olivo; and bodega-sector leader Carlos Elpidio Herrera.

Also recognized were actress and businesswoman Lorena Jorge; U.S. military veteran Alfonso Geomar Matos Mesa; physician Agustín Apolinar Rojas; Union City public works commissioner Wendy Arelis Mesa Grullón; educator and writer Berkis Contreras Suriel; and behavioral health executive Ertuania Jorge Ghosh.

The ceremony brought together Dominican officials, community leaders, family members and representatives of the Dominican community in the United States.