As an active 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization operating in Washington Heights and Hamilton Heights, CCCD has been enhancing and promoting both Dominican and American cultures since 1962. CCCD is a testament to the potential and tenacity of the Dominican people. Our community has lived up to the immigrant challenge and more. As many arrived in masses within the last fifty plus years, we have acquired a group of educated young adults participating in all levels of socio-economic strata, be it in the service of the food industry, education, finance, medicine, law, politics and others. Dominicans have demonstrated and eagerness for achievements and a deep commitment to demand active integration into the establishment, without disengaging from their culture and heritage.
Our mission is to enrich and empower youth and adults through arts and culture, which we carry out by making essential services available to the community. These services are meant to provide the community with political, professional, educational, and cultural tools, to demand a more active role in empowering the Dominican and Hispanic communities.
Dr. Marilu Maria D. Galvan Executive Director
Dr. Marilu Maria D. Galvan is a distinguished educator and advocate, currently serving as the Executive Director of Centro Civico Cultural Dominicano. This esteemed nonprofit organization, established in 1962, is dedicated to enriching and empowering youth and adults, demanding an active role in advancing Dominicans and Latinos in society.
With an impressive educational background, Dr. Galvan has attained an MA from CCNY, NYU, and a Doctor of Juris Prudence from Brooklyn Law School.
She has displayed an unwavering commitment to education throughout her career, holding various impactful roles. She has served as a teacher, a graduate assistant at L. Brandeis High School, an assistant principal at George Washington High School, and an adjunct professor at John Jay College. Dr. Galvan’s passion for nurturing and motivating multicultural communities has made her an inspirational figure.
Beyond her achievements in the field of education, Dr. Galvan has been a strong voice for cultural preservation, women’s empowerment, and active participation in society. Her dedication and advocacy have earned her numerous accolades and awards. These include the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who in 2023, the Outstanding Dominican in the USA awarded by the Dominican Republic President and Governor in 2021, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dominican Day Parade in 2015, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dominican Bar Association in 2014, NYC Council Citation Award in 2013, La Serenisima Gran Logia Recognition Award in 2013, NYC Dominican Consulate Recognition Award in 2013, NY Dominican Officers/Police Organization Milestone Award in 2012, Dominican Medical Association Professional and Community Award in 2011, Melvin Jones Fellow in 1991, Order of Merit Duarte Sanchez and Mella in the Degree of Knight, D.R. Gov. in 1990, among many others.
Galvan's interest in world affairs, world history, and other peoples' contributions to humanity is passionate. She has always been interested in the contributions of other cultures, and how we learn from other cultures. She has been fascinated by and grown to appreciate the exchange of knowledge among civilizations, cultures, and people, how we learn from others, and how others also learn from us. Galvan has devoted her life to sharing and communicating that pride in the Dominican heritage, earning the gratitude of Dominicans everywhere.