PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND – A landmark gathering centered on Dominican American women’s leadership recently unfolded at the Rhode Island State Capitol, where the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (INDEX) hosted its Second Dominican Leaders Forum under the theme “Pioneering Women”. The event drew a cross-section of stakeholders, including sitting government officials, local community organizers, and members of the large Dominican diaspora based across the United States, united around a single mission: honoring the trailblazing women whose work has expanded Dominican visibility and representation across public office, civic engagement, and professional industries nationwide.
Helmed by Celinés Toribio, vice minister and executive director of INDEX, the full-day forum centered on the extraordinary, often underrecognized achievements of Dominican women who have overcome systemic barriers to carve out space in leadership roles across the country. Organized panel discussions and breakout sessions covered a range of critical topics, from pathways to entering public service, strategies for boosting Dominican women’s political participation, centering Dominican identity in American public life, and the urgent need to expand equitable representation in rooms where key policy and community decisions are made. Attendees also exchanged ideas for building pipelines that support younger generations of Dominican women to pursue leadership opportunities.
The forum featured a lineup of prominent speakers, all of whom are themselves Dominican American trailblazers in public office: Grace Díaz, Ana Quezada, Ana Levy, Sabina Matos, and Joseline Peña-Melnyk. Each speaker shared personal anecdotes of navigating bias and breaking glass ceilings, offering actionable advice for emerging leaders. Beyond the discussions, INDEX held a formal recognition ceremony to honor these women for their lasting contributions to political representation, community advocacy, and diaspora empowerment. The ceremony also included recognition for acclaimed Dominican fashion designer Jeanette Limas for her work elevating Dominican talent in the global fashion industry.
Closing out the event, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee delivered closing remarks, extending his formal praise to the honorees for their unwavering commitment to public service and community uplift. Forum organizers wrapped the gathering by reinforcing its dual purpose: while the event served as a well-deserved celebration of the ground-breaking work accomplished by Dominican women leaders to date, it also acts as a catalyst for investing in the next generation, equipping young Dominican women to step into leadership roles in their own communities and carry the work forward.