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Conexión LiLeón, a New Stage

A Renewal for Creativity and Community

Distrito Nacional, July 30, 2025. Conexión LiLeón begins a new stage filled with enthusiasm and renewed aspirations. After six years operating as Fundación LiLeón, the Foundation officially presented its new name and vision in an emotional event that brought together collaborators, authorities, and friends.

Father José Hernando, Father Javier Vidal and Father Víctor Tavarez at the Conexión LiLeón thanksgiving mass in the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Father José Hernando (Pepe), Father Javier Vidal and Father Víctor Tavarez during the thanksgiving mass held at the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia, as part of the launch of the new stage of Conexión LiLeón.

The launch took place with a Mass of thanksgiving celebrated at the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia. The Eucharist was presided over by Father José Hernando (Pepe), together with Father Javier Vidal and Father Víctor Tavarez. The event featured a special performance by the Koribe choir directed by Nadia Nicola, and was enriched by the musical interpretations of clarinetist Melina Matos —a Foundation scholarship recipient— and oboist George Mateo.

After the religious ceremony, attendees moved to the historic Ruins of the San Nicolás de Bari Hospital to witness the Foundation’s renewed image. Lidia León, president and founding member, delivered the keynote remarks, stating:

“We are beginning a transformation that honors the past and projects it into the future, turning these stones and our experiences into foundations for new cultural, educational, and artistic expressions.”

The Conexión LiLeón Foundation reaffirms its commitment to the community’s social, cultural, and educational development. Among its upcoming projects, the opening of “Dos Calles, Creative Space”, located at Hostos Street No. 256, stands out. This new venue —with the support of the architecture firm ArchLab, Grupo Aybar, and other collaborators— will open its doors in October 2025 and will feature an exhibition of previously unseen works by established artists and students, all inspired by Salomé Ureña and in tribute to the beginning of the commemoration of the 175th anniversary of her birth.

During her address, Lidia León emphasized the importance of rescuing and honoring the memory of Salomé Ureña, highlighting a phrase by this distinguished Dominican woman:

“Culture is not a luxury; it is the root and strength of a people.”

The event was attended by Foundation members such as Lourdes Saleme (founding member); María Amalia León, Lil Esteva, Ylonka Nacidit-Perdomo, and Iván Mejía (members of the Advisory Council); as well as Isabel Morillo, Mario García, and Rosanna Pons (members of the Advisory Committee).

Among the government authorities present were the Vice Minister of Culture Gamal Michelén; the Director of the Historic Center and Cultural Heritage of the City Council of the Distrito Nacional, Architect Diana Martínez; and the Deputy Director of the National Directorate of Monumental Heritage, Architect Mauricia Domínguez, among others.

Also in attendance were María Amalia León, president of the Eduardo León Jimenes Foundation, and its executive director María Elena Aguayo, representing the León family.

Father José Hernando, Father Javier Vidal and Father Víctor Tavarez at the Conexión LiLeón thanksgiving mass in the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Father José Hernando (Pepe), Father Javier Vidal and Father Víctor Tavarez during the thanksgiving mass held at the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia, as part of the launch of the new stage of Conexión LiLeón.
León Cabral family members at the Conexión LiLeón launch event in the Ruins of the San Nicolás de Bari Hospital.
Members of the León Cabral family during the presentation of the new stage of Conexión LiLeón, held at the Ruins of the San Nicolás de Bari Hospital.
Haydée Kuret de Rainieri, Gamal Michelén and Lidia León at the Conexión LiLeón launch event in the Ruins of the San Nicolás de Bari Hospital.
Haydée Kuret de Rainieri, Vice Minister of Culture Gamal Michelén, and Lidia León during the presentation of the new stage of Conexión LiLeón, held at the Ruins of the San Nicolás de Bari Hospital.
Iris de Mondesert, Lidia León, Inés Tolentino, Rosanna Pons, Iris Pérez and Yamile Eusebio at the Conexión LiLeón launch event in the Ruins of the San Nicolás de Bari Hospital.
Iris de Mondesert, Lidia León, Inés Tolentino, Rosanna Pons, Iris Pérez and Yamile Eusebio during the presentation of the new stage of Conexión LiLeón, held at the Ruins of the San Nicolás de Bari Hospital.
Lidia León delivering her speech at the Conexión LiLeón launch event.
Lidia León, president and founding member of Conexión LiLeón, delivering her speech during the presentation of the Foundation’s new stage, held at the Ruins of the San Nicolás de Bari Hospital.
Offerings presented at the Conexión LiLeón thanksgiving mass in the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Detail of the offerings presented during the thanksgiving mass held at the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia, as part of the launch of the new stage of Conexión LiLeón.
Audience attending the Conexión LiLeón thanksgiving mass at the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Authorities, collaborators, and friends of the Foundation during the thanksgiving mass held at the Archdiocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of Altagracia, as part of the launch of the new stage of Conexión LiLeón.

The day concluded in a relaxed, history-filled atmosphere, where attendees shared ideas and experiences, strengthening the bonds that have made Conexión LiLeón a true engine of creativity and transformation.

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