On Thursday, February 8, 2018, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual Dominican Heritage Month celebration at the Grand Slam Banquet Hall on East Tremont Avenue, honoring individuals who have contributed to the growth and promotion of Dominican and Dominican-American community and culture.

“With over 210,000 individuals of Dominican heritage calling The Bronx their home, I am extremely proud to recognize this growing population and shine the light on several individuals who contribute to their community’s continued growth and success on a daily basis,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

This year honorees included Fausto B. Pichardo, Assistant Chief of the Patrol Services Bureau of New York City Police Department; Hon. Carmen De La Rosa, New York State Assembly Woman representing District 72 in Upper Manhattan; Estela Vazquez, Executive Vice President of SEIU 1199 and Rodolfo Fuertes, entrepreneur in the supermarket and real estate industries.