Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC) is an amazing organization whose mission is to empower all women and communities to advance gender equality and social justice. Something we all need during these difficult times. Since being founded in 1998, DWDC has worked hard to make families and individuals realize their potential. One of the many ways DWDC does this is by honoring extraordinary people at their annual gala. This year marks 30 years of charitable greatness. The gala was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, where they honored composer, lyricist, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, and other notable people, including Dr. Casilda Balmaceda (Board-Certified Neurologist and CEO of Neurology Associates), Marisol Martinez (Vice President, Channel Relationship Marketing, Charter Communications), Jomari Goyso (Designer, Beauty Expert and Hairstylist), NYPD Police Officer Daniel Kern, Maria Terrero (Family Services Coordinator, Early Head Start, DWDC), and philanthropist and author Jean Shafiroff.
The gala was attended by hundreds and raised thousands of dollars to help fund the center’s diverse programs for Latina women and families of the Washington Heights community.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s father Luis A. Miranda, Jr. introduced Rosita Romero, DWDC Executive Director, who danced her way on to the stage before offering a rallying speech, saying “Our evening’s theme is transforming lives, but the first life the DWDC transformed was mine.” She spoke about the center’s achievements and how they have helped more than 11,000 individuals and families with support services, referrals, and resources.
Lin-Manuel Miranda then came to the stage and joked, “I love Dominican women so much I married one,” before applauding the work of the DWDC for always “lifting up the community.” He also encouraged attendees with deep pockets to empty them on DWDC, which a lot of attendees did through donations via the website and a live auction. Up for grabs were luxury handbags including one by Oscar de la Renta, vacations, and artwork donated by Kate Shin from the Waterfall Mansion – where one of the bids was for $37,000.
The Gala Chairs were Luz Miranda-Crespo and Sabine Poisson. The Gala Benefit Committee was Annette Malloy, Luz Bermudez, Maritza Santiago, Karen Kelley, Fermin Espinosa, Petra Cruz, Michelle Ester, Brenda Scott, and Rosita Romero.
The night continued to inspire, with video clips that showcased DWDC’s work and commitment to the community. Dominican Women’s Development Center serves all communities regardless of background gender, race, ethnicity, economic status, age, religion, culture, sexual orientation, or other identities, and believe in the power of advocacy for ourselves and their communities. It was a magical evening for philanthropy and diversity. Cheers to 30 more years!
To continue to donate to Dominican Women’s Development Center and to learn more, head over to dwdc.org/.