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Oyate Group

Our Mission

The origin of the word ‘Oyate’, is derived from the Dakota language, meaning “people.” The mission of Oyate Group is to serve “The People.” We are a 501(c)3 and our mission is to alleviate poverty by a three-prong strategy: first to educate and inform, second to provide resources and services and lastly to create sustainable and holistic structures to empower underdeveloped communities.

“When we lift up the most vulnerable neighbors,
we lift up the entire nation.”

Tomas Ramos
Founder of the Oyate Group

NY Women’s Chamber of Commerce - Small Business Champion
Crains Hispanic Leaders Tomas Ramos - 2022
Hostos Community College - 2022
Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2022
Crains Black Leaders Cyrille Njikeng - 2022
Crains Hispanic Leaders Tomas Ramos - 2021
The Dominican Bar Association - 2021
Crains Black Leaders Jason Autar - 2022
Black Leaders Worth Watching Jason Autar - 2021
City & State New York Power 100
Candid - 2022
Schneps Bronxs Most Influential People - 2022
American Business Awards Gold Stevie Award - 2022

The Oyate Group’s Beyond Rising Internship provides opportunities for undocumented youth.

Oyate Group launches Community Capital competition to support Local entrepreneurs

Overview of Services

Oyate Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing resource gaps and fostering opportunities for marginalized communities across New York City and the Dominican Republic. At Oyate Group, we believe in the power of community-driven solutions.

Through targeted initiatives, like food drives and backpack giveaways, we support youth, small businesses and communities in need of intervention and resources. Through innovative programs like Beyond Rising, Rise Leadership and Mott Haven Rising, Oyate Group invests in youth development, local entrepreneurs, small businesses and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Our programs provide funding, mentorship and business development training to high school students, early-stage founders, restaurateurs and community leaders. Internationally, Oyate Group extends its impact through scholarships, disaster relief and education and health resource support in the Dominican Republic.

Youth Services

We are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders through our programming, which includes:

  • Youth mentorship that builds confidence and helps facilitate personal and professional development
  • College and career readiness workshops for students ages 13-21
  • STEM, advocacy and arts education initiatives to inspire creativity, innovation and social change

Impact:

  • Over 2,500 youth are served in New York City annually
  • 500+ students connected to internships and scholarships
  • 93% of program graduates pursue higher education or workforce training
  • Over $200K in higher education scholarships awarded through the Brandon Hendricks Scholarship and the Oyate Group x Dominican Bar Association (DBA) Rising Law Scholarship

We help entrepreneurs thrive and strengthen local economies:

  • Free business development workshops and one-on-one coaching
  • Grant funding and resource navigation for marginalized and women-owned businesses
  • Pop-up markets and networking events to drive visibility and collaboration

Impact:

  • 700+ small businesses supported since 2020
  • More than $1.2 million in grants and funding facilitated

We provide rapid response support for community needs:

  • Food distribution initiatives reaching families in crisis
  • Health outreach events offering screenings and essential services
  • Community interventions fostering safer & healthier neighborhoods
  • Direct resource distribution including backpacks, shoes, toys and more

Impact:

  • Over 7,000 turkeys distributed across New York City
  • 40,000 Bronxites connected to COVID-19 vaccines and other critical health and wellness resources at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • 403 guns removed from the streets of New York City since 2021
  • Over 2,000 backpacks were distributed before the start of school in New York City and the Dominican Republic
  • Over 200 toys were distributed to children during the 2024 holiday season
  • Over $70,000 donated for hurricane relief in the Dominican Republic

Contact Us

Looking for partners for community events and programming? Join us in building stronger communities. Whether you’re a local business or community member, let’s make an impact together.