May 5, 2015

Dominicanos USA
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Frederich Gabriel Arias

Dominicanos USA, RI

Originally from the Cristo Rey section of Santo Domingo, Freddy first immigrated to the United
States when he was 12 years old. He traveled with his parents and younger brother to Nashua,
New Hampshire. His parents were looking to provide their children with better life opportunities
that they may not have afforded in the Dominican Republic. Freddy recalls the feeling of the cold
snow when he first arrived and how it was such an extreme difference from the warm tropical
climate he was accustomed to in his home country. He found the schools to be very different as
well given that he did not speak English, but he quickly adjusted and successfully graduated high
school.
Since his childhood, Freddy has always had a strong love for all kinds of animals. This love
translated to Freddy aspiring to become a veterinarian so he could help sick animals and bring
them back to health. His dream is what led him to Rhode Island as he attended the New England
Technical Institute in pursuit of his veterinarian license.
Freddy first joined Dominicanos USA in February of 2014 as a quiet young man who was
looking to do what he could to help people within the Dominican-American community. His
commitment to educating and motivating others quickly qualified him as a leader, becoming the
first captain of the Rhode Island office. Today, Freddy continues to work hard and achieve the
goals of Dominicanos USA, never losing hope that he will one day be a veterinarian in his very
own animal hospital.

May 5, 2015
Dominicanos USA
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ELIZABETH BATISTA
Canvasser
Dominicanos USA, NY
Elizabeth Batista is a Dominican mother of three who has dedicated most of her life
to serving the community. She has lived in Washington Heights, New York for almost
25 years and earned her Bachelors degree in business administration from Mercy
College. As a community activist, Elizabeth has volunteered for organizations like
the Hermanas Maribal movement that fight for tenet protections and rights. She
served as the president of the Parents Association of IS 218 Salome Urena, previous
ice president of the Ps 48 Parents Association in 1992, and vice president of the IS
143 Parents Association.
We need leaders because our community is growing, but they have to be true
leaders working for the communitys interest and necessities, said Elizabeth when
asked about Dominican Leadership in the U.S. She believes in the power of
motivating and supporting those who want to make a positive impact in the
community. We have to adapt to the system, but we cannot forget our origin, she
added.
Elizabeth believes that voting empowers others and provides many with immense
and unimaginable opportunities. If more people vote, positive change in their
communities would inevitably follow because they would be electing candidates
who mindfully represent them and advocate for their interests. Elizabeth thinks that
the most pressing issues among community members are accessible housing,
education regarding the path to citizenship, and motivating our communitys youth.

May 5, 2015
Dominicanos USA
Web Our Stories Posts
Elizabeth said she is pro-young people and believes in the value of education and
the importance of mentors and leaders who can guide younger generations and
help them hone their civic duty and responsibility.
According to Elizabeth, being a citizen is very important and it comes with several
incentives. As a citizen, you are given the right to vote, run for public office, apply
for federal jobs, earn traveler benefits, and empower others in the community. She
believes that the most important thing we can do as citizens of this country is to
exercise our right to vote. Dominicanos USA is immensely proud of Elizabeths work
as a canvasser and vital team member who has fought tirelessly to educate and
engage our community.