Today we’d like to introduce you to Duane Gutierrez.
Hi Duane, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is about 3 decades in the making so i’ll condense it for you. I was born in Brooklyn, NY and yes I’m a kings county hospital baby. I lived in Brooklyn until I was a teenager and then moved to another country. When I had just turned fifteen my mom moved us to Belize, Central America. Literally the day after my fifteenth birthday I was on a one way flight. I lived in Belize until I turned eighteen and during my time there I had to adapt to the culture, lifestyle, and dialect. I feel that moving to Belize was the best decision my mother ever made because I fell in love with my country. Belize is a paradise and as much as I am proud to be from Brooklyn you can’t tell me I’m not from Belize. Fast forward to 2024 where I’ve stepped up to a role as the Director of the NYC Belize Parkfest. I’ve always wanted to support my Belizean community here in New York City and the people living in Belize itself. I embrace being a Leader for my community by supporting and giving a voice to all the Belizean hidden gems in NYC.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life wouldn’t be fun if there weren’t any obstacles or challenges. I’ve had to search for talented and genuine people to help me. There were people that doubted what I was doing and I had to really show my community that my organization was trustworthy. Some people tried to sabotage the event and it wasn’t easy to navigate past peoples greed. Sometimes even with the best intentions people want to self satisfy their own egos.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the Director of the NYC Belize Parkfest. A 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization created to preserve, celebrate, and protect Belizean Culture in NYC.
For too long, the Belizean community in NYC has been fragmented—its voices, talents, and heritage spread thin across the city. At the same time, many Belizean artists, vendors, and cultural ambassadors struggle to gain the recognition and support they deserve.
The NYC Belize Parkfest is our main event for the year. It is a celebration that not only honors our heritage but also builds a sustainable future through community empowerment.
NYC Belize Parkfest is more than just an event; it’s a movement.
We act as the trusted guide, connecting you with a network of cultural experiences, community projects, and enriching events that foster unity and create lasting impact. We provide a platform for Belizean voices, promote cultural education, and support small Belizean vendors and artists (Locally and internationally) who enrich our city with their creativity
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory would be when my parents took me to Belize for a family vacation. My mom taught me how to swim the old fashion way in a river between two huge boulders. I say “old fashion way” because if you’re from the Caribbean you would know exactly what I mean. I remember being underwater with the water being crystal clear, looking up, I could see the sun shining, little fishes swimming by but I didn’t panic. I thought “Wow, how beautiful”. Of course I didn’t learn how to swim at that exact moment but the underwater view at that time never left my mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nycbzeparkfest.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycbelizeparkfest?igsh=Z3FweWlycHh3Y3F6&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561318000531
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104539628/admin/dashboard/
- Twitter: https://x.com/belizeparkfest?s=21
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NYCBelizeParkFest
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nycbelizeparkfest
Image Credits
Tyrese Martinez – Through My Lens