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A COLLECTIVE OF VOLUNTEERS. A SHARED COMMITMENT TO DOMINICA.
Serving since 2015
Rebuild Dominica, Inc. Koudmen logoREBUILD DOMINICA, INC.PEOPLE. PURPOSE. POSSIBILITY.
June 4, 2025

Tribute to Alessandra Benjamin

Death Announcement and Tribute for Alessandra Benjamin

Tribute to Rebuild Dominica Inc board member and nation builder Alessandra Benjamin, the daughter of the late Dominican ambassador to the United States of America Dr. McDonald Benjamin of Coulibistrie Dominica (Dominica Grammar School, Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture, PhD University of California at Los Angeles in Food Technology Science, World Bank Executive) and Hannelore Angela Benjamin Dominica’s ambassador to the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.


With profound sadness, Rebuild Dominica Inc, under the leadership of our current President of the Board of Directors, LaDàna Young (née Drigo), together with our board members, supporters, and the Dominican community in the Washington D.C. area, announce the sudden passing of our board member, esteemed colleague and friend, Alessandra Benjamin, on June 1, 2025. Alessandra’s tireless dedication to her roots and to humanitarian efforts leaves an indelible mark on all who knew her.




Born on February 23, 1966, in Rome, Italy, Alessandra was a beacon of talent and compassion. Her education at New Hall Boarding School in Essex, England, and St. George’s High School in Rome paved the way for a successful academic pursuit at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. There, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 1988, specializing in graphic design. Her passion for design led her to pursue postgraduate coursework in graphic design, setting the foundation for a distinguished career.


Alessandra’s artistic talents extended beyond graphic design into the realm of acting. As a member of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) she showcased her skills in various films. Those included “Shuffle,” “Yeye,” “Diary of a Tired Black Man,” “If Love Hadn’t Left Me Lonely,” “On the Edge,” “American Tragedy,” and “The Haunting”. Her vibrant presence on screen was matched by her commitment to humanitarian causes.

Throughout her career, Alessandra was a respected freelance graphic designer with the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington D.C. She later moved to Germany, where she distinguished herself as an Art Director for leading multinational advertising agencies, Young & Rubicam as well as J. Walter Thompson. She created innovative and inspiring ad campaigns with a global reach. Later she earned a Diploma in Film Direction at UCLA before immersing herself in the film industry.


Alessandra was the beloved daughter of the late Dr. McDonald Benjamin, a distinguished World Bank executive and Dominica Ambassador to the United States, and Hannelore “Angela” Benjamin, Dominica Ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). She leaves behind her brother, Dr. McDonald Benjamin (himself a former World Bank executive) , her niece Nina Benjamin, her sister in law Adriana Benjamin, the Christian family of Maryland, along with family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

We celebrate Alessandra’s life, a testament to service, creativity, and love. Her legacy will continue to inspire those dedicated to the betterment of Dominica, the wider Caribbean community and humanity on a whole. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who had the privilege to know her.

Below is our previous post celebrating her father:

A Bio Note on Dr. McDonald Benjamin: A Family Legacy of Service