Miami, Florida, 2026.- The Dominican International Business & Tourism Chamber, Inc., the Institute for Dominicans Abroad (INDEX), and the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in Miami hosted a distinguished business networking event in celebration of Dominican Independence Week, bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors, as well as members of the Dominican diaspora across South Florida.

During the ceremony, Michael G. Fresco, Jr., Director of District 12, representing Miami-Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermúdez, together with María Dreyfus-Ulvert, Assistant Director–International Liaison at the Office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, presented an official Proclamation to Pedro J. Díaz Ballester, President of the Chamber, recognizing his business leadership and the 33rd anniversary of the institution, as well as its contributions to community and economic development.

A space for networking, executive training, and historical reflection

The event—designed as a platform for executive networking, historical insight, and professional development—was held at the modern facilities of Keiser University Miami Campus, led by Dr. Norma Pastor, with coordination by Carmen Pérez-Padrón, Director of Student Services and Career Development.

Notable attendees included:

• Gilberto Minaya, Acting Deputy Consul of the Dominican Consulate in Miami
• Phillipa Valencia, representing the Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium (ITC)
• Gisela Thomas, President of the Panamanian American Chamber of Commerce
• Nuria Soriano, Director of Partnerships and Memberships at the Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Gustavo Garagorry, Venezuelan American Republican Club
• Executives from The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald
• Bryan Peña, BP Media
• Miguel Del Rivero, Director of El Vocero News
• Dominican political leaders, hoteliers, and business executives
• Dominican Vice Consuls Claudia Sánchez and Carla Hernández, along with Rosa Espinal and other consular officials

Key remarks and featured presentations

In his keynote address, Pedro J. Díaz Ballester, President of the Dominican International Chamber, highlighted the business, trade, and investment opportunities offered by the Dominican Republic, as well as the strategic role of the Dominican diaspora in the United States as a bridge for binational economic development.

The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Soraya Aguasvivas, Vice President of the Chamber. Additional speakers included:

• Richard Montilla, Executive Director of INDEX Miami
• Dr. Luis Lasose, President of Mocamia, who emphasized the importance of adequate legislation for Dominicans living abroad
• Fernando Ortiz, President of the Duartian Institute of Florida, who offered a historical reflection on patriot Ramón Matías Mella and the proclamation of Dominican Independence
• Luis G. Castillo, President of Global Trade and Financing, who presented the financing opportunities available through Eximbank for Hispanic entrepreneurs

Institutional commitment

The organizing institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties between the Dominican Republic and South Florida, promoting initiatives that support business, tourism, cultural engagement, and community development within the diaspora.

A celebratory atmosphere with national pride

The event combined a formal program with a dynamic networking environment, featuring a courtesy toast by Ron Barceló and Dominican musical ambiance provided by maestro Alejandro Vargas. The versatile Dominican singer LuzNat, courtesy of the program El Poder de Miami, also performed. Special raffles added an enthusiastic and festive close to the gathering.