Confirmed Attendees

Dr. Leonel Fernández

Former President of the Dominican Republic | President, GFDD

Dr. Leonel Fernández served three terms as President of the Dominican Republic (1996–2000, 2004–2012), leading the country through a period of sustained economic growth, major infrastructure expansion, and constitutional reform. A lawyer, professor, and author by training, he holds a Juris Doctor (Magna Cum Laude) from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) and has received honorary doctorates from institutions including Harvard University and the Sorbonne.

Since 2000, Dr. Fernández has served as President of the Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE), a nonprofit dedicated to public policy research and strategic development initiatives. He has also held leadership roles with the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) and the EU-LAC Foundation, and remains an active voice in regional and international affairs.

Juan Marichal

Baseball Hall of Famer and Dominican Baseball Legend

Juan Marichal is one of the greatest legends of Dominican baseball and the first player from the Dominican Republic to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Born in Laguna Verde, Montecristi, he enjoyed an outstanding 16-season career in Major League Baseball, primarily with the San Francisco Giants, where he established himself as one of the finest pitchers of his generation.

During his MLB career, Marichal was selected to 10 All-Star Games, won more than 240 games, and recorded 2,303 strikeouts. In 1963, he enjoyed one of the most memorable seasons of his career, winning 25 games and establishing himself as one of the National League's dominant pitchers.

His legacy extends far beyond his statistics. Juan Marichal became a symbol of Dominican talent in international baseball and an inspiration to generations of young athletes. In 1983, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the greatest figures in the history of the sport.

Albert Pujols

Major League Baseball Legend and Founder of the Pujols Family Foundation

Albert Pujols, born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is one of the most accomplished figures in the history of baseball. During his 22 seasons in Major League Baseball, he was a three-time National League MVP, an 11-time All-Star, and a two-time World Series champion. He finished his career with 703 home runs, 3,384 hits, and 2,218 RBIs, placing him among the greatest hitters of all time.

Beyond the baseball field, Pujols has dedicated much of his life to serving others. Through the Pujols Family Foundation, founded in 2005 with his wife, Deidre, he supports people with Down syndrome and families facing hardship, with a particular focus on communities in the Dominican Republic. In 2008, he received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in recognition of his excellence on the field and his commitment to community service.

Hony Estrella

Dominican Media Personality, Actress, and Television Host

Hony Estrella is a renowned Dominican media personality, actress, radio host, and television presenter with more than 25 years of experience in radio, television, film, and theater. She began her career in radio as a teenager and later established herself in Dominican television, standing out for her versatility, charisma, and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Throughout her career, she has participated in major radio and television programs, including El Mismo Golpe con Jochy, Divertido con Jochy, ¿Quién Baila Mejor?, Más Roberto, Vale por Tr3s, and Esto No Es Radio Show. She has also built a successful acting career in film and theater, participating in numerous national and international productions.

In 2024, she was one of the official hosts of the Premios Soberano, further establishing her position as one of the most versatile and recognized figures in Dominican entertainment. She continues to develop projects in radio, television, film, theater, and content production, reaffirming her commitment to the arts and communications.

Celinee Santos

Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2024 and Social Advocate

Celinee Santos Frías is a Dominican model, law student, and prominent figure in the Dominican Republic’s pageant industry. Born in Los Alcarrizos and raised in San Francisco de Macorís, she began her modeling journey at an early age and has built a career defined by discipline and perseverance. In 2024, she was crowned Miss Dominican Republic Universe, representing the country at Miss Universe 2024, where she placed in the Top 30.

Beyond modeling, Celinee has demonstrated a strong commitment to social causes, particularly those affecting girls and adolescents in vulnerable situations. Her advocacy focuses on promoting education and preventing early unions and teenage pregnancy, using her platform to inspire young people to overcome their circumstances and pursue their dreams.

Brea Frank

Dominican Media Personality, Radio Host, and Producer

Brea Frank, whose full name is Francis Alexander Brea, is a renowned Dominican communicator, radio host, producer, and media personality. Originally from San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, he began his radio career in the mid-2000s and gained widespread recognition in Dominican urban radio, standing out for his charisma, innovative style, and strong connection with younger audiences.

His career has taken him from Dominican radio to major international platforms. He was a talent at Univision Radio in New York, where he co-hosted with Francisca Lachapel, and later developed his own projects, including La Universidad de la Calle (UCA). He has also ventured into television and entertainment, establishing himself as one of the Dominican voices with a strong presence in media serving the Latino community.

Throughout his career, he has received important recognitions, including the Micrófono de Oro and the distinction of Outstanding Communicator Abroad at the Premios Soberano. In 2025, he returned to Dominican television as the main host of Más Roberto, reaffirming his continued relevance and longstanding career in communications and entertainment.
Beyond modeling, Celinee has demonstrated a strong commitment to social causes, particularly those affecting girls and adolescents in vulnerable situations. Her advocacy focuses on promoting education and preventing early unions and teenage pregnancy, using her platform to inspire young people to overcome their circumstances and pursue their dreams.

Alejandro De Aza

Former MLB Player and 2013 World Baseball Classic Champion

Alejandro De Aza is a former Dominican professional baseball player, born in Guaymate, La Romana. Primarily an outfielder, he enjoyed a 10-season career in Major League Baseball, playing for teams including the Florida Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Washington Nationals.

During his MLB career, De Aza appeared in 838 games, recording 669 hits, 131 doubles, 33 triples, 51 home runs, 258 RBIs, and 91 stolen bases, finishing his career with a .260 batting average.

One of the most significant achievements of his international career came in 2013, when he was part of the Dominican Republic national team that won the World Baseball Classic undefeated, becoming a World Baseball Classic champion alongside a historic generation of Dominican players. He also had a notable career in the Dominican Professional Baseball League with the Toros del Este.

Emilio Estefan

Grammy-Winning Producer, Entrepreneur, and Latin Music Pioneer

Emilio Estefan is a renowned Cuban-American music producer, entrepreneur, musician, and visionary, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the global expansion of Latin music. Co-founder of Miami Sound Machine alongside his wife, Gloria Estefan, he has played a pivotal role in the careers of artists such as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, and Carlos Vives, among many others.

Throughout his decades-long career, Estefan has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. His work has also expanded into film, television, business, and the production of major international events, including productions for the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, and numerous events at the White House.

Beyond his professional achievements, Emilio Estefan is recognized for promoting Latin culture and talent around the world. His journey—from leaving Cuba as a teenager to becoming one of the most influential producers in the entertainment industry—is a powerful example of resilience, vision, and a commitment to empowering future generations.

Gary Nader

International Art Collector, Gallery Owner, and Cultural Ambassador

Gary Nader is a renowned collector, gallery owner, and entrepreneur of Lebanese origin who was raised in the Dominican Republic. He is one of the most influential figures in the promotion of Latin American art internationally. His connection to the art world began during his childhood in Santo Domingo, at his family’s gallery, and at the age of 19, he opened his first gallery. He later established the Gary Nader Art Centre in Miami, becoming an international reference in Latin American art.

Nader is recognized for assembling one of the world’s most important collections of Latin American art, including an extraordinary collection of works by Fernando Botero, as well as pieces by masters such as Diego Rivera, Wifredo Lam, and Amelia Peláez. Through exhibitions, publications, art fairs, and cultural projects, he has made a significant contribution to bringing Latin American art to new international audiences.

His commitment to culture is also reflected in projects designed to make art more accessible to society and support charitable initiatives. In the Dominican Republic, he has promoted cultural projects such as the Sculpture Park in Miches, reaffirming his vision of using art as a tool to create a lasting legacy, connect communities, and promote Latin American culture around the world.

Giannina Azar

Renowned Dominican Fashion Designer and International Style Icon

Giannina Azar is a renowned Dominican fashion designer and one of the most prominent figures in Latin American fashion. With a career spanning several decades, she has developed a distinctive style characterized by glamour, sophistication, and the use of intricate embellishments, crystals, and handcrafted elements, bringing Dominican talent to major international stages.

Her work has been worn by prominent celebrities and entertainment figures, including Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Cardi B, and Thalía, among others. Her designs have been showcased at major international fashion shows and events, establishing her presence in the global fashion industry.

Beyond her career as a designer, Azar has become an ambassador for Dominican creativity and talent. Her journey represents a story of innovation, perseverance, and international recognition, helping position Dominican fashion as a significant expression within the Latin American and global fashion industries.

Isabel Reynoso

Dominican Fashion Designer and President of INMODA RD

Isabel Reynoso is a distinguished Dominican fashion designer and entrepreneur from Nagua, with more than four decades of experience in the fashion industry. From a young age, she developed a deep passion for design and sewing, which led her to establish her own workshop and eventually become one of the leading figures in Dominican fashion.

Throughout her career, her designs have been worn by prominent figures from the business, political, and social spheres, while her creations have been showcased on national and international runways. She has also developed projects such as Bufandas Dominicanas and Encinta, a fashion line specializing in clothing for pregnant women.

Her commitment extends beyond design. As President of the Dominican Republic Fashion Institute (INMODA RD), she works to strengthen the fashion industry, develop emerging talent, and support entrepreneurship within the sector. Her career and leadership have contributed to the professionalization and international recognition of Dominican fashion.

Carmen Muñoz

Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2017, Attorney, and Social Advocate

Carmen Isabel Muñoz Guzmán is a Dominican attorney, professional model, and prominent beauty pageant figure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Law from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), combining her academic background with a successful career in modeling and beauty pageants.

In 2017, she was crowned Miss Dominican Republic Universe, representing Duarte Province, and subsequently represented the country at the Miss Universe pageant. Her international pageant career also includes the titles of Miss Dominican Republic International 2013 and Miss Teen Model International 2009.

Beyond her professional career, Carmen has maintained a strong commitment to social causes. She served as vice president of the Making Big Smiles Foundation and has collaborated with various nonprofit organizations, using her platform to promote community well-being and development.