A Night That Connected Cultures, Industries, and Purpose
The Dominican community continues to establish itself as a force that transcends borders. Through connections linking the diaspora with institutions, companies, and strategic sectors, Dominicans have woven a collaborative network that brings together everything from airlines to baseball teams. This dynamic was evident during the 2025 edition of the Dominicanísimo Awards, held under the theme “Resilience and Unity,” where remarkable achievements, alliances, and commitments were highlighted.
At a gala held on August 28 at the luxurious Omni Seaport Boston Hotel, the Dominican community not only celebrated its accomplishments but also strengthened transformative collaborations.
The 2025 edition became the setting where JetBlue, the airline with the strongest presence in the Dominican Republic, and the Boston Red Sox, one of the most influential teams in Major League Baseball, joined forces to honor their shared commitment to the Dominican diaspora.
The evening included a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the recent JetSet tragedy, reinforcing the spirit of unity that defined the event. Among the attendees were notable figures such as media personality Marianne Cruz and Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO of Arajet.
JetBlue: An Air Bridge With a Social Purpose
For the Dominican community, JetBlue represents more than an airline—it is a vital link that keeps families, businesses, and cultures connected.
In the first six months of 2025 alone, the company transported more than 1.7 million passengers between the Dominican Republic and the United States, solidifying its position as the country’s leading airline.
By the end of the year, JetBlue projects:
- More than 26,000 flights operated
- A 3.5% increase in annual capacity
Under the leadership of Marty St. George—an executive with experience at LATAM Airlines and 13 prior years at JetBlue—the airline has strengthened its social mission, recognizing that its role extends far beyond transportation: it is about driving community development.
Sam Kennedy Receives the “Friends Who Change Lives” Award
During the ceremony, Marty St. George presented the “Friends Who Change Lives” award to Sam Kennedy, President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox.
This recognition symbolizes the close relationship between the Red Sox and the Dominican community—a connection built on talent, athletic impact, and social commitment. Under Kennedy’s leadership, the team has developed initiatives that benefit Dominican youth and families both in the United States and abroad.
Commitments That Deliver Real Impact
The community work of JetBlue and the Boston Red Sox materializes through programs, alliances, and donations that generate meaningful change:
1. “Lindos Sueños” With the Red Sox
As the official airline of the Red Sox, JetBlue sponsored round-trip flights for young baseball players from New England who traveled to the Dominican Republic as part of a cultural and athletic exchange.
2. Educational Support Through the JetBlue Foundation
- The Mariposa DR Foundation received $25,000 to strengthen its STEM and Citizen Scientist programs.
- Between 2023 and 2024, the organization received a total of $70,000 in support from the Foundation.
3. Long-Term Educational Alliances
For 17 years, JetBlue has maintained a partnership with The DREAM Project, contributing to school infrastructure repairs, book donations, computer equipment, and educational resources.
The Dominican Diaspora: A Growing Engine of Development
The impact of the Dominican community in the United States is becoming increasingly significant:
- New York is home to 935,759 Dominicans
- Across the U.S., more than 2.3 million Dominicans reside
Their influence is felt in the economy, politics, sports, and entrepreneurship. Notable examples include:
- Héctor Piña, entrepreneur and community leader with three successful restaurants in Boston
- David Ortiz, whose foundation has funded life-saving heart surgeries for children in both the Dominican Republic and New England
These cases demonstrate how Dominicans abroad are building tangible bridges between both nations.
Weaving the Future: Alliances That Cross Borders
The award presented to Sam Kennedy symbolizes a powerful model of collaboration between major U.S. institutions and the Dominican community.
As JetBlue continues expanding its connectivity—despite challenges in its European growth—its commitment to the Dominican Republic remains strong. The airline not only transports passengers: it invests in human capital, education, and long-term development opportunities.
The Dominicanísimo Awards 2025 make it clear that the Dominican community possesses a remarkable ability to connect cultures and drive initiatives that uplift both nations. By recognizing and supporting that spirit, JetBlue and the Boston Red Sox reaffirm that social and cultural investment is a powerful step toward a more connected and prosperous future for all.
