The 6th Annual Dominicans on the Hill, Happening Next Week at the U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announces this year’s guest lineup for the Sixth Annual Dominicans on the Hill event that will be held live and in-person on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the United States Capitol, Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) Auditorium, in Washington, DC.

This year’s theme: Dominicans Breaking Barriers, recognizes the notable achievements of individuals, including cabinet officials from the Biden Administration, Major League Baseball (MLB) players, world renowned musicians and entertainers, and media influencers from the U.S. and Dominican diaspora. This year’s event will be emceed by Telemundo’s Genesis Suero.

Program highlights will feature: a Fireside Chat on Education and the Workforce, featuring Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, the Honorable Miguel A. Cardona, and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Honorable Gina Raimondo, moderated by Angelica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Education. 

An opening plenary session will feature acclaimed artists including poet and author, Elizabeth Acevedo; painter and visual artist, Scherezade Garcia; contemporary artist, Bony Ramirez; and fashion designer, Sully Bonnelly, moderated by Jennifer Pichardo, Senior Advancement Officer at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino.

There will be a ‘Future of Technology’ panel moderated by Google’s Claritza N. Abreu, and featuring panelists The Kid Mero, podcaster; Mebrulin Francisco, Global Head of Data Strategy & Martech; and two-time Capcom Cup champion and professional gamer, Saul Mena.

Dr. Amado Alejandro Báez, Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Development, VA Augusta Healthcare System and Carlos de la Mota, Vice Minister, Dominican Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will lead a panel discussion on Dominicans and Biomedical Research featuring panelists: Dr. Dioscaris Garcia PhD, Professor, Brown University;  Dr. Jose Lora, Biomedical Researcher; and Dr. Rafael Lantigua, Professor of Medicine at CUMC, Associate Dean for Community Programs VP&S, Columbia University.

Celebrating the growing influence of Dominican Americans in government, this year’s event includes a discussion with Dominican American office holders in city government and will include Hector Lora, Mayor of Passaic, NJ; Helmin Caba, Mayor of Perth Amboy, NJ; Antonio Reynoso, Borough President of Brooklyn, NY; Yadira Ramos, Mayor of New Rochelle, NY; and Juana Matias, Regional Administrator for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New England, who will serve as moderator. There will also be keynotes from Brian A. De Peña, Mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts and Janet Peguero, Deputy Bronx Borough President. 

The evening will culminate with a “Dominicans, Breaking Barriers” panel discussion with The Honorable Julissa Reynoso, U.S. Ambassador to Spain; accordionist and performer, Fefita La Grande; Senior Advisor to U.S President Biden, Tom Perez; and seven-time MLB All-Star player, Nelson Cruz.

 Held annually during Dominican Heritage Month, Rep. Espaillat created Dominicans on the Hill to recognize the growing civic engagement of the Dominican American community and throughout the diaspora. Each year, the event is attended by hundreds of leaders, professionals, students, and elected officials of Dominican descent and groups from around the nation.

Visit online for updates about the 2024 event and check X/Twitter and Facebook: @RepEspaillat and @DominicansHill and on Instagram at @RepAdrianoEspaillat.