Washington, DC – October 3, 2025 | On the evening of September 19th, CARECEN opened its doors to community members, friends, and longtime allies for a powerful night of remembrance and reflection as we came together to honor the life and legacy of Joaquin Dominguez Parada, who passed away this past June.
Joaquin Dominguez Parada was not only a beloved co-founder of CARECEN alongside Patrice Perillie, but a tireless advocate whose work left an indelible mark on the Central American immigrant movement in Washington, DC and beyond. Their memory was at the heart of this evening — not just as a tribute to a life lived in service, but as a renewed call to carry their spirit forward in our ongoing struggle for dignity, justice, and equity.
We were deeply honored by the presence of CARECEN’s historical friends, including many who helped lay the foundation for our organization in the 1980s. Among them was our co-founder Patrice Perillie, whose vision and courage helped shape CARECEN into the strong, community-rooted institution it is today.
The evening was filled with moving tributes and moments of international exchange, reminding us that our work is part of a global movement for justice. Attendees shared stories, memories, and reflections, creating an atmosphere that was both deeply emotional and powerfully energizing.
We took this moment to inform Patrice Perillie and Alejandra Castillo (Dominguez’s niece) that the conference room in CARECEN’s office will take the name of our two cofounders and community fighters — as a permanent reminder of the legacy they built and the path they cleared for future generations. This space will serve as a gathering place for continued organizing, learning, and movement building.
To close the night, we were treated to a vibrant concert by El Grupo IZALCO, whose music lifted spirits and brought everyone together in celebration of culture, resistance, and the unbreakable bonds of community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us, and especially to those who paved the way for our work today. This event was more than a memorial — it was a celebration of a legacy that lives on in each of us and in every step we take toward liberation.