Three Dominicans with outstanding careers in the United States, in the government, military, and artistic fields, were recognized at the 29th edition of Dominican Week in the United States (SemDom USA 2021).
The American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR) presented a medal of recognition to Sabina Matos, the first Dominican and second woman to serve as lieutenant governor of Rhode Island; pilot Lieutenant Colonel Marisol Chalas, the first Latina to pilot a Black Hawk combat helicopter; and Jessy Terrero, a prominent music video producer and director who has worked with the industry's biggest names.
The event recognizing the diaspora was held in the gardens of the Dominican Embassy in Washington and was led by the president and executive vice president of AMCHAMDR, Roberto Herrera and William Malamud, respectively, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Álvarez.
“There are thousands of Dominicans residing in the United States and Americans of Dominican origin who fill us with pride with their contributions in the political, social, economic, academic, athletic, and cultural spheres. I dare predict that, thanks to their efforts, the next generation will be even more successful,” said the president of AMCHAMDR.
Herrera emphasized that the three Dominicans selected this year have enhanced the reputation of the Dominican Republic in the eyes of the United States through their careers and stated that it is an honor for SemDom USA to recognize their leadership.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez highlighted the difficulties and struggles the Dominican community has faced in trying to make its way in the United States and the dynamism it has achieved in recent decades.
In that sense, he appreciated the fact that a platform like Dominican Week can recognize the contributions of Dominicans who excel in the United States.
Upon being honored, distinguished pilot Marisol Chalas said she hopes her story inspires others and dedicated her recognition to her parents, who immigrated to the United States and laid the groundwork for her to achieve the American dream.
Sabina Matos, meanwhile, appreciated the award and the opportunity to represent her people. In that regard, she thanked Congressman Espaillat for opening the doors to the Dominican community in the political arena.
Meanwhile, Jessy Terrero urged immigrants to fight for their dreams and persist until they achieve their goals, since before achieving success, there is a long road to overcome, full of obstacles.
The honorees of the 29th edition of SemDom USA
Sabina Matos was born in 1974 in Paraíso de Barahona and arrived in the United States, specifically in New York, in 1994. She later moved to Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, where she studied and graduated with a degree in Communications and Public Relations from Rhode Island College.
She also completed studies at the Latino Leadership Institute and Leadership for the Future. She has served on the City Council since 2010 and is the past president of the Educational Center for Arts and Sciences, as well as the Rhode Island Latino Civic Fund.
Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Marisol Chalas is recognized for her career and legacy in the United States National Guard and for being the first Latina to pilot a Black Hawk combat helicopter. Marisol is a native of Banileja who moved to the city from Massachusetts in 1982. She enlisted in the National Guard during high school and was commissioned as a pilot officer in 2001. She also ranked first in her class at the U.S. Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and earned more than twelve awards, including the “Advanced Aviator Pilot” award.
Chalas graduated with a degree in marine engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Military Academy and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the J. Marck Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.
Jessy Terrero is a prominent music video producer and director, known for his work with the duo Wisin y Yandel, as well as the bachata group Aventura. He has also worked with artists such as Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, 50 Cent, Daddy Yankee, Shakira, Maluma, Bad Bunny, Enrique Iglesias, Farruko, Paulina Rubio, among others.
Terrero is also recognized as the first Dominican to direct a film in Hollywood for the 2004 film "Soul Plane."
Previously, the delegation participating in the 29th edition of Dominican Week in the United States toured Visa's Data and Cybersecurity Center in Virginia, where they learned about the company's progress in preventing, identifying, and responding to potential cyberthreats. During the tour, the delegation witnessed the latest innovations and technologies that guarantee security and protect the digital payment ecosystem.
The 29th edition of Dominican Week is sponsored by Banco Popular, DP World, Visa, Banreservas, Rizek Abogados, Pellerano Nadal, the Punta Cana-Macao Energy Consortium (CEPM), Energas, Grupo Puntacana, Parque Industrial Itabo (PIISA), Banco BHD León, HanesBrands, and the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP). It also has the support of Barceló, Viajes Alkasa, Cortés Hermanos, CavaAlta, and Kah Kow, as well as the companies that make up the AMCHAMDR Elite Circle: AES Dominicana, Barrick Pueblo Viejo, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, Citi, HIT Puerto Río Haina, Humano, Inicia, Martí, Grupo Rica, Grupo SID, and Squire Patton Boggs.
