My name is Rosemarin Belliard and I have the honor of serving as the 2024 President of the Dominican Bar Association ("DBA"). 

The DBA is an nonprofit organization of legal professionals and law students, supporting Latino members of the legal profession, particularly attorneys and law students of Dominican ancestry, in their pursuit of higher posts in the legal profession and other facets of influence in the United States. Today, there are approximately 1.3 million lawyers in the United States and latinos make up only 5.8% of this figure, despite being the largest ethnic group in the United States.

Our organization also supports the at-large Latino community by:

- organizing pro bono "Know Your Rights" legal workshops for members of the public

- providing scholarships and mentorship to law students and college students

- creating community service events; and

- conducting career information activities for high school students at their schools and developing mentorships with the same, among other initiatives. 

One of my goals as DBA President is to increase our organization's focus on Attorney Well-Being and introduce our membership to the transformative power of running. 

Studies have shown that approximately 28% of licensed attorneys experience depression, 19% suffer from anxiety, 21% qualify as problem drinkers, 61% are concerned about their mental health.  In addition to these daunting statistics, Latinos face an unprecedented number of challenges to their health. Cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma disproportionately hit Hispanic communities (often times even just by our genetic predisposition).  Many of these ills are preventable and can be managed through lifestyle changes and early intervention.

With that said, I am so proud to lead the Dominican Bar Association in its participation for the first time ever as an official charity partner for the New York Road Runner's 2024 NYC United Airlines Half Marathon. 

On a personal note, as a 14 x half-marathon finisher and 1 x NYC Marathon finisher, long distance running has helped me unlock a new perspective of life and a deeper sense of determination and fulfillment which I am able to use daily in my practice.