In D.C., a new space to bring together professionals of Dominican heritage
By hola | Published | No Comments
The Dominican community, one of the first Latin American diasporas to settle in Washington, D.C., maintains a visible and enduring presence in the city’s diverse cultural landscape. Following this tradition, the Dominican Professional Association (DPA) was born in 2021.
Emerging during the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when social networks became a fundamental means of human connection, the DPA drew inspiration from the online communication medium with the goal of developing a new community supporting small organizations, businesses and young intellectuals in the D.C. area.
The DPA focuses on strengthening the bonds that unite Latino communities beyond Dominican culture and celebrating Afro Latino culture through professional growth, as well. Besides creating networking opportunities, members say the group would like to serve aspiring professionals in Virginia, Maryland and the District.
In an interview with Hola Cultura, Hendres Kelly, the DPA’s president, and event coordinator Kayla Thomas discuss the organization’s achievements, the challenges they overcame to establish the organization and the importance of collaboration to their success. The interview sheds light on the significance of representation, cultural celebration and the responsibility of educating others about Afro Latino culture.
What does it mean to you to speak for the Afro Latino community?
Kelly: Knowing that there’s a lack of Afro Latino awareness of leadership in Washington, D.C., I’m proud to identify myself as a D.C. resident and an Afro Latino, while also being part of an association, like the DPA, where I can represent my culture. You have to be able to identify yourself, not only to the people that you’re representing, but also on a broader societal level. You are able to educate those who are unfamiliar with Afro Latino culture, on what it means to be Afro Latino, and the beauty that comes with that – and the responsibility that comes with that in this country in particular.
Are there any accomplishments you may have thought were impossible when you first started the organization?
Thomas: We are making strides. Thank God we have really come together as a team to make sure that we have that commitment to each other. I think we really stepped up to the plate as an association. Trusting each other was one of the biggest parts of that. So now we have established that relationship and are ready to look on to the future.
at EagleBank Arena on July 23, 2022 (photo courtesy of the DPA)
What would you say is the best part of supporting small businesses or young intellectuals? Is there one particular experience that made you realize that this is what you really wanted to do?
Kelly: Network, network, network – creating spaces for not only businesses, but young people to be able to connect [and be] present with each other. As you know, during the pandemic, a lot of things went virtual and that essence of being with people was really missing. How could you get a job if I cannot see you? If I cannot get a sense of who you are, not only as a person, but as a professional?
What made me realize that this work was important, is some of the events that we have done in the past where we see the fruits of what comes after every network event; being able to create network opportunities. But then personally, I know Kayla and myself have met people that we would have never met in these spaces. It has been one of the perks of creating networking opportunities for businesses and young individuals.
The organization was founded in 2021. What are some things that you have learned?
Kelly: A lot of patience. I think for all of us, we can agree, we’ve learned the true meaning of community and collaboration. These two concepts, when combined, create a relationship that is very meaningful and impactful. We have been able to experience our community in a different light by supporting them, whether it’s a business, whether it’s local government, a professional alliance or a small business. We’ve been able to taste really good food. Buy a lot from small businesses – Dominican, family driven businesses.
We’ve also been able to experience what the structures of local governments are, whether it’s the law office, whether it’s the Dominican embassy. We have come together, analyzing how they contribute to our local community [and] how they structure their collaborations. We have taken a lot of things from each aspect and experience, and brought it together within DPA. Coming together with these different perspectives really drives us. We never anticipated creating such a diverse space of Latinos from all over the world, whether they’re younger and older. It’s been wonderful to watch it all come to fruition. We’ve learned a lot.
What has been the group’s favorite event – one that stands out above the rest?
Thomas: Kelly may have a different opinion, but I believe collectively we have discussed that our favorite event would be our very first. It was unexpected; our turnout was huge. We had no idea how people would receive us. We were very nervous about curating the right energy in the room and getting everyone to talk to each other. We panicked because it was raining that day. I think it was a Thursday. We were like: “Well, are people going to find parking? Are people just gonna want to leave because certain technicalities weren’t in order.” But the next minute, the room is filled with people laughing, dancing, mingling and networking. We executed our Dominican Independence Day Happy Hour just wonderfully.
For that to be our first event, it was so shocking to us how we were able to make it happen and bring together people we didn’t know, having pulled our resources kind of at the last minute too. As our first event, we were just so happy that it turned out like that. Although the event wasn’t perfect, it was special and you could feel it in the room at that time.
The Afro Latino Institute awarded one of your founding board members, Johanna Figueroa, the 2023 Leadership Achievement Award. How does it feel for her to be highlighted this way?
Thomas: I think Johanna knows every single one of us through a personal relationship. So that should tell you her networking skills – the ability she has right there. I have known Johanna since I was a kid. As someone who has known her for such a long time, I have to say Johanna has always been a leader. We are truly fortunate to have her as a leader of our own team, as well. She has made significant strides throughout her journey in education, community involvement, philanthropy, and youth development. She always pours from her heart and shows her commitment through action. She is well received everywhere she goes, by her ability to connect with others. Her Leadership Achievement Award was extremely well deserved. We honor her by trusting her contributions and supporting her in every way we can. So, shout out to JoJo because she really deserved that award! She serves in every way possible. She’s still very young, I can’t imagine what she’s set on to do in the future. It means so much to us.
Wow, that’s so beautiful. What plans do you have for the future based on achievements you guys already have?
Thomas: Our goal is to reach a capacity where we really feel [the success of] our contribution to the youth and can see it to fruition. To be true leaders and true examples of what it is to contribute to your community, we want to help the next generation – whether they are in college, high school, middle school – as young as we can. We want to contribute in a way that really establishes our relationship and connection to our people.
The Dominican Professional Association founding members are Hendres Kelly (President), Oliany Mendez (Co-outreach Director), Camille Sanchez (Vice-President), Robinson Mateo (Social Media Director), Kayla Thomas (Event Coordinator), Cynthia Ramirez (Executive Assistant), Devin Rivera Ozuna (Spokesperson), Johanna Figueroa (Co-outreach Director), and Oliany Mendez (Co-outreach Director).
The organization will hold its next event Bailamos: A Bachata Social, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 28 at Twelve After Twelve near Dupont Circle from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For more details, connect with the DPA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.
– Story by Talía Alemán
– Interview by Evelyn Margarito-Casas, Kailah Floyd,
Joycelin Salmeron and Ramona Santana
– Edited by Yaretzi Chavez
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