Hostos Community College’s Dean Ana García Reyes Honored at NYC Dominican Flag Raising Ceremony

   
The Dominican flag waved proudly over Bowling Green on Monday, August 11, as Ana García Reyes, Hostos Community College’s Dean of Community Relations, was honored during the City of New York’s Fourth Annual Dominican Flag Raising Ceremony in Lower Manhattan. Held just after the National Dominican Day Parade on Sunday, this event celebrated the far-reaching contributions and heritage of Dominican New Yorkers and communities nationwide.
 
Speaking to the pride and lasting impact of the Dominican community in NYC, Mayor Eric Adams reflected on the meaning of the ceremony: “With the symbolism of raising your flag, we send a signal across the city and the entire country: you matter. Nine hundred thousand strong, you are the cornerstone of what makes our city great.”

A tireless advocate for the College, the Bronx, and beyond, García Reyes has dedicated her career to building bridges between Hostos and the community, forging partnerships that uplift students, empower families, and strengthen cultural pride. Her recognition at this citywide celebration not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores Hostos’ commitment to leadership, heritage, and public service.
 
The vibrant celebration, led by Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives and Hostos alumna Ana J. Almánzar, the first Dominican to serve in that role, brought together top city officials, community leaders, and cultural trailblazers to honor the nearly one million Dominicans who call New York City home.
   
Reflecting on the honor, which was presented by CUNY Trustee Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, García Reyes shared: “I felt privileged to have joined a list of distinguished Deputy Mayors and Commissioners who paid respect and celebrated the Dominican flag, the honorees, and the good values of community, service, and pride that represent us in the city.”
   
Besides Dean García Reyes, three other Dominican trailblazers received recognition for their community impact: Rosita Romero, Executive Director and co-founder of the Dominican Women’s Development Center, a driving force for women’s empowerment and advocacy in Upper Manhattan; Manuel Lebrón, founder of the Dominican American Chamber of Commerce, whose work has opened doors for countless Dominican entrepreneurs and business leaders; and Dr. Ana Ofelia Rodríguez, who currently serves as Executive Director of Alianza Dominican Cultural Center.
 
Among the distinguished attendees were Deputy Mayor Tiffany Raspberry; Commissioners Aissata Camara (Mayor's Office of International Affairs), Manuel Castro (Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs), Ydanis Rodríguez (Department of Transportation), and Lorriane Cortez-Vazquez (NYC Department of Aging); Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael J. Garner (Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises); Assistant Commissioner Eric Salgado, and Deputy Commissioner Famod Konneh; Jeffrey Garcia, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Nightlife; Dennis Felipe-Adams, Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Executive Director of Innovation and Emerging Markets; and Marcia Martinez, Director of Events, Operations, and Community Relations at the Mayor's Office for International Affairs. Also in attendance was Deputy Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Miosotis Muñoz, who nominated Dean García Reyes to receive the honor.
 
Watch the full ceremony here.