Massachusetts is home to more than 170,000 residents of Dominican origin, and the Premios Dominicanísimo gala beautifully honors the heritage, resilience, and contributions of this vibrant community. The event celebrates Dominican leaders in culture, business, education, sports, and media whose impact extends far beyond the island.

In partnership with the International Innovation Hub of Boston (IIHOB), the fifth annual Premios Dominicanísimo was hosted on August 28. Dominican pride filled the evening through music, dance, and stories of perseverance.

Several honorees came from Lawrence, where the majority of the population is of Dominican descent. With our strong presence in Lawrence, Vitra Health is proud to support Dominican families and all those in the communities we serve. It is inspiring to witness the strength, growth, and unity of the people there.

Among the award recipients were leaders such as Mayor of Lawrence Brian De Peña, Councilor Gregory Del Rosario, Producer Francis Concepcion, author Junot Díaz, and baseball player Nelson Cruz, along with many more who have made lasting contributions.

One especially meaningful moment was when Vitra’s CEO, Lorena Silva, received the “Amigos por Siempre” (Friends Forever) recognition. This acknowledgment celebrates individuals who have shown ongoing support, collaboration, and impact within the Dominican community and beyond. During her speech, Lorena shared her gratitude for the embrace she has felt from the Dominican community. Originally from Brazil, she noted the importance of finding a welcoming community when far from home. The Vitra Health team was proud to be there alongside Lorena to share in this special celebration.

To close the night, David Ortiz was presented with the Gran Dominicanísimo award for his continued representation of Dominicans worldwide and his impactful work through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund.

At Vitra Health, our mission is to ensure that families have access to the care they need through programs like Adult Foster Care, which keep loved ones together in the comfort of their homes. Supporting events like Premios Dominicanísimo allows us to celebrate cultural pride, resilience, and the positive contributions that strengthen our communities.