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Oyate 5 Year Anniversary

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

Our 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.

We are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders:

  • 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 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

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
  • Over $1.2 million in grants and funding facilitated to date
  • Nearly $200K in microgrants awarded to 30 local restaurant owners through Rising Restaurateur
  • Over $1.6 million in local economic impact generated in Mott Haven through Taste of Mott Haven

We provide rapid response support for community needs:

  • Food distribution initiatives for families in crisis
  • Health outreach events offering screenings and essential services
  • Violence prevention and youth diversion programs to foster safer neighborhoods
  • Direct resource distribution including backpacks, shoes and toys

Impact:

  • Over 20,000 turkeys distributed across New York City since 2020
  • 40,000 Bronxites connected to COVID-19 vaccines and other critical health resources 
  • 403 guns removed from the streets of New York City since 2021
  • Over 2,000 backpacks distributed before the start of school in New York City and the Dominican Republic
  • Over $70K donated for hurricane relief in the Dominican Republic

Oyate Group Videos

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.