Vice President Raquel Peña decorated Dominican community leader Augusto Taveras with the 2025 “Oscar de la Renta Emigrant Award.” This is the seventh edition of the prestigious award that is sponsored and organized by the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex).
During the event, Taveras’s remarkable journey since arriving in New York in 1971 was presented to the general public during the awards ceremony held at the National Theater.
Taveras, who founded the Rancheros Unidos Foundation in New York, USA, was recognized for his transformative work in his homeland, the farming community of Los Ranchos de Babosico in Santiago de los Caballeros. The foundation has reportedly changed the lives of hundreds of rural families by donating over 500 fully equipped homes.
Beyond housing, the awardee has been instrumental in supporting the construction of educational, sports, and health centers; granting scholarships to young people; and covering the costs of specialized medical surgeries. His efforts have been in collaboration with several institutions in Santiago, including the Association of Fishermen and Farmers of Sabana Iglesia and the Padre Emiliano Tardif Foundation.
The Oscar de la Renta Dominican Emigrant Award was established by decree in 2017 to recognize the Dominican community abroad for raising the country’s profile globally. It is inspired by the life of the late fashion icon, known for his excellence, capacity to give, and deep social commitment.
Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez used the platform to reinforce the administration’s commitment to the diaspora. He stated that the protection of Dominicans abroad is the first pillar of the country’s foreign policy under President Luis Abinader, and that the award is a testament to the value placed on the community’s contributions.
He highlighted how Dominicans abroad are leaving a profound imprint, valued and respected by host countries that honor the name of the Dominican Republic and solidify confidence in our shared future.
Alongside the coveted award, Taveras received a monetary prize of one million pesos donated by Banreservas.
The 7th edition of the prize also recognized several other outstanding Dominicans for their service across Canada, New York, Miami, Spain, and Scotland. These honorees—Milly Feliz, Alec Subero, Lucy Suazo, Juan Martinez De Los Santos, Rafael Pichardo, Sofia Lachapelle, Juan Antonio Young Carrasco, Mario Garcia, and Maria Consuelo Jimenez Hernandez de Garcia—were celebrated for their work in fields ranging from psychology and medicine to education and community leadership.
The esteemed jury was presided over by Haydee Rainieri and included prominent figures such as Jose Luis “Pepin” Corripio and Mirex Vice Minister Celines Toribio.
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Ministry of Foreign Relations
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13 October 2025