Somerville lady topped queen for Dominican Parade & Competition of New Jersey – My Central Jersey

Somerville resident Dr. María Rodríguez has been topped Queen of the Baoruco Province for Sunday’s Dominican Parade & Competition of New Jersey in Paterson.

Every year, the pageant committee selects a number of girls of Dominican heritage to be celebrated on the festivities. Queens are chosen primarily based on a wide range of components, together with their magnificence, contributions to the group and pleasure for his or her tradition.

Whereas Rodriguez has by no means been to Baoruco Province, many of the volunteer work she has achieved was in Bonao within the Dominican Republic. Rodriguez’s household is initially from Bonao.

Rodriguez will not simply be queen for a day, however all the 12 months.

“I’ve to current myself at a number of occasions, do group work as nicely,” Rodriguez mentioned. “At present, I do quite a lot of volunteer work and do shipments for a house there within the Dominican Republic for ladies.”

Being Queen of the Baoruco Province for the Dominican Parade & Competition of New Jersey, a spouse, and a mom aren’t the one feathers in Rodriguez’s cap. She can also be the founder and CEO of Care Counseling Heart, which has areas in Somerville and Princeton.

“The middle was based in 2016,” Rodriguez mentioned. “My diploma is in counseling and psychology, so I at all times wished to assist. I largely work with youngsters with melancholy, nervousness, abuse. I began working largely with abused youngsters. I do present an outlet for kids who’re going by turbulent instances.”

As a part of her skilled portfolio, Rodriguez additionally gives immigration companies.

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She has additionally served as a college teacher for psychology and girls’s and gender research courses for practically 20 years. She holds a doctorate from Capella College and a grasp’s diploma from William Paterson College.

“It’s an honor to be named Queen of the Baoruco Province,” Rodríguez mentioned. “The Dominican tradition is alive and thriving in New Jersey, and I’m proud to signify my heritage every day. I stay up for celebrating with my fellow Dominicans and different well-wishers who admire our wealthy tradition on the upcoming pageant and parade.”

The Dominican Parade and Competition is New Jersey’s largest celebration of Dominican heritage and was established in 1989. Will probably be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18. The route is East thirty third Avenue and Vreeland Avenue to Park Avenue in Paterson.

To study extra, go to www.dominicanparadenj.org. To study extra about Rodríguez and Care Counseling Heart, go to carecounselingcenter.org.