Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21st A.D.), in collaboration with the Long Island Dominican Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Dominican Independence Event where he honored local Dominican leaders within the community. Those honored were: Virginia Bravo, Massiel Medina, Stephen Rodriguez, Jocrys Barranco, Lillian Rodriguez, Olivia Rosario, Jose Madera, Julissa Moronta, Rocabel Rodriguez, Lisandro Marine, Rodolfo Ramos, Rosanna Cabrera, Milagros Rodriguez, Melissa Beltre, and Carlos Fonte.

Virginia immigrated to the U.S. over 30 years ago. She has been a financial assistant supervisor at Mount Sinai South Nassau for the past 25 years, where she also serves as a Spanish interpreter. She lives in Baldwin with her daughter and parents.

Massiel is an entrepreneur who is the founder and CEO of ‘Your CFO on the Go’, which empowers supermarket owners with seamless back-of-the-house operations. She also founded the ‘She Wins We Win Society,’ which helps celebrate women's achievements in a supportive environment. In addition, she also owns the restaurant Casita RD.

Stephen is a celebrated chef who through his brand Papi’s Food and Grille NYC shares his culinary journey. He owned the food truck Izkina and is the co-owner of Casita RD.

Jocrys is an accomplished professional and founder of Exodus Financial Services. She is deeply committed to providing financial education to underserved communities and believes wealth creation is within reach for everyone. She also serves as the Treasurer at Real Estate Boss Empire and serves as a Project Manager with the New York Republican Latinos.

Lillian represents Allstate Insurance Company and has licenses in Property and Casualty, Life/Health and Series 6 and 63 for the variable and investment side of the insurance business. She has been recognized for outstanding performance and quota attainment, resulting in an Elite state within Allstate. In her spare time, Lillian volunteers with the American Heart Association, Autism Speaks and the Breast Cancer Foundation.

 Olivia is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law, she started her career as an assistant district attorney and now owns her own law firm, focusing on real estate. She is also the vice president of the Dominican Chamber of Commerce, as well as the secretary-elect of the Peruvian Chamber of Commerce.

Jose has been employed by Mount Sinai South Nassau for over 30 years in the Environmental Services Department and is also the owner of a deli. He resides in Freeport with his wife and children.

Julissa began her career at the Freeport School District before becoming a community affairs coordinator at Millenium Honda, and then served the Town of Hempstead. She is a devoted wife to Ruben Moronta and a mother to Dr. Tiffany Clark and Justin Ramos.

Rocabel is a Dominican-American church leader, businesswoman and educator. She is currently working toward a Master’s Degree in Music and Digital Marketing. She currently holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY College at Old Westbury and an associate’s degree from Nassau Community College.

Lisandro first began working in the landscaping business before starting his own business, JM Lawn Service. He is an active member of the community, volunteering for Latino Republicans to help transport people to the polls.

Rodolfo became a U.S. citizen in 2005 and has been active in politics ever since, he volunteers on local campaigns and for causes he believes in. He is married to Odalis and has two remarkable children.

Rossana immigrated to the U.S. in 1983, has lived in Rockville Centre for over 40 years, and graduated from Old Westbury College. She always works to help the Latino community in any way she can. She is currently an assistant manager at Fast Quotes Insurance.

Milagros immigrated to the U.S. in 1978 and is married to Nicolas and has three children. She worked at the Hispanic Counseling Center for 11 years, advocating for families and children with special needs. She also has worked as a counselor at the Famil’s Wellness Center.

Melissa immigrated to the U.S. in 1998. She began working in the auto industry shortly after. In 2004 she began working as a clerk for the Baron Auto Group and is currently the comptroller for two used car stores. Melissa lives in Rockville Centre and has three children and is a leader in her church.

Carlos immigrated to the U.S. in 1972 at age 9. From a young age, he was taught a strong work ethic that helped him achieve the American dream. At age 18 he began working for the Town of Hempstead in the traffic control division, he is now a well-respected traffic control crew chief. Carlos is also active in the community.

“I was so proud to honor these amazing individuals and the Dominican community as a whole throughout the 21^st Assembly District, they truly do make this the best community in the state. I want to thank the Long Island Dominican Chamber of Commerce, which as always was an amazing partner and does a tremendous job throughout Long Island. I look forward to hosting this event again next year,” said Curran.