UNICDA Conecta 2026 brings together talent, companies, and opportunities to boost professional development
Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) held the UNICDA Conecta 2026 Job Fair on Wednesday, October 21, an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between human talent and the business sector by bringing students, alumni, the general public, and organizations seeking new professional profiles closer together.
The day began with the official opening and welcome remarks from UNICDA’s academic authorities, who were present in support of this institutional initiative that promotes employability, professional growth, and the connection between the university community and the labor market.
During the event, attendees visited the stands of the participating companies and institutions, learned about their job opportunities, exchanged experiences with recruiters, and explored alternatives to continue developing their professional careers. The participation of organizations from various sectors helped broaden the possibilities for contact between employers and candidates.
A space to connect, learn, and grow
As part of the program, UNICDA Conecta 2026 included four lectures designed to provide tools and perspectives relevant to the current challenges of the labor market.
The first, “One language, a thousand opportunities: how English connects you with the world”, was delivered by Indira Alcequiez, president of Alliance International, who spoke about the value of English proficiency as a tool for expanding academic and professional horizons.
Later, Carmen Pichardo, head of the Content Design and Supervision Department of the Superintendency of Pensions, presented “Pensions: What is that all about?”, a talk focused on helping participants better understand how the pension system works and the importance of financial planning.
In the afternoon, Natalia Vásquez, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup, gave “Keys to Succeed in the New World of Work”, sharing perspectives on changes in the labor market and the skills needed to face its challenges.
The program concluded with “Forget Plan A: How to Build a Zigzag Career”, led by Karlans Camacho, Institutional Development Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), who invited attendees to reflect on flexibility, adaptation to change, and the different paths that can be part of a professional journey.
An initiative that strengthens ties with the business sector
UNICDA expressed its gratitude to the participating companies and institutions, the speakers, and all those who attended this edition of the fair, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academia and the business sector to bring new opportunities closer to those seeking to enter the labor market or advance in their careers.
The participation of organizations from different sectors and the development of the lectures established UNICDA Conecta 2026 as a space for meeting, guidance, and learning, where attendees were able to make connections, expand their knowledge, and learn about new possibilities for their professional future.
With this initiative, Universidad Domínico Americano reaffirms its commitment to comprehensive education and to developing skills that support the employability of its students and alumni, while continuing to promote spaces for collaboration with companies and institutions in the country.
UNICDA Conecta 2026: connecting talent, sharing knowledge, and opening paths toward new opportunities.
Domínico Americano Cultural Institute celebrates the inaugural cohorts of the SIT TESOL Certificate Course
The Domínico Americano Cultural Institute (ICDA) celebrates the completion of the inaugural cohorts of the SIT TESOL Certificate Course, a professional certification program aimed at strengthening teachers’ competencies in teaching English as a foreign language.
This initiative represents a significant step forward for the Teacher Development Center of the Domínico Americano Cultural Institute, which obtained the licenses to offer this program, designed and accredited by World Learning / SIT Graduate Institute, an institution recognized for its focus on educator training.
Through this certification, participants developed pedagogical competencies through a training process that integrates knowledge, teaching practice, and feedback, with the goal of strengthening their tools to respond to the current challenges of English language teaching.
The completion of these inaugural cohorts is a source of pride for ICDA and reaffirms its commitment to teachers’ professional development, educational innovation, and the promotion of high-quality teaching aligned with international standards.
The Domínico Americano Cultural Institute congratulates each of the participants on their dedication, effort, and commitment to educational excellence, and encourages them to continue expanding their knowledge and contributing to the learning of new generations through English teaching.
With initiatives like this, ICDA continues to promote specialized training opportunities for education professionals, strengthening their capabilities and contributing to the development of English language teaching in the Dominican Republic.
UNICDA celebrates its 23rd Ordinary Graduation Ceremony
The ceremony was marked by recognition of academic excellence and a tribute to Dr. María Elena Cruz Batista as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Universidad Domínico Americano.
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) celebrated its XXIII Ordinary Graduation Ceremony, during which it presented the society with new undergraduate and graduate professionals, reaffirming its commitment to quality academic training, innovation, and the development of the country.
The ceremony took place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Patrick N. Hughson Auditorium, and brought together academic authorities, representatives of the higher education system, faculty members, family, and special guests in a day dedicated to celebrating the effort, perseverance, and achievement of the graduates’ professional goals.
This event is part of a significant year for the institution, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. UNICDA was established on March 20, 2001, through Presidential Decree No. 389-01, which authorized the reclassification of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano from a higher technical institute to a university, continuing its trajectory in Dominican higher education.
Education aligned with the needs of today’s world
The graduates come from six academic programs: Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Bachelor’s Degree in English Education, Specialization in Finance, and Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
As a bicultural university community, UNICDA’s purpose is to train competent professionals with a comprehensive and innovative vision, committed to quality and service to society. In line with changes in the environment and the demands of the labor market, the institution has strengthened and diversified its academic offerings to respond to the needs of national and international productive sectors.
During the welcome remarks, UNICDA Rector Lic. Enrique Fernández Malla highlighted the significance of this achievement for the graduates and the importance of continuing to train professionals capable of contributing to the development of society.
Recognition of an exemplary career in higher education
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony was the tribute to Dr. María Elena Cruz Batista, who also served as the guest speaker, in recognition of her valuable contributions, institutional commitment, and outstanding collaboration with UNICDA and the strengthening of Dominican higher education.
The recognition plaque was presented by Mrs. Darys Estrella, president of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano.
Dr. María Elena Cruz Batista has an outstanding career as an educator, academic administrator, and advisor to higher education institutions. She served as Vice-Rector for Planning and Development at UTESA (2001–2016) and as Rector of that university (2016–2022). In addition, she has contributed to the design and strengthening of various academic institutions, including UNICDA.
Academic excellence as a source of pride
The XXIII Ordinary Graduation Ceremony also served to recognize the students who achieved the highest academic honors of the 2026 class, as a result of their dedication, discipline, and commitment to their professional training.
The top academic honor went to Tiara Nataly Encarnación Herrera, a graduate of the Bachelor’s Degree in English Education, who earned Summa Cum Laude, the highest academic distinction of the class.
The second academic honor was awarded to Gilberto Ramírez Suazo, from Software Engineering, who also received Summa Cum Laude. Meanwhile, Magnolia Fernanda Encarnación Emilice, from the Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration, received the third academic honor, Magna Cum Laude.
Representing her classmates, Tiara Nataly Encarnación Herrera delivered an emotional speech of gratitude in which she expressed the satisfaction of reaching this milestone and acknowledged the support of those who helped make this achievement possible.
Her remarks represented the voice of a class that is completing an academic stage and preparing to take on new challenges in the professional world.
Authorities and special guests
The honorary table was composed of Dr. Carmen Evarista Matías, Deputy Minister of Higher Education of MESCyT; Mrs. Darys Estrella, president of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano; Lic. Enrique Fernández Malla, rector of UNICDA; and Dr. Josefina Pepín, academic vice-rector of the university. They were also joined by Engineer Edwin Salazar, dean of Student Services; Dr. Ángel Puentes, director of Graduate and Continuing Education; and Dr. María Elena Cruz Batista, guest speaker.
The ceremony was also attended by academic authorities and representatives of UNICDA’s different areas, including Lic. Rubi Bretón, director of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Dr. Alexandra García, coordinator of the master’s programs; Eng. Paola Martínez, coordinator of the engineering programs; Lic. Ligia Henríquez, coordinator of the education programs; Lic. Alejandra Brunet, coordinator of the Tourism and Hospitality programs; and Lic. Johanna Sánchez, coordinator of General Studies.
With the celebration of its XXIII Ordinary Graduation Ceremony, Universidad Domínico Americano reaffirms its mission to contribute to the development of professionals prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment.
If you want, I can also make it sound more journalistic, more formal, or more natural in English for a press release.
UNICDA strengthens ties with its alumni through a meeting prior to its XXIII Ordinary Graduation
The Dominican American University (UNICDA) held a meeting with its upcoming graduates as part of the lead-up to its XXIII Ordinary Graduation 2026, with the purpose of presenting the benefits and opportunities offered by the UNICDA Alumni program to those who are part of its alumni community.
During the event, participants learned more about this institutional initiative aimed at maintaining and strengthening the ties between the university and its graduates, promoting spaces for connection and opportunities that contribute to their growth and professional development.
This meeting highlighted the importance of continuing to support students beyond their academic training, fostering a sense of belonging that endures after obtaining their university degree.
Through UNICDA Alumni, the university reaffirms its interest in maintaining a close relationship with its alumni, recognizing the value of those who have been part of its history and continue to represent the institution in various professional fields.
With this initiative, UNICDA strengthens its commitment to a community that transcends classrooms and generations, where each graduate remains an important part of the institutional identity.
Because the bond with UNICDA does not end with graduation: it continues with new opportunities, connections, and reasons to feel proud to belong to this community.
The General Directorate of Fine Arts and the Dominican-American Cultural Institute renew an agreement to promote art and culture
The General Directorate of Fine Arts (DGBA) and the Dominican-American Cultural Institute (ICDA) have renewed their inter-institutional collaboration agreement with the purpose of continuing to strengthen the ties between both entities and promoting artistic, cultural, and educational development in the Dominican Republic.
The renewal ceremony was led by the General Director of Fine Arts, Marianela Enriqueta Sallent Abreu, and the Executive Director of the ICDA, Enrique Alberto Fernández Malla. Rosa Bobea, the Cultural Institution’s Finance Director, also participated.
Additionally, the event was attended by Kenia Rondón, head of the Legal Division; Elsa Liranzo, Coordinator of Interinstitutional and International Relations of the DGBA; and Sofía Otero, Cultural Director of the ICDA.
The renewal of this agreement will allow the continuation of joint initiatives aimed at fostering artistic training, promoting cultural exchange, and generating new opportunities for learning and development for the students of both institutions.
Through this alliance, the General Directorate of Fine Arts and the Dominican-American Cultural Institute reaffirm their commitment to strengthening education, promoting artistic expressions, and developing Dominican culture.
UNICDA and INAFOCAM celebrate the closing of the first cohort of the Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), in collaboration with the National Institute for Teacher Training and Development (INAFOCAM), held the closing ceremony for the first cohort of the Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, a postgraduate program designed to strengthen the pedagogical and professional competencies of Dominican educators.
This first cohort was made up of 25 professionals, 12 of whom completed the master’s program with INAFOCAM’s sponsorship. The program was aimed at technicians, coordinators, and English teachers from Regional 03 of the Ministry of Education (MINERD), corresponding to the Southern region of the country.
During their academic training, participants developed core competencies for teaching practice, including the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), the enhancement of their oral and written English communication skills, and the design and implementation of educational programs for teaching English as a foreign language.
The completion of this program represents progress in preparing professionals capable of meeting the current challenges of language teaching, incorporating technological tools into their educational practices, and contributing to the strengthening of learning processes. With this initiative, UNICDA reaffirms its commitment to training highly qualified professionals and to developing academic offerings that help raise the quality of education in the Dominican Republic.
Likewise, the university recognizes the value of interinstitutional collaboration with INAFOCAM in promoting postgraduate training opportunities for teaching staff and in fostering the ongoing development of those responsible for educating new generations.
The closing of this first cohort marks a milestone in the professional development of its participants and reaffirms the importance of continuing to invest in teacher specialization as a means of driving the country’s educational transformation.
ICDA promotes reflection on mental health with the screening and discussion of «My 500 Crazies»
The event brought together medical, psychological, social, and cinematic perspectives to address the evolution of psychiatric care and the current challenges of mental health in the Dominican Republic.
Within the framework of World Mental Health Day, the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA) held on Saturday, October 10, the screening of the film “My 500 Crazies” and the discussion “From My 500 Crazies to Today’s Mental Health,” at the Patrick N. Hughson Auditorium. The activity was held to benefit the Padre Billini Mental Health Board.
The meeting provided a space for reflection on the evolution of psychiatric care, the stigma associated with mental disorders, and the importance of promoting more humane care focused on the dignity and rights of individuals.
Based on the historical reality presented in the film, the discussion connected different perspectives on mental health with the current challenges in the Dominican Republic. Psychosocial rehabilitation, recovery, and inclusion were among the topics addressed during the dialogue.
The panel included Dr. Yino Martínez, psychiatrist and psychotherapist, director of the Padre Billini Psychosocial Rehabilitation Center; and Dr. José Ángel Saviñón, psychiatrist and psychotherapist, professor, researcher, and author. Both contributed the medical perspective to the exchange on mental health care.
Also participating were Roselin de los Santos de Saviñón, M.A., clinical psychologist and Fulbright program alumna; and Rosario Bonarelli, president of the Mental Health Board, who contributed to the dialogue from psychological and social fields.
The cinematic perspective was represented by Ico Abreu, Dominican actor who plays “El Tuerto” in “My 500 Crazies” and Fulbright program alumnus. His participation linked the film experience with the themes that motivated the event.
The day brought together cinema and dialogue as means to bring the public closer to a reality that requires understanding, respect, and collective commitment. It also offered an opportunity to reflect on advances in mental health care and the challenges that remain to promote recovery and inclusion of people with mental disorders.
The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano thanks the panelists and everyone who supported this solidarity initiative, whose purpose was to contribute to greater awareness of mental health and support the work of the Padre Billini Mental Health Board.
The Embassy of the United States, ICDA, and Ideice present progress to strengthen English teaching in the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. – The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA) and the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo held the meeting “Progress that Inspires: Training, Evidence, and Collaboration to Strengthen English Teaching,” within the framework of the Working Table for the Advancement of English in the Dominican Republic.
The event, held in the ICDA Exhibition Hall, brought together representatives from governmental and private institutions, educators, and allies to share advances in teacher training and certification, learn about the results of research on English teachers, and explore collaboration opportunities.
The meeting was led by Chelsia Hetrick, Public Affairs Counselor at the United States Embassy; Enrique Fernández Malla, Executive Director of ICDA and Rector of the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA); Jesús Andújar Avilés, Executive Director of the Instituto Dominicano de Evaluación e Investigación de la Calidad Educativa (Ideice); and Ancell Scheker, Deputy Minister of Technical and Pedagogical Services of the Ministry of Education (Minerd).
In her welcome remarks, Hetrick highlighted that the initiatives presented are the result of joint work by various organizations and their commitment to strengthening the capacities of those who teach English. She also emphasized that the Working Table should continue to be a platform to identify needs, connect capabilities, and turn institutional exchanges into concrete actions.
“None of these initiatives belong to a single institution. They have been possible because different organizations have brought knowledge, resources, experience, relationships, and willingness to the table,” she said.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the Teacher Development Center of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano and the Centro Cultural Domínico Americano in Santiago obtained licenses to offer the SIT TESOL Certificate Course, a professional certification program for teaching English designed and accredited by World Learning / SIT Graduate School, a higher education institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
These licenses strengthen the country’s capacity to offer teacher training and certification with international standards. As part of this progress, participants of the inaugural cohorts of the program, which includes approximately 180 hours of training, observation, teaching practice, feedback, and evaluation, were recognized.
Meanwhile, Ideice presented the study “Profile and Characteristics of English Teachers in the Public Pre-University Sector of the Dominican Republic and Interventions that Contribute to Their Training (2025),” conducted with the sponsorship of the United States Embassy, ICDA, and Minerd.
Andújar highlighted that this is the first official study aimed at understanding the profile and characteristics of English teachers in the public pre-university sector, and it constitutes a starting point to continue researching the teaching and learning process of this language in the country in collaboration with Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA).
He noted that the findings invite strengthening competency diagnostics, offering training that responds to the different needs of teachers, and supporting them in applying what they have learned.
In his closing remarks, Fernández Malla expressed ICDA’s willingness to contribute its technical teams and evaluation experience to the efforts that Minerd should lead, with an emphasis on capacity transfer and external validation of measurement instruments.
“English is not a curricular luxury. It is part of the human capital with which this country will compete, research, and communicate with the world,” he affirmed. “Behind every percentage in this report is a teacher in front of a classroom. Our task is to ensure they are not alone.”
During the meeting, the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano donated books to Minerd for use in schools. The donation was received by Ancell Scheker, Deputy Minister of Technical and Pedagogical Services, on behalf of the Ministry.
The meeting highlighted the contribution of teacher training, research, and inter-institutional cooperation to strengthening English teaching in the Dominican Republic.
UNICDA holds a conference on the constitutional evolution of the United States
The Dominican American University (UNICDA) held the keynote lecture “Two Hundred and Fifty Years of Independence: The Constitution through the Decisions of the United States Supreme Court,” delivered by Dr. Julio José Rojas-Báez, president of the Inter-American Juridical Committee of the Organization of American States (OAS).
The event took place in the Exhibition Hall of the Earl R. Threan Administrative Building, as part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. The activity provided a space for reflection on the constitutional evolution of that country and the role of the decisions of its Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution.
The welcome and opening remarks were given by Enrique A. Fernández Malla, rector of UNICDA. The lecture was aimed at students, teachers, professionals, and the public interested in the history and institutions of the United States.
Rojas-Báez is a lawyer graduated from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo and a former Fulbright scholar, with a master’s degree in International Legal Studies from American University Washington College of Law. He also has postgraduate training in State Administrative Law and Constitutional Law and Constitutional Justice, as well as extensive experience in teaching and legal practice.
The program included a question and exchange session with the speaker, aimed at expanding reflections on the topic.
With this activity, UNICDA continues to promote spaces for education and dialogue that contribute to critical thinking and knowledge of the history and institutions of the United States, in line with its binational character.