The Ministry of Foreign Relations is looking for the fourth winner of the Oscar de la Renta Dominican Emigrant Award. The award recognizes outstanding Dominican expats who have contributed to their country and the communities abroad where they live.
Maria Alejandro Castillo, director of Specialized Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Relations is coordinating the award. The award was named the Oscar de la Renta Award because it embodies the essence of the distinction. The fashion designer reached the pinnacle of fashion design abroad but kept very close ties to his country of birth, its culture and customs.
Dominican emigrants and their first and second-generation descendants living in different parts of the world can participate. Castillo explained that the call for candidates is open from 24 March to 30 August 2022 and that doctors, athletes, artists or professionals of any field can participate. Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by friends or relatives.
President Luis Abinader will deliver the award to the winner in a ceremony scheduled for 15 December 2022. The winner receives RD$1 million in cash prize.
At the end of the period for receiving nominations, the jury begins the arduous process of choosing the ten finalists. The jury is chaired by businessman José Luis (Pepín) Corripio, who with his family emigrated from Spain to the Dominican Republic and whose story of success and improvement serves as an example for many emigrants.
Also on the jury, in addition to Castillo, are Haydée Rainieri, of the Puntacana Group; the deputy minister for Dominican Communities Abroad, Carlos de la Mota; a representative of the family of Oscar de la Renta, among others.
Past winners
Casilda Luna for her community work with Dominicans and the entire Latino community in the United States.
Carlos Dante Heredia for his work as a prominent Dominican physician recognized for his scientific contributions and altruistic work.
Rafael Antonio Lantigua for his work as a doctor concerned with social causes.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Listin Diario
7 April 2022