BHD Recognizes 11 Dominican Women for Their Community Impact

Banco BHD recognized 11 Dominican women on Wednesday during the 2026 edition of the Women Who Change the World Awards, an initiative that highlights contributions to social development and community well-being. Juana Mercedes de Brioso, from Monte Plata, won first place and received a cash prize of RD$1.5 million.

The honorees will also have access to a support program designed to strengthen their skills and community projects. Josefina Navarro said more than 5,000 people have received training through the initiative across its different editions.

Women Recognized for Their Contributions

The other women recognized were Ada Alba Drullard and Jennifer Inmaculada Ramos Concepción, from Santo Domingo; Adela Matos Cuevas de Florián, from Independencia; Antigua Melania Martínez Santos, from Salcedo; Hada Mirelis Ciprián Montero, known as Maleli, from Azua; and María Amelia “Beba” Finke Brugal, from Puerto Plata.

The award’s jury includes Banco BHD President Steven Puig; journalist Huchi Lora; María Amalia León, president of the Eduardo León Jimenes Foundation; Óscar Villanueva, president of the Quiéreme Como Soy Foundation; Father Secilio Espinal, rector of the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM); and philologist and poet Soledad Álvarez.

A Program Established in 2014

Created in 2014, the Women Who Change the World Awards form part of Banco BHD’s social responsibility programs and gender strategy.

According to the bank, the award has received more than 800 nominations over 11 editions and recognized 122 women from communities throughout the Dominican Republic. Their contributions span education, health, inclusion, culture, environmental protection, productive development, social action, and community strengthening.

Television Rebroadcast Scheduled for November 1

The ceremony will be rebroadcast on Color Visión, Channel 9, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 9 p.m.