The celebration of fifteen years of an initiative such as Dominican Week in the United States requires an effort to document its importance and its legacy.

The generosity of a group of noted business leaders, academics and professionals in different areas has persisted year after year, organizing a series of important events dedicated to help elevate the image of Dominican identity and strengthening the ties between the most select members of the American and Dominican communities. It is a topic that merits reflection and, more importantly, emulation.

In an environment saturated by claims and counterclaims which, unfortunately contribute to lessening our self-esteem, it is a matter of great hope to see that the Dominican Republic, as a project in history , has been able to constantly generate countless examples of valuable people. These people are examples of our pride, and in their talents lie the basis of a relationship of mutual benefit with the most powerful nation in the world. As a destination for investment and exchange, as well as a wealth of opportunities in the realms of cultural, artistic, diplomatic and political exchange, our country has had and continues to have indisputable attractions that a positive outlook is able to highlight with the purpose of obtaining a new and more intense competitive arena.

These memoires gather the testimony of some of the important personalities who have shared this ennobling vision, and contain images and words that will, much like the evidence that the archaeologist gathers to help him reconstruct the greatness of ancient civilizations, help the reader remember the great moments of the past fifteen years of memorable promotional activity.

The multitude of outstanding people from the political, artistic, business and academic settings who have become involved in the efforts of Dominican Week, is dramatic evidence of its importance. Presidents and Vice-presidents of the Republic, ministers, university rectors, painters, pianists, violinists, teachers, city council members, legislators, reputable economists and lawyers, experts in finance and advertising, and high ranking diplomats are part of the illustrious group of people that grace the pages of Dominican Weeks’s memory album.

The most restrictive political spheres in the United States, as well as the different international organizations which have a presence in the U.S., have opened their doors to discuss their agendas for Dominican affairs. The most prestigious American universities have hosted encounters between Dominican and American academics with the purpose of outlining reciprocal cooperation agreements. The most demanding fine arts venues have shown art exhibitions and presented concerts from Dominican artists. Business perspectives, preferential trade schemes, free trade agreements, have all been envisioned during in-depth conversations and groundbreaking discussions.

The empowerment of the Dominican community in the United States has been fostered by Dominican week by holding events to recognize elected officials, honor teachers and through various opportunities highlight the talent of brilliant intellectuals and professionals in the most divers areas.

If, through these pages, we have managed to present a convincing synthesis of this moving international experience, and if we have transmitted some of the proudly Dominican sentiment that has motivated the successful unfolding of these fifteen years of Dominican Week in the United States, we are convinced we have contributed to the well deserved appraisal of this extraordinary website