For more than three decades, the streets of the city of Paterson have come alive each summer with flags, colorful floats, music and dance - it's all part of the Dominican Parade and Festival.

At the center of it all is Elsa Mantilla, the woman who has worked tirelessly to bring the community together through culture and tradition.

Mantilla has been organizing the parade since the very beginning, ensuring that every detail reflects the Dominican Republic.

From the costumes and instruments to the dancers and performers, her team spends months preparing.

“Everything you see here is from the Dominican Republic,” Mantilla said. “You can see all the costumes, the maracas, the tambora. It is not easy, it is a lot of work, but we all do it with our hearts.”

Her dedication extends beyond the parade. In the 1970s, Mantilla and her late husband Francisco opened one of the first Latino-owned businesses in the city. Just last year, Paterson honored their contributions by renaming part of 21st Avenue after the Mantilla family.

She also founded Mujeres Latinas en Acción, an organization that has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships. Today, Mantilla serves as deputy mayor of Paterson, continuing to uplift her community.

“I hope God gives me more opportunities to serve,” she said. “Because each one of those titles allows me to help in some way.”

As she looks ahead, Mantilla says her greatest wish is for her family to carry on the tradition she’s built.

“I know that one day I’ll be gone,” she said. “And that day, I would like them to continue my tradition.”