By: Gloria Smith, Associate Editor for World Liberty TV
This Year’s Gala theme , “Healthcare is a Human Right,” was selected at a time in our nation when healthcare costs are skyrocketing and major changes to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and Universal Medicare are being considered .
These Changes can have a tremendous adverse impact on our communities, particularly the undocumented families with whom we work –who already have very limited access to health services.
The high- quality medical care is a basic human right that should be available to all has been a theme of the Dominican Women’s Development Center from the beginning .It is a theme that is more urgent now than ever.
True to our mission ,this year our Health Promotion Program opened a new site that focuses on prevention of HIV, asthma, and diabetes ,as well as provides services for healthy sexuality and health insurance enrollment .And, last month el Centro opened the first LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth Drop in Center in Washington Heights/Inwood.
Tonight ,we congratulate the remarkable men, women, corporations, and healthcare providers who we honor for their contributions to our communities and our organization .
As Always ,we are grateful to our Board of Directors, staff and volunteers for their tireless support ,time, commitment, and efforts .El Centro would not be possible without our people .
We also want to express our deepest gratitude to our gala sponsors and the members of our benefit committee, who helped to make this evening possible.
Close to 250 people were in attendance, 6pm-7pm was networking reception and silent Auction , 7-15pm Program/Dinner and Award Presentations ,The Following were honored: Leadership in Government Award, State Senator Marisol Alcantara, Corporate Leadership Award winners; ADP, Affinity and United Healthcare/Oxford.
Healthcare Leadership Award Winners: Dr. Julie Ramos-NYP Hospital , Dr .Ramon Tallaj –Corinthian ,IPA. Dr.Yomaris Pena –Modern Medicine Clinic and Janette Maloy R.Ph-Cibano Pharmacy .
Media and Marketing award winners: Jose Luis Lopez- Lopez Marketing Group, Jorge Plasencia-Republica ,LLC and Raphael Miranda of NBC Universal .
Live entertainment was by Los Clarinetes Magicos and mistress of ceremonies was Cristina Navarrete, Telemundo Journalist.
About ;Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC) The Mission of DWDC is to empower all women and communities to advance gender equality and social justice.
Value Statements
We believe in treating all people with Dignity and Respect.
We believe that promoting Gender Equality is fundamental to social justice
We believe that all people have the right to opportunities and resources that support them in reaching their full potential .
We believe in practicing Holistic , culturally sensitive , inclusive and innovate community engagement .
We are committed to serving all communities regardless of background gender , race, ethnicity, economic status, age, religion , culture, sexual orientation or other identities.
We believe in the power of advocacy for ourselves and our communities.
See more about Dominican Women’s Development Center 29th Anniversary Gala-2017,in our World Liberty TV Latino Channel by clicking here.