We recently connected with Duane Gutierrez and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Duane thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The NYC Belize Parkfest is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization committed to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Belize. We focus on empowering and inspiring the Belizean diaspora in New York City and Belize to connect, thrive, and contribute to the vibrant future of both communities.
Our mission is to foster a deep appreciation of Belizean culture and heritage within the Belizean diaspora in New York City, while creating meaningful connections between Belizeans locally and globally. Through cultural education, community engagement, and social empowerment, we aim to inspire future generations to embrace their Belizean identity, promote unity within the diaspora, and contribute to the sustainable development and cultural preservation of Belize.
The NYC Belize Parkfest, revived on September 7th, 2024, is an annual cultural festival that showcases Belizean culture to the New York City area. Live music, the delicious scent of Belizean cuisine, and a family-friendly atmosphere create an exciting day filled with culture and fun for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond our ParkFest event, we are working on potential workshops such as financial literacy classes, cooking classes, and many more. These initiatives aim to provide valuable skills, knowledge, and experiences to the Belizean community, fostering a sense of community and personal growth throughout the year.
NYC Belize Parkfest was put together by :
Duane Gutierrez
Dona Andrews
Shermaine Lopez
Brittany Hazlewood
Therese Clarke
Linda Tasher
Darlene Gordon
Daryn Sabal
Jason Edwards
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Duane Gutierrez, and my journey has been anything but ordinary. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moving to Belize at the age of 14 was a massive culture shock. This transition from the bustling borough of Brooklyn to Esperanza Village in Cayo, and later to the St. Martins area in Belize City, really shaped who I am today—resilient and adaptable.
I’ve spent over a decade in the banking industry, working as a Relationship Manager for major banks like Citibank, Capital One, and Bank of America. In these roles, I’ve had the privilege of helping numerous businesses grow and assisting clients, including fellow Belizeans, with their financial needs.
One of my proudest roles is serving as the Creator and Director for the NYC Belize Parkfest, a nonprofit organization that supports communities both in New York and Belize. This position allows me to give back and make a positive impact in the lives of many by creating events throughout the year to keep our Belizean Culture alive while bringing awareness to what is going on in the country of Belize.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
NYC Belize ParkFest built its audience on social media by partnering with a Belizean-owned TV Network, the Empowered Lifestyle Network. This collaboration helped brand and manage our social media platforms, significantly impacting our event’s audience.
For those starting to build their social media presence, my best advice is:
Create Engaging and Genuine Content: The key to growing your following online is authenticity. Share real stories, relatable moments, and valuable insights that resonate with your audience.
Consistency is Crucial: Regularly posting content keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. It also helps in building a recognizable brand.
Show Your Journey: Let your followers be a part of your endeavors by sharing behind-the-scenes looks, milestones, and even challenges. This transparency builds trust and a deeper connection with your audience.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
My Mother, Dona Andrews, I would say is my “Cofounder”. I think that story doesn’t need any explanation of how I met her. Dona then met our Assistant Secretary, Brittany Hazlewood, who joined our non-profit six months ago at a fundraising event for the Belizean Diaspora in New York. Basically, the NYC Belize Parkfest Committee are all people we knew from our community or were referred to us by other people. I made sure to find Amazing Belizeans with exceptional talents to help maintain our Vision.
Shermaine Lopez – Director of Marketing/Sponsorship
Darlene Gordon, Therese Clarke, Linda Tasher – Financial Team
Daryn Sabal – Artist Management and Promotional Products
Jason Edwards – International advisor
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nycbzeparkfest.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycbelizeparkfest/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561318000531
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nycbelizeparkfest
- Twitter: https://x.com/belizeparkfest
Image Credits
Tyrese Martinez – Through My Lens