UNICDA Participates in the 1st Regional Congress of the Tourism Law Observatory of Latin America and the Caribbean
From July 14 to 16, the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) had the honor of participating in the 1st Regional Congress of the Tourism Law Observatory of Latin America and the Caribbean, with the theme “Legal Perspectives for Sustainable Tourism,” held at The Westin Punta Cana Resort & Club.
With great pride, UNICDA was represented by both faculty and students, demonstrating its commitment to academic training linked to the sustainable development of tourism in the region. The university was represented at this important event by Alejandra Brunet, Coordinator of the Tourism program; professor Ana Vanesa Florian; and students Perla Liranzo and Carlenny Díaz, from the Tourism and Hospitality program.
The congress was organized by UN Tourism, Grupo Puntacana, and Quiroz Advisors – QA Legal, and brought together legal professionals, private sector representatives, and government authorities. During the congress, fundamental topics were addressed, such as best practices in tourism regulation and sustainability, the challenges of short-term tourism rentals, the adaptation of tourist spaces to ISO standards on accessibility, and green investments in strategic sectors like real estate, hospitality, and banking.
These types of events strengthen the link between academia, the private sector, and government bodies, while also reinforcing UNICDA’s commitment to higher education aimed at training professionals who will lead responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.
We thank the organizers for their hospitality and for creating a space for dialogue and exchange that undoubtedly enriches the academic and professional vision of our students and faculty.
UNICDA awards scholarships to young people who will begin their studies in technology-related fields
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – July 30, 2025
The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) celebrated the awarding of its UNICDA Excellence 2025 scholarships, recognizing the high academic performance of outstanding high school students. The event took place in the Exhibition Hall of the Earl R. Threan Administrative Building on campus, with the participation of university authorities, the families of the scholarship recipients, and members of the academic community.
This year, the scholarships were awarded to three young women who will begin their university studies in technology and innovation-related fields:
Amy Pérez Mejía, Cybersecurity Engineering
Paula Mabel Martínez Abreu, Data Science Engineering
Katia Nathaly Pujols Almánzar, Software Engineering
These scholarships not only reflect UNICDA’s commitment to academic excellence but also its dedication to preparing professionals in high-demand fields. The new additions of Cybersecurity Engineering and Data Science Engineering, along with the already well-established and highly sought-after Software Engineering program, demonstrate this strategic vision focused on innovation and training in key areas for the country’s development.
During the ceremony, the Academic Vice-Rector, Dr. Josefina Pepín, gave the welcoming remarks, highlighting the merit and dedication of the scholarship recipients. Lisanna E. Montero Montán, a Business Administration student and a 2024 scholarship recipient, also addressed the attendees, sharing her testimony and motivating this year’s recipients to continue pursuing their academic goals.
The closing remarks were delivered by the Rector of UNICDA, Ing. Ramón Sosa, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to educating ethical, competent professionals dedicated to national development. “Through initiatives like UNICDA Excellence, we help pave the way for the country’s young talent, especially in high-impact areas like technology,” he stated.
The awarding of these scholarships strengthens the bond between UNICDA and the student community while fostering the personal and professional growth of high-potential young people. The university continues to position itself as a place of educational excellence, innovation, and comprehensive training, with programs adapted to a globalized environment and the needs of the current job market.
UNICDA’s Volunteer Program visits the San Francisco de Asís Nursing Home in honor of Father’s Day
In commemoration of Father’s Day, the UNICDA Volunteer Group, along with the Department of Social Outreach and Extension of the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), made a heartfelt visit to the San Francisco de Asís Nursing Home. The goal was to spend a morning full of affection, joy, and solidarity with the elderly residents.
The activity, which is part of the university’s social responsibility initiatives and the volunteer group’s promotion of core values, allowed students to genuinely connect with the residents. This was achieved through activities like singing, dancing, and conversations filled with anecdotes and wisdom.
During the visit, there were moments of great emotion and closeness. The smiles and warm hugs reflected the positive impact of the visit on both the residents and the volunteers.
“We are leaving with our hearts full,” several students shared. They valued the experience as an opportunity for personal and human growth, strengthening their commitment to a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Through initiatives like this, UNICDA continues to promote a comprehensive education that goes beyond the classroom, encouraging its students to build a supportive university community that is aware of and committed to its surroundings.
The Dominican American Cultural Institute celebrated the Independence of the United States with a Farmers Market
On Wednesday, July 3rd, we held a Farmers Market to commemorate the Independence Day of the United States. The event was open to our entire educational community and welcomed staff members, students, teachers, and visitors, all of whom enjoyed a unique day in true farmer style.
During the celebration, the main campus of our institution transformed into a vibrant space filled with music, recreational activities, traditional food, vendor stations, and a lively, positive atmosphere. The stars of the day were various local entrepreneurs who joined the event to offer natural, handmade products with an authentic flair that delighted everyone in attendance.
Beyond the shopping and flavors, this initiative fostered integration among our community members, supported entrepreneurial talent, and honored a date that holds great significance in American culture—a core part of our identity as a binational center.
We’re grateful to everyone who made this experience possible, from the organizers to each participant who brought the event to life.
Students from the Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Teaching Focus at UNICDA were recognized at the student merit ceremony organized by INAFOCAM
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) had the honor of participating in the fifth edition of the Student Merit Recognition Ceremony, organized by the National Institute for Teacher Training and Development (INAFOCAM).
This meaningful event brought together representatives from various higher education institutions across the country with the purpose of recognizing the academic excellence, commitment, and dedication of students pursuing degrees in Education.
The UNICDA students who were recognized were:
Tiara Nataly Encarnación Herrera
Rosalvis Andrea Guerrero Shephard
Lourdes Nathalia Pérez Sosa
On this occasion, UNICDA was represented by Dr. Josefina Pepín Ubrí, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, and Eng. Edwin Salazar, Director of Registration.
The university congratulates these young women for their effort, dedication, and excellence, which have made them inspiring role models for the future generation of educators in the country.
The Domínico Americano Holds Its 2025 General Ordinary Assembly of Associates
Last Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Instituto Cultural Dominico Americano held its General Ordinary Assembly of Associates, a space for dialogue and accountability in which the institutional advances of the year 2024 were presented and new members of the Board of Directors were elected for the period 2025–2027.
The activity was presided over by Mrs. Darys Estrella, president of the Board of Directors, who offered opening remarks highlighting the impact of initiatives developed during the past year and reaffirming the commitment to responsible leadership that guides the mission of Dominico Americano.
During the day, Eng. Ramón Sosa, Executive Director, presented the institutional management report; Mr. Frank Abate, Treasurer, shared financial information based on audited statements; and Mrs. Hilda Patricia Polanco, Secretary of Council, conducted the voting process and validation for the new board composition.
The Executive Committee Board that begins its functions with immediate effect is composed of:
Darys Estrella – President
Lucy Threan de Lamarche – Vice President
Hilda Patricia Polanco – Secretary
Francisco J. Abate Franjul – Treasurer
Darío Lama Reyes – Vice Secretary
Robert Valdez – Vice Treasurer
Additionally forming part are:
Francisco J. Abreu Vitetta, Bassa Isaac Castañeda, Enrique A. Fernández Malla, Marielle Garrido, Jeffrey Johnson, Mari Carmen Orizondo, Leonardo Santoni, Arthur Valdez
We thank all associates who participated actively in this assembly, contributing to strengthening our institution’s mission to promote cultural exchange between the Dominican Republic and the United States.
U.S. Embassy and the Domínico Americano lead Working Group for the Advancement of English in the Dominican Republic
The United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, in collaboration with the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), held the Working Group for the Advancement of English, a space for inter-institutional dialogue and collaboration focused on strengthening English language teaching in the Dominican Republic.
During this event, held at the ICDA’s main campus, representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT), universities, research centers, and partner organizations gathered to share initiatives, establish strategic alliances, and outline joint action plans among key stakeholders in the Dominican and U.S. education sectors.
One of the main announcements of the meeting was the availability of funding from the United States Embassy for the development of collaborative English teaching projects, aimed at institutions that promote access to and quality in English language learning.
Additionally, a new joint initiative was presented between the Dominican Institute for Educational Quality Evaluation and Research (IDEICE) and the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), aimed at analyzing the current state of English in the country, with the goal of generating evidence-based recommendations to influence public policies and training programs.
Through its support of this working group, the Domínico Americano reaffirms its commitment to promoting English as a key tool for academic, professional, and global integration, strengthening its role as a bridge between both nations in the field of education.
Rafael Chaer shares his experience with students of the Tourism and Hospitality program
Students from the Tourist Marketing course, part of the Tourism and Hospitality program at UNICDA, received a very special visit: Rafael Chaer, renowned Creative Director and Brand Strategist, who shared his extensive experience in branding, visual communication, and strategic development in digital environments with the future professionals.
With over 15 years of professional experience, Rafael has led projects for major national and international brands such as Ágora Mall, Grupo CCN, Club Atlético Licey, BM Cargo, Brugal, Downtown Center, CEPM, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, among others, establishing himself as a key figure in the field of marketing and creativity in the Dominican Republic.
During his talk, Chaer addressed essential topics for the tourism industry, including: the importance of strategy as the foundation for any project, the design of action plans, the impact of digital media, the development of creative concepts, and the relevance of understanding the target audience through the use of color, promotion, and effective visual communication.
This enriching session allowed students to gain first-hand insight into the tools and approaches used in the development of purpose-driven brands, creating a practical, inspiring learning space aligned with the current demands of the tourism market.
University students join cleanup campaign for World Oceans Day 2025
In commemoration of World Oceans Day, students from our Dominican-American University (UNICDA) participated in a meaningful coastal cleanup campaign, organized in collaboration with the Vida Azul Foundation. The activity, which took place at a local beach, successfully collected over 2,800 pounds of waste, including plastics, foam, and other solid debris that severely impact the health of marine ecosystems.
This year’s theme, “Awaken New Depths: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” invites reflection on the deep connection between the oceans and life on Earth. This initiative not only represented a concrete action in favor of the environment but also served as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness among participants about the urgency of protecting our seas.
The organizers emphasized that while these cleanups are valuable, real change begins by preventing pollution at its source. “It’s not just about cleaning up, but about not polluting in the first place. Caring for our oceans is a shared responsibility that starts with our everyday choices,” they stated.
The university thus reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and to shaping responsible citizens who are aware of the impact their actions have on the planet.