UNICDA Hospitality and Tourism students presented ‘Mexclao Restaurant,’ an innovative gastronomic experience
The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) once again turned learning into a practical and innovative experience through MEXCLAO RESTAURANT, a gastronomic concept created and executed by students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Business Administration.
The proposal, developed under the guidance of Yuderka Monción, consisted of a Dominican-Mexican fusion culinary experience, fully designed by the students, who took charge of every stage of the project: conceptualization, ambiance, operations, service, and culinary execution, replicating the standards of a professional restaurant.
The activity was attended by Dr. Josefina Pepin, UNICDA’s Academic Vice-Rector; Eng. Edwin Salazar, Dean of Student Life; Lic. Rubi Bretón, Director of Research; and Lic. Alejandra Brunet, Tourism Program Coordinator, who witnessed firsthand the talent, creativity, and level of preparation of the future hospitality professionals.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed an eight-course menu combining traditional flavors from the Dominican Republic and Mexico, featuring dishes such as La Sopa La Mestiza, Mexclafongo, and the dessert El Maizal. The experience also included a signature cocktail bar, where ingredients like tequila, mamajuana, mango, and rum fused into original creations that complemented the restaurant’s theme.
The thematic ambiance, live music, and service provided by the students contributed to an immersive and professional experience, demonstrating the importance of practical training within higher education.
Beyond an academic evaluation, this initiative represented a showcase of UNICDA’s commitment to dynamic teaching, focused on developing real-world competencies and enhancing students’ talent in settings close to the tourism and hospitality industry.
The university congratulated the participating students for their dedication, creativity, and excellence, reaffirming that talent, when driven by passion and preparation, knows no limits.
UNICDA holds meeting among representatives of educational centers
The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) held a special gathering with coordinators, counselors, and teachers from various educational centers, with the purpose of creating a space for reflection and exchange on the current challenges of vocational guidance in an environment shaped by technological transformation.
As part of the activity, the talk ‘Guiding in Uncertainty: Vocational Guidance in the Age of Artificial Intelligence’ was delivered by Ofelia Berrido, a professional with extensive experience in educational transformation, faculty development, and university leadership.
During her presentation, the specialist shared perspectives, experiences, and key tools to support new generations in making academic and professional decisions within an increasingly dynamic, digital, and changing context. She also emphasized the importance of strengthening human competencies, critical thinking, and strategic guidance in light of the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work and education.
The gathering also helped strengthen the bond between the university and educational centers, fostering dialogue on the role of vocational guidance in the comprehensive education of students and in building life projects aligned with the demands of today’s world.
With initiatives like this, UNICDA reaffirms its commitment to education, innovation, and the development of future professionals prepared to face the challenges of a constantly evolving society.
UNICDA strengthens sustainability education with the workshop “Leading Change for Sustainability”
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) held the workshop “Leading Change for Sustainability,” an initiative aimed at strengthening students’ leadership and sustainability skills while promoting an innovative and responsible vision in the face of today’s global challenges.
The session was led by José Luis Ferreras Méndez and Ana Sevilla Pavón, facilitators from the University of Valencia, who shared their knowledge and experiences through a practical and immersive methodology focused on leadership for sustainable transformation.
During the workshop, participants took on the role of change agents, confronting real-world scenarios related to implementing sustainable initiatives within organizational environments. This dynamic allowed students to develop key skills to diagnose resistance, design impactful strategies, and promote the adoption of green innovations across diverse professional contexts.
The activity reaffirms UNICDA’s commitment to comprehensive education that fosters critical thinking, innovation, and the creation of sustainable solutions, preparing future professionals to lead positive changes in their organizations and communities.
Through initiatives like this, the university continues to champion an education that inspires change and encourages a responsible, sustainable vision for the future.
UNICDA at TESOL 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah, proudly contributing to global conversations on English language education
UNICDA participated in the TESOL 2026 International Convention through a TESOL Focus Session, where progress on the project “Evaluation and Alignment of a National English Immersion Program” was presented. This initiative is being implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT), with technical support from TESOL International Association consultants and the sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo.
The session provided an opportunity to share key findings, opportunities, challenges, and recommendations with the international ELT community, aimed at strengthening the sustainability and scalability of the National English Immersion Program and reinforcing its role as a strategic asset for the Dominican Republic’s educational and productive systems.
Presenting team:
▪️ MESCYT: Giseh Cuesta, Director of Foreign Languages; Zomnia Schott, Academic Coordinator of the Immersion Program
▪️ UNICDA / ICDA: Karlans Camacho, Coordinator of the Teacher Development Center at UNICDA; Daphna Reyes, Immersion Program Coordinator at Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA)
▪️ TESOL International Association: Heidi Faust, Head of Grants and Partnerships; Deborah Kennedy and Lisa Mann, Adult Education and Workforce Development Specialists.
UNICDA remains committed to institutional collaboration, educational quality, and the advancement of English language teaching within a global framework.
UNICDA participates in a reforestation day in Bonao and reaffirms its commitment to sustainability
Monseñor Nouel, Dominican Republic.
As part of the commemoration of International Day of Forests and World Water Day, the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), through its UNICDA Sustainable program, participated in a reforestation day along the banks of the Yuna River, in the Los Amapolos sector of Bonao.
The initiative was organized by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic, through the Provincial Department of Environment of Monseñor Nouel, under the coordination of environmental technician Gregorio Núñez. The activity also received support from volunteers of Seguros SURA, strengthening an inter-institutional alliance in favor of the environment.
UNICDA authorities took part in the day, including Josefina Pepín Ubrí, Edwin Salazar, Rubi Bretón, Yessica De la Cruz, and Laurisia Concha, who joined the volunteers in this environmental action. With the participation of 42 volunteers, 1,200 seedlings of native species were planted, including mara, sea grape, and cabirma, contributing to the recovery of this important ecosystem and the protection of the area’s water resources.
This initiative not only positively impacts the natural environment but also strengthens environmental awareness within the university community. Through actions like this, UNICDA reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and the training of citizens who are conscious and committed to the planet’s future.
🌱 With concrete actions, the institution continues to sow life and build a more sustainable future for all. 💚
UNICDA inaugurates modern cybersecurity laboratories and strengthens its commitment to technological innovation
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) celebrated the inauguration of its new cybersecurity laboratories, a significant step that reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and the training of professionals prepared for the challenges of the digital environment.
The event was attended by distinguished authorities from the academic and technological fields, including Guido Gómez Mazara, President of the Board of Directors of the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL); Ramón Sosa, Rector of the university; Lucy Threan; Frank Abreu; Josefina Pepín; and Jimmy Rosario, Rector of the Instituto Tecnológico de Las Américas (ITLA).
These new spaces have been designed to provide hands-on learning experiences, enabling students to develop skills in digital defense, vulnerability analysis, and risk management in environments that simulate real-world scenarios. This initiative responds to the growing global demand for specialized talent in cybersecurity and technological fields.
With this inauguration, UNICDA strengthens its academic offerings in STEAM disciplines and consolidates its vision of promoting education aligned with the needs of today’s world. The laboratories, named Cyber and Shield, represent a firm commitment to educational innovation and the training of leaders capable of generating solutions within the digital ecosystem.
This important institutional milestone reaffirms UNICDA’s commitment to technological transformation and the development of Dominican talent, projecting its students toward a future full of opportunities in the digital sphere.
UNICDA fosters entrepreneurial spirit with a talk on “Key Skills to Grow Your Idea”
On March 11, UNICDA’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship hosted the talk “Entrepreneurial Competencies: Key Skills to Grow Your Idea” at the Earl R. Threan Administrative Building Exhibition Hall, bringing together university students and members of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA) community.
The session was led by Yessica De la Cruz, who shared practical tools, experiences, and knowledge aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial mindset. During her presentation, she emphasized the importance of developing strategic skills to transform ideas into sustainable projects with growth potential in an increasingly competitive environment.
The activity became a space for learning and inspiration, focused on motivating participants to take the next step toward innovation and entrepreneurship, aligned with the commitment of the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) to train professionals capable of generating a positive impact on society.
ManpowerGroup and UNICDA launch 2026 scholarship program to boost technological talent
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – April 22, 2026.
With the aim of strengthening the development of Dominican talent in high-demand technological areas, ManpowerGroup and Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) announced the launch of the ManpowerGroup UNICDA Academic Advancement Scholarship for First-Year Students.
The launch event was held at UNICDA’s Exhibition Hall and featured the participation of Josefina Pepín, Academic Vice-Rector of the institution, and Natalia Vásquez, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup, who highlighted the impact of this initiative on the training of future professionals in the country.
The program will grant a full-coverage scholarship for the academic cycle, including tuition, monthly fees, access to digital learning platforms, and a distinctive component of continuous academic support and vocational guidance. Beneficiaries will be able to pursue strategic innovation-oriented careers such as Software Engineering, Data Science Engineering, and Cybersecurity Engineering.
This initiative arises in response to the findings of ManpowerGroup’s global report Labor Trends 2026, which warns of a growing “succession crisis” in leadership and the consolidation of “super-hybrid” teams, where collaboration between human talent and artificial intelligence will be key.
“We are entering an era of accelerated relearning. Technology sets the pace, but ethical judgment and soft skills remain fundamental,” said Natalia Vásquez. In this regard, she emphasized that the program seeks to identify young people with academic excellence and a vocation for social impact, capable of using technology as a driver of solutions for the country.
For her part, Josefina Pepín highlighted the institution’s commitment to the development of young talent. “Today we are not only announcing a benefit, but a real commitment to the future of Dominican youth and their ability to transform society,” she affirmed.
Application Process
The call will remain open until June 26, 2026 and will be conducted digitally. Applicants must be high school graduates in 2026, have a minimum average of 90 points, and have obtained at least 800 points on the POMA test.
As part of the process, candidates must submit a motivation essay, which will account for 25% of the total evaluation, where they will present their vision of the future, leadership, and commitment to the country’s development. Finalists will be evaluated on July 17 by a joint panel, and the winner will be announced on August 19, 2026.
For more information on the requirements and application process, interested parties may consult the official channels of ManpowerGroup and UNICDA.
About the Institutions
ManpowerGroup is a global leader in human capital solutions, with a presence in more than 80 countries and a track record of over 78 years connecting talent with opportunities. In 2024, it was recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifteenth time.
Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) is a higher education institution committed to academic excellence and the training of highly skilled professionals to meet labor market demands and contribute to the sustainable development of Dominican society.
The Domínico Americano University and the Dominican Republic Air Force sign collaboration agreement
The Domínico Americano University and the Dominican Republic Air Force sign collaboration agreement 🤝✈️ We have signed a collaboration agreement with the Dominican Republic Air Force (FARD), with the objective of developing activities and projects that promote the exchange of theoretical and practical experiences, as well as fostering educational initiatives, research, and diverse collaborations. 🛩️🪖 […]