At the heart of Dweck Properties’ vibrant ICON at Dulles community, Victor Guerra shines as a beacon of dedication, positivity, and musical talent. Born in the Dominican Republic and arriving in the United States at the age of ten, Victor’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

For the past two years, Victor has been an integral part of the Dweck family, bringing his infectious energy and unwavering commitment to excellence to his role at ICON at Dulles. His hard work and positive impact have not gone unnoticed as he was named Dweckster of the Month in November of last year and claimed the well-deserved DweckSTAR of the Year award this year.  

But Victor’s talents extend far beyond his professional achievements. For the past 25 years, he has been immersed in the vibrant world of merengue music, a genre that has captured his heart and soul since he was a little boy in the Dominican Republic. Victor’s love for music led him to join the school band at Belle High School in Washington, D.C., where he honed his skills by observing his friends and diving headfirst into the world of percussion.

As a skilled percussionist, Victor’s mastery of the bongos, congas, guira, and cymbals has earned him a place on stage alongside famous musicians. For the past 17 years, he has been a proud member of a renowned merengue band, Pablo Antonio y La Firma, enchanting audiences at prestigious venues such as the World Bank, Lincoln Theatre, and even the sandy shores of Virginia Beach. When asked about his favorite aspects of performing with his merengue band, Victor’s face lights up with pure joy. 

“I love being on stage,” he shares. “When I’m up there, my mind is clear, and I’m completely focused on the rhythms. There’s nothing quite like it.”

Victor’s passion for music is matched only by his dedication to his craft. He spends his weekends immersed in the world of classic salsa, constantly refining his skills and exploring new musical horizons. Balancing his love for music with his commitments to work and family is a challenge he embraces with grace and determination.

For aspiring musicians looking to follow in his footsteps, Victor offers a heartfelt piece of advice. He recalls a story of a young boy who approached him, eyes wide with admiration, expressing his own dreams of playing music. “Seeing that little boy’s passion was so inspiring,” Victor reflects. “I told him to never give up on his dreams, to practice every day, and to pour his heart into every note.”

Victor’s colleagues at ICON at Dulles are quick to sing his praises, not only for his professional excellence but also for the positive energy he brings to the workplace. His infectious smile and genuine kindness have made him a beloved figure among residents and staff alike.

As the DweckSTAR of the Year, Victor embodies the core values that define Dweck Properties: a commitment to excellence, a passion for community, and a dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others. His story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with hard work, determination, and a love for what we do, we can achieve great things – and have some upbeat fun along the way!

So, the next time you find yourself at ICON at Dulles, take a moment to congratulate Victor on his well-deserved recognition. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch him tapping out a lively merengue rhythm, his face radiating pure joy as he loses himself in the music he loves so dearly.

If you’re reading this blog in time you can catch the band on August 1st, 2024 at Fairfax County Summer Concerts in Fairfax, Virginia or on September 1st, 2024 at Columbia Lakefront Fest in Columbia, Maryland. To stay updated on Victor’s musical journey and upcoming performances, be sure to follow his band’s Facebook page.