Madrid, Spain — A landmark official ceremony hosted by the Dominican Republic’s top diplomatic leadership recently celebrated the exceptional contributions of 12 high-achieving Dominican nationals based across three European nations, under the newly launched “Index Somos Todos” Outstanding Dominican Abroad Recognition program.
Led by Dominican President Luis Abinader and Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, the award presentation unfolded at Madrid’s historic Capitol Cinema, bringing together diplomatic representatives, community leaders and honorees to spotlight professional excellence that elevates the Caribbean nation’s global reputation. The selected recipients have carved out leading careers across diverse high-impact fields spanning medicine, cultural preservation, academic research, competitive sports, technological innovation and global commerce.
During the event, Foreign Minister Bisonó delivered a keynote address lauding the awardees for their relentless perseverance, unwavering commitment to professional excellence, and consistent investment in uplifting local Dominican diaspora communities in their host countries. Celinés Toribio, Vice Minister for Dominican Communities Abroad, framed the collective expertise and cross-border contributions of these overseas nationals as an invaluable shared national heritage that enriches the Dominican Republic’s global profile.
The full cohort of honorees includes seven Dominican residents based in Spain: acclaimed ballet company director Héctor Farías, award-winning dentist and social impact entrepreneur Eslaysa Indira Reynoso García, leading pulmonologist Rosanel Amaro Rodríguez, prominent gastroenterologist and public health researcher Lissette Batista, veteran clinical physician Carlos Vinicio Rodríguez Jumelles, digital art innovator and startup founder Carla F. Jovine Rijo, and seasoned international business leader Gricell Garrido Colón.
Three Dominican nationals based in Italy also received formal recognition: celebrated folklorist and cultural heritage advocate Beatriz Acosta Acosta, leading development economist Emely Natividad Balbi Méndez, and trailblazing actress and former Miss Italy titleholder Denny Méndez. Rounding out the 12 awardees are two Dominican community leaders residing in the United Kingdom: renowned intensive care specialist Laura Esther de la Cruz Rosario, and multidisciplinary artist and cross-cultural promoter Mario Lenny Ramírez Ruiz, who performs publicly under the artistic alias “Viktor con K.”
Designed and administered by the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with its global network of embassies and consulates, the “Index Somos Todos” initiative is structured not only to celebrate individual success, but also to deepen long-term collaborative ties between the Dominican Republic and its far-flung diaspora communities across Europe. For the latest updates on Dominican global affairs, audiences can access full coverage via DominicanScope’s official headline platform.
Abinader honors 12 outstanding Dominicans in Europe for professional achievements
