Miami, FL — The business, institutional, and tourism communities of Miami-Dade and the Dominican Republic gathered on Thursday, September 24, at Keiser University Miami for the «D.R. & Miami-Dade Business, Trade & Tourism 2026» event. This gathering—dedicated to trade, investment, tourism, and community integration—honored the Day of Our Lady of Las Mercedes (patron saint of the Dominican people) and served as a formal welcome for the new Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami, Josefa Castillo Rodriguez.

Organized by the Dominican International Business & Tourism Chamber (DIBTC) and the Dominican Federation of Chambers & Organizations Inc., the event brought together business leaders, local officials, institutional representatives, media outlets, and members of the Dominican diaspora for a networking occasion featuring trade exhibits and special presentations.

Program Highlights

Starting at 5:30 p.m., attendees enjoyed exhibition areas, business networking tables, Dominican coffee and rum, traditional cocktails, and live music performed by Maestro Alejandro Vargas («Colita»).

At 6:00 p.m., the Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Soraya Aguasvivas—Vice President of the DIBTC and President of the Anymos Foundation—formally opened the event in the auditorium. This was followed by a prayer dedicated to Our Lady of Las Mercedes, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the celebration.

Subsequently, VIPs, special guests, sponsors, and supporting organizations were introduced and recognized for their contributions to strengthening ties between Miami-Dade and the Dominican Republic; special recognition was given to the Mayor of the City of Doral, Christi Fraga, and the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections, Alina Garcia. Pedro Díaz Ballester, President of the DIBTC and the Dominican Federation of Chambers, delivered motivational remarks regarding the event’s impact, the roles played by the Chamber in Miami and the Federation in Washington, D.C., and the importance of Dominican Week in the United States as a platform for integration and development.

Dr. Norma Pastor, President of the Keiser University Miami campus, offered an official welcome and highlighted the academic and commercial opportunities the university fosters in the region, while the Mayor of the City of Doral, the Hon. Christi Fraga, presented current initiatives and ties between Doral and the Dominican Republic, underscoring the growth of the Dominican community in the area.

The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism—led by Wendy Justo, Director of the Tourism Promotion Office in Miami, and represented at the event by Magalys Mella and Albania Santana—shared information on tourist attractions and audiovisual materials showcasing Dominican destinations.

Young Jasline Altagracia, Miss Hispanic Pre-Teen Dominican Republic, was recognized for her drive and cultural representation, accompanied by her mother, Jheinmy Díaz.

A highlight of the event featured senior executives from NOMAD Residences by Sonesta, Kathy Saldivar and Ingrid Caba, who presented investment opportunities in the first NOMAD hotel in the Dominican Republic, specifically in La Romana.

Eric Borrazas, an international trade specialist at PortMiami, provided up-to-date data on trade between Miami and the Dominican Republic, highlighting its growth and future outlook.

The new Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Miami, the Hon. Josefa Castillo Rodríguez, was officially welcomed and acknowledged upon her appointment; she outlined her key priorities, emphasizing the importance of the diaspora and opportunities for international business. On behalf of the Dominican International Chamber of Business and Tourism, and marking its 33rd anniversary, Mr. Pedro Diaz Ballester presented plaques of recognition for their longstanding support to PortMiami and the Doral Chamber of Commerce, accepting on behalf of the latter were its president, Manny Sarmiento, and its vice president, Carmen López.

ADOMPRETUR FL–USA Special Program

As part of the well-attended event, an official program for ADOMPRETUR Florida–USA took place. It featured remarks by Sarah Hernández, the organization’s national president, followed by the introduction and swearing-in of the new board of directors and an address by the incoming president, Yaniris Felipe, concluding with an official group photo.

Event Conclusion

The event wrapped up at 8:30 p.m. in a festive atmosphere featuring Dominican music by Maestro Alejandro Vargas («Colita»), networking opportunities, and commercial exhibits, thereby strengthening ties between the Dominican community and the Miami-Dade business ecosystem.