Handover Ceremony for UNICDA Excellence Scholarships 2026 to Young Women Recognized for Academic Excellence
La Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) celebró el acto formal de entrega de las Becas UNICDA Excellence 2026, un programa que reconoce el talento, la excelencia académica y el compromiso de jóvenes que hoy comienzan a construir su futuro profesional.
En esta edición, las beneficiarias son Jasmin Inoa Carrasco, quien iniciará la carrera de Ingeniería en Ciberseguridad, y Amaya Oded Ramírez Sánchez, quien cursará Ingeniería en Ciencia de Datos, ambas seleccionadas como beneficiarias de la Beca UNICDA Excellence 2026.
El acto de entrega estuvo encabezado por el Rector de UNICDA, Lic. Enrique Fernández Malla, y la Vicerrectora Académica, Dra. Josefina Pepín, quienes realizaron la entrega oficial de las becas y compartieron un mensaje de motivación para las nuevas estudiantes.
La ceremonia contó además con la presencia del Decano Académico, Dr. Juan José Mariñez; el Decano de Servicios Estudiantiles, Ing. Edwin Salazar; la Coordinadora del Área de Ingeniería, Ing. Paola Martínez; y la Encargada de Admisiones, Lcda. Kamairys Guzmán, quienes acompañaron este importante momento para las nuevas becarias.
Como parte del acto, también participó Paula Mabel Martínez Abreu, beneficiaria de la Beca UNICDA Excellence 2025 y estudiante de Ingeniería en Ciencia de Datos, quien compartió su experiencia como becaria e inspiró a las nuevas beneficiarias a través de su testimonio.
Con la entrega de estas becas, UNICDA reafirma su compromiso con la formación de profesionales que, a través del conocimiento, la innovación y la excelencia, contribuirán al desarrollo de la sociedad.
La institución felicita a Jasmin Inoa Carrasco y Amaya Oded Ramírez Sánchez por este importante logro y les desea éxitos en esta nueva etapa de su formación académica y profesional.
Hodelpa Hospitality and UNICDA launch Internship Program for Hospitality and Tourism students
With the aim of strengthening the connection between academic training and the professional world, Hodelpa Hospitality, in partnership with Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), officially launched its Internship Program—an initiative designed to provide Hospitality and Tourism students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the sector’s leading hotel chains.
During the event, representatives from Hodelpa Hospitality introduced students of the Tourism and Hotel Business Administration program to the benefits and opportunities offered by the internship program, highlighting the company’s commitment to developing young talent and shaping future professionals in the tourism sector. As part of the session, two company employees shared their professional growth journeys, motivating attendees to seize this initiative as an opportunity to strengthen their skills, build competencies, and gain practical experience in a real-world work environment.
They also explained that students will have the opportunity to complete their internships at any of the hotels within the Hodelpa Hospitality group, located across various provinces throughout the country, allowing them to explore diverse operational areas and work in different settings within the hotel industry.
Through this initiative, UNICDA continues to enhance the comprehensive development of its students via strategic alliances that facilitate their entry into the job market. The university extends its gratitude to Hodelpa Hospitality for its commitment and trust in the talent of our students, contributing to the development of the future professionals of the hospitality and tourism sector.
UNICDA Tourism and Hotel Business Administration students organize a press conference for the launch of the book “Reinas de su propia historia: Amor a los 50
As part of the final practical assignments for the Event Management course, students majoring in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration at the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) organized the press conference for the book launch of Reinas de su propia historia: Amor a los 50 (Queens of Their Own History: Love at 50), by writer and songwriter Sofía Lana.
The event, held in the Exhibition Hall of the Earl R. Threan Administrative Building, represented a valuable opportunity for the students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their academic training in a real-world environment, facing the actual challenges of planning, coordinating, and executing a professional event.
Throughout the day, the future professionals were in charge of the comprehensive organization of the event, demonstrating skills in logistics management, protocol, venue setup, guest relations, and the coordination of every detail necessary for the successful execution of the press conference. Their performance showcased the commitment, creativity, teamwork, and responsiveness that characterize the students of this program.
Furthermore, the book presentation allowed attendees to learn about the literary work of Sofía Lana, who delivers a message of empowerment, personal growth, and reflection aimed at women living this stage of their lives to the fullest.
This experience is part of the academic strategies of the Tourism and Hotel Business Administration program, which aim to strengthen the practical training of its students through real experiences. These opportunities allow them to develop professional skills and prepare for the challenges of the tourism, hospitality, and event management industries.
UNICDA congratulates the students for the excellence demonstrated in this final assignment and thanks Sofía Lana for providing them with the opportunity to be part of such a significant moment as the launch of her work, Reinas de su propia historia: Amor a los 50, thereby contributing to the strengthening of their professional development.
Educación continuada – Diploma Program Closing
Throughout 2026, UNICDA’s Continuing Education has been part of the professional growth of our diploma and course participants, driving the development of new skills and knowledge to shape professionals prepared to meet the demands of the labor market.
Among the completed programs are:
Occupational Health and Safety
Introduction to Power BI
Software Architecture
Insurance and Risk Management
Protocol and Event Management for Businesses
Big Data and Data Analytics
Social Media Focused on Business
We congratulate all participants on this important achievement and for continuing to invest in their professional growth through continuous, quality education.
We recognize the effort, dedication, and commitment of each participant throughout this training process.
The American Film Festival opens its lineup with a screening of Back to the Future
American Film Festival opens its lineup with a screening of Back to the Future With a large turnout and an enthusiastic atmosphere, the American Film Festival opened with a screening of the iconic movie Back to the Future, a cinematic classic that continues to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages across generations. The opening […]
UNICDA commemorates its 25th anniversary with a keynote lecture by Vice President Raquel Peña
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Santo Domingo, D.N., June 26, 2026. The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) commemorated its 25th anniversary with the keynote lecture “Learning to Educate in a Changing World,” delivered by Her Excellency Raquel Peña, Constitutional Vice President of the Dominican Republic. The event brought together representatives from the Dominican government, the diplomatic corps, higher education institutions, as well as students and institutional allies, creating a space for reflection on the challenges facing education in a context of constant transformation.
The lecture was part of the commemorative program for UNICDA’s 25 years, a celebration that reaffirms the university’s commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and training professionals capable of responding to the demands of an ever-evolving world.
During her presentation, the Vice President of the Republic highlighted the importance and the government’s commitment to transforming the Dominican educational system to address the challenges of a constantly changing world, thereby ensuring sustainable development and social equity in the Dominican Republic.
“Education cannot walk with its back to the country. It must respond to the aspirations of its people and to the transformations of a world where technology, creativity, and knowledge are increasingly decisive,” she stated. At the same time, she listed some of the advancements already achieved under the administration of President Luis Abinader, such as: strengthening early childhood care, reducing the illiteracy rate, investing in school infrastructure, improving the School Feeding Program, and the impact of the National Student Transportation System (TRAE), which currently covers more than 94% of public sector enrollment.
Raquel Peña took the opportunity to congratulate the Universidad Domínico Americano for reaching a quarter of a century playing an exceptional role in the training of youth and professionals, and wished them success in the years to come.
At the conclusion of her remarks, Peña called for unity among the State, universities, technical institutes, the productive sector, and families to consolidate educational transformations and ensure that education remains the main driver of social mobility and national development.
For her part, the President of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Darys Estrella, highlighted the significance of this anniversary for the institution and the responsibility to continue promoting a transformative education.
“As we commemorate UNICDA’s 25 years, we look back with gratitude on the path traveled, but we also renew our commitment to continue contributing to an education capable of responding to present challenges and preparing new generations for the future,” Estrella expressed.
In his speech, the Rector of the Universidad Domínico Americano and Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Fernández Malla, emphasized that UNICDA’s 25th anniversary represents an opportunity to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to an education capable of anticipating changes and responding to the country’s needs.
“If there is an institution that has known how to reinvent its way of educating as the world transforms, it is this one,” said Fernández Malla, noting that UNICDA is part of an educational ecosystem that accompanies individuals from early childhood to university and continuing education, with an academic offer that is permanently updated to meet the demands of the national and global environment.
At the conclusion of the event, the Universidad Domínico Americano honored Vice President Raquel Peña as a Distinguished Visitor, in recognition of her career in public service, her commitment to strengthening Dominican education, and her contributions to national development. The distinction was presented by members of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano and UNICDA’s academic authorities, along with the ICDA institutional pin and the university’s 25th anniversary commemorative pin.
About UNICDA
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), founded in 2001, is part of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), a binational institution created in 1947 to strengthen the ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States through education and culture. Throughout its 25-year history, UNICDA has established itself as a higher education institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the comprehensive training of professionals with a global vision, contributing to the sustainable development of the country.
UNICDA and ManpowerGroup participated in a reforestation day in San Cristóbal
As part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), in collaboration with ManpowerGroup, carried out a reforestation day at Playa Najayo, in the municipality of Nigua, province of San Cristóbal, specifically at the Nigua Experimental Farm of the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU).
During the activity, 500 mahogany trees (Swietenia mahagoni) were planted. This species has been declared the National Tree of the Dominican Republic and is recognized for its ecological importance and its contribution to the conservation of natural resources.
The event featured the active participation of students and collaborators from UNICDA and ManpowerGroup, who joined efforts to contribute to ecosystem restoration and promote greater awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.
Additionally, the initiative was supported by technical representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, who provided specialized guidance to ensure the proper development of the planting and the positive impact of the activity in the area.
This reforestation day is part of the actions promoted by both institutions in favor of sustainable development, reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of a culture of social and environmental responsibility.
UNICDA holds conference on the impact of the United States Independence in the Hispanic Caribbean
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. – The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) hosted the conference “Impact of the Independence of the United States on the Hispanic Caribbean,” an academic space for reflection and historical analysis that brought together academic authorities, faculty, students, and special guests to address one of the most influential events in modern history and its repercussions in our region.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Enrique A. Fernández Malla, BA, rector of the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA). Subsequently, Amy Krusinger, Strategic Projects Coordinator of the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, delivered the introduction to this important academic gathering.
The conference was led by Dr. Javier Alemán Iglesias, a renowned historian and researcher, who shared a profound analysis of the political, economic, and social effects that the Independence of the United States had on the Hispanic Caribbean and on the configuration of hemispheric relations throughout history.
The activity was developed in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo and the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), establishing itself as a space for academic exchange and intellectual enrichment for all attendees.
The gathering also featured the distinguished presence of the Minister Counselor of the United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic, Prashant Hemady, who attended the event alongside representatives from the academic and diplomatic fields.
This conference was part of the commemorative initiatives linked to the 250th anniversary of the United States, promoting learning spaces that allow for a better understanding of the historical events that have influenced the development of our region and strengthening critical thinking about our shared past.
The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) thanks Dr. Javier Alemán Iglesias for sharing his knowledge and expertise, as well as all the participants and institutional allies for being part of this enriching academic event that contributes to the strengthening of historical reflection, critical analysis, and quality higher education.
Tourism Advertising and Promotion students strengthen their knowledge on the power of branding in the tourism industry
With the purpose of complementing academic training and bringing students closer to current trends in strategic communication, students of the Tourism Advertising and Promotion course participated in a lecture on branding, given by Rafael Chaer, designer, creative, and strategist, as well as a professor at the School of Art and Culture.
During the meeting, participants explored the fundamental principles of brand building and its role in generating value for products and services. Through practical examples and experiences linked to the creative world, Chaer shared tools and reflections on how brands influence public perception, contribute to differentiation, and strengthen positioning in increasingly competitive markets.
Likewise, the relevance of branding within the tourism industry was addressed, highlighting how a well-defined brand strategy can become a differentiating element capable of effectively connecting with audiences and boosting the promotion of destinations, experiences, and services.
This initiative allowed students to strengthen their competencies in strategic communication and understand the importance of integrating creativity and planning into the development of innovative proposals for the tourism sector.
Through this type of academic activities, the institution reaffirms its commitment to comprehensive education, promoting learning spaces that enrich the educational experience and prepare future professionals to respond to the challenges and opportunities of today’s work environment.