THE NATIONAL DOMINICAN DAY PARADE ANNOUNCES GRAND MARSHAL, KINGS OF PARADE, AND MORE HONOREES FOR THE 42ND ANNUAL CELEBRATION

Honorees Bios:

• Alfredo Acosta: Esteemed reporter for Noticiero 47 Telemundo, Alfredo Acosta brings crucial news to the New York Tri-State area and has been honored with three Emmy® awards.
• Ana J. Almanzar: Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives in New York City and Chair of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Ana Almanzar has a rich history of enhancing community relations and spearheading significant public initiatives, including a major poverty reduction program across New York State.
• Anderson Torres, PhD, LCSW-R, AWA: Dr. Torres is President of R.A.I.N. TOTAL CARE, INC., championing comprehensive care for aging populations and a noted expert in geriatric mental health. An award-winning author, he significantly influences Latino healthcare and policy.
• Antonio Espaillat: A dominant media and business leader in the Dominican Republic, Antonio Espaillat heads RCC Media, influencing vast audiences across 50 FM and 25 AM stations, and two national TV channels.
• Amaurys Grullon: Bronx native and dynamic entrepreneur, Amaurys Grullon co-founded Bronx Native & Tag Up Studios, driving cultural innovation and social change through diverse creative projects.
• DJ Aneudy (Aneudy Reynoso): Known as “El Gigante,” DJ Aneudy is a prominent figure in the New York music scene, renowned for his dynamic presence on Mega 97.9’s “El Vacilón de la Mañana” and his influential partnerships with major brands like Remy Martin and DCH Paramus Honda. A former aspiring baseball player, DJ Aneudy’s passion for music has made him a cornerstone of the Latino community and an inspiration to many.
• Ariana Collado: A devoted community leader and Executive Director of the Bronx Democratic Party, orchestrates impactful political campaigns and civic initiatives, fostering significant community and governmental engagement.
• Bulin 47: Dominican urban music artist known for his contributions to genres like dembow and rap. He gained popularity for his energetic performances, catchy songs, and charismatic persona within the Dominican Republic and across the Latin American music scene. Bulín 47 has been recognized for his unique style and has garnered a significant following, particularly among fans of urban music and dembow.
• Denise Felipe-Adams: Visionary leader in New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Innovation and Emerging Markets, Denise Felipe-Adams spearheads major system changes to enhance city operations through innovative technologies.
• Esmery Martinez: Esmery Martinez is a Dominican professional basketball player who gained recognition for her exceptional skills and has represented the Dominican Republic in international competitions. Martinez played college basketball at the University of Maine, where she made significant contributions as a forward. Known for her athleticism and versatility on the court, Martinez continues to excel in her career, contributing to the growth of women’s basketball in the Dominican Republic and beyond.
• Eliecer Marte: Award-winning journalist and dynamic storyteller, Eliecer Marte has made significant impacts through his coverage at PIX11, highlighting major societal issues.
• Fernando Ortiz: Committed public servant and educator, Fernando Ortiz champions environmental justice and sustainable development in Upper Manhattan and The Bronx.
• Flako Jimenez: Flako Jimenez is a well-known figure in Dominican music, particularly in the genre of merengue típico. He is celebrated for his accordion-playing skills and his contributions to popularizing merengue típico both in the Dominican Republic and abroad. Jimenez’s music is characterized by its lively rhythms and energetic performances, making him a favorite among fans of traditional Dominican music. His career has spanned several decades, during which he has released numerous albums and performed at various venues, solidifying his reputation as a talented and influential musician in Dominican cultural music.
• Janet Peguero: Trailblazing Deputy Bronx Borough President, Janet Peguero tirelessly bridges community resources and advocates for health and economic well-being in the Bronx.
• Jacqueline Guilamo: Jacqueline Guilamo is recognized as a prominent figure in Dominican culture and the arts. She is celebrated for her contributions to the preservation and promotion of Dominican folklore and traditional music. Guilamo’s work has often focused on highlighting the richness of Dominican heritage through performances and educational initiatives. Her dedication to cultural preservation has earned her respect both domestically and internationally, making her a revered ambassador of Dominican music and folklore.
• Jochy Santos:  Jochy Santos, is a highly acclaimed radio and television personality, comedian, and actor. He is best known for his long-running radio show “El Mismo Golpe” on La Mega 97.9 FM, which has been a staple of Dominican radio for decades. Santos is also a skilled comedian, having performed in numerous comedy shows and television programs, earning him widespread popularity in the Dominican Republic and among the Dominican diaspora. His charismatic presence and humor have solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in Dominican entertainment.
• Deputy Chief Jose Frias: NYPD veteran and advocate for employee wellbeing, Deputy Chief Jose Frias directs human resources and health services for the department, enhancing operational excellence.
• Led Black: A dynamic voice from Washington Heights, is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Uptown Collective, a pivotal online platform representing Uptown’s culture; he’s a storyteller and social media strategist who has shared stages with Lin-Manuel Miranda and appeared in the Emmy-nominated film “Coogan’s Way.”
• Los Hermanos Rosario: Los Hermanos Rosario, formed on May 1st, 1978, debuted in Higüey, Dominican Republic. They gained early success with hits like “María Guayando” and later moved to Santo Domingo, releasing albums such as “Acabando” in 1986, marking a resurgence after tragedy struck with the loss of their leader, Pepe Rosario, in 1983. Their 1993 album “Los Mundialmente Sabrosos” topped charts internationally, followed by their most successful work, “Los Dueños del Swing” in 1995. They continue to be icons of merengue music, celebrating milestones like their 30th anniversary and 40th anniversary in grand spectacles across the globe.
• Luis A. Miranda, Jr.: A pivotal figure in public advocacy and political consulting, Luis Miranda has shaped major political campaigns and led key cultural and nonprofit organizations in NYC. Founding President of the Hispanic Federation and author of the memoir Relentless, Miranda has dedicated four decades to empowering Latino communities and enriching American public life.
• Manuel Ruiz: Renowned journalist and broadcaster, Manuel Ruiz has significantly influenced Dominican media through decades of dedicated service, from pioneering radio programming to leading television production and contributing to agricultural development. His career has earned him multiple accolades, underscoring his commitment to journalistic excellence and community service.
• Michelle Neugebauer: Executive Director at Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Michelle was the first full-time employee of CHLDC, beginning in 1984, and she has guided the organization’s growth from a budget of $35,000 with one program to its current status. Michelle serves on the Board of Directors of the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development and of United Neighborhood Houses. Michelle earned a BA in Urban Studies from Barnard College and MS degrees in Social Work and Urban Planning from Columbia University.
• Pedro Brache Álvarez: Corporate Executive President of Grupo Rica, Pedro leads with a blend of family-instilled values and strategic insight. Starting from the ground up, he champions staff development, emphasizing humility and empathy as core to his success and the company’s growth.
• Pedro Rivera: Emmy-winning journalist and anchor for ABC7, Pedro Rivera engages audiences with compelling news coverage and community stories in New York City.
• Ramon Fausto Cabral: Community pillar and president of R.C. Audubon Car Service, Ramon Fausto Cabral supports local initiatives and maintains a strong community-oriented business presence in Washington Heights.
• Wilson A. Terrero: Wilson A. Terrero, a trailblazer from Las Matas de Farfán, Dominican Republic, served as the first Latino Council Majority Leader in Yonkers. He has significantly contributed to community development through educational and cultural programs, real estate, and business ventures, while also fostering citizenship and civic engagement among Latinos.
• Winston Brewster: A pivotal figure in banking and community development, Winston Brewster has championed economic growth and financial inclusion for underserved New York communities, enhancing stability and empowerment.
• Yokarina Duarte: Chief of Staff at NYC Emergency Management, has significantly impacted citywide emergency responses and community preparedness, including leading multi-agency delegations to disaster-stricken areas and initiating NYC’s Spanish-language emergency podcast, ¡Prepárate!.
• Zoila Del Castillo: Trailblazer in public service, Zoila Del Castillo shapes economic opportunity and consumer protection strategies as Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Opportunity in New York.