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.
UNICDA signs collaboration agreement with Doctores Mallén Guerra
The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) signed an important collaboration agreement with the prestigious medical institution Doctores Mallén Guerra, with the aim of establishing a strategic alliance focused on academic, research, and professional development.
This agreement seeks to create synergies that benefit both students and professionals from both institutions through the implementation of joint programs that promote continuing education, applied research, and academic outreach.
Key actions outlined in the agreement include:
Internships and social service opportunities
Training and continuing education programs
Knowledge and technology transfer
Development of educational and cultural projects
The signing of the agreement was attended by Mr. Elías Juliá Calac, General Manager of Doctores Mallén Guerra, and Eng. Ramón Antonio Sosa Alcántara, Rector of UNICDA.
This alliance reaffirms UNICDA’s commitment to academic excellence and its connection with the productive sector, thereby strengthening its mission to offer more and better development opportunities for its academic community.
Storytelling workshop with the students of the Tourism Marketing course
The students of the Tourism Marketing course had a meaningful learning experience during a visit from Professor Esmarlin Moreta, a renowned communication strategist and facilitator at our School of Art and Culture, who led a specialized storytelling workshop.
Throughout the session, students explored key tools for creating strategic and emotionally impactful content, gaining insights into persuasive writing, digital narratives, and communication formulas aimed at specific goals such as product sales, increasing engagement, or generating social impact.
The activity was designed to strengthen the communication skills of future marketing professionals, providing them with resources applicable to today’s digital environment and to the demands of the hospitality and tourism sector, helping them face market challenges with creativity and strategic thinking.
Storytelling is not just a creative tool—it is a powerful strategy to connect with people and stir emotions in favor of a brand, cause, or product.
Students from UNICDA experience the academic session “Beyond The Theory” to enhance their teaching skills
With the aim of exposing future teachers to the real challenges of the classroom, students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English Teaching at the Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) took part in the academic session “Beyond The Theory: Real-World Reflections on Teaching.”
This educational event, guided by Professor Julissa Gómez Fernández, featured special participation from Mayerling Molina, who shared valuable insights into the dynamics of the current educational environment.
During the session, key topics such as student motivation, classroom diversity, the development of teaching skills, and effective teaching strategies were discussed, allowing students to connect the theoretical aspects of their training with real-life teaching experiences.
“Beyond The Theory” was an enriching experience that fostered critical thinking, idea exchange, and professional growth among participants, further strengthening their preparation to successfully face the challenges of 21st-century classrooms.
UniXperience 2025: Three days to find the career that suits you at UNICDA
For three days filled with enthusiasm, innovation, and vocation, the Dominican-American University (UNICDA) celebrated UniXperience 2025, an academic fair designed to bring students closer to the diverse fields of study offered by the university.
From April 23 to April 25, young people from different parts of the country experienced a unique university event, participating in dynamics, exhibitions, and interactive activities that reflected the essence and purpose of each academic program.
Day 1: Leadership begins with Business
The inaugural day was dedicated to the Business field, where visitors connected with the degrees in Business Administration, Management of Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises, as well as the Technical Degree in Tour Guidance and the Technical Degree in Quality Analysis and Tourism Sustainability.
Day 2: Vocation and Purpose in Education
The second day was led by the field of Education, with a creative and inspiring showcase. The degrees in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Artistic Education, Foreign Languages Mention (English), and Education for Youths and Adults were presented with passion, highlighting the importance of forming professionals capable of transforming lives from the classroom.
A day that reaffirmed the value of teaching with purpose from empathy.
Day 3: Technology as a Driver of the Future
UniXperience 2025 concluded splendidly with the presentation of the Technology field, where the degrees in Software Engineering, Data Science Engineering, and Cybersecurity Engineering, along with the Technical Degree in Software Development and the Technical Degree in Systems and Network Administration, were featured.
Students explored how UNICDA trains professionals capable of preventing, reacting, analyzing, and responding to technological challenges, paving the way for a promising digital future.
UNICDA continues to bet on comprehensive, innovative education committed to the development of professionals prepared to impact the world through their various vocations.
UNICDA celebrated the International Girls in ICT Day with an inspiring talk at the Fabio Amable Mota Technological Institute
As part of the International Girls in ICT Day, the Dominican-American University (UNICDA) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion and female empowerment in the technological field with a special visit to the Fabio Amable Mota Technological Institute.
During the event, the talk “Technology with Purpose” was held, led by Engineer Eiraliza Jiménez, a systems engineer, who shared her personal experience in the world of technology with the students. Her testimony was a source of inspiration, highlighting the challenges overcome and encouraging young women to dream big, break barriers, and trust in their potential to succeed in this exciting sector.
“The world of technology is also ours. It’s not just about programming, but about creating impactful solutions. You have the power to lead that change,” said Engineer Jiménez during her speech.
This initiative is part of UNICDA’s ongoing commitment to promoting the participation of more women in technological careers, fostering comprehensive education free of stereotypes, and inspiring new generations to be agents of digital transformation.
Let us continue building a more diverse, fair, and innovative future for everyone!