Yes, Chef!: Cooks Around the World, a culinary journey without a passport that sparks children’s creativity
The “Yes, Chef! Cooks Around the World” morning camp has become an unforgettable experience for our mini chefs, who have traveled the globe with a spoon in hand, discovering new flavors, cultures, and a deep passion for cooking.
The stoves were fired up with an explosion of flavors. From juicy hamburgers to colorful tacos and creatively decorated cupcakes, participants explored the cuisines of the United States and Mexico. The grand finale was the highly anticipated Sweet Friday, a day dedicated to desserts that unleashed their imagination and love for all things sweet.
The second week took our young cooks on a journey through Spanish and Dominican cuisine. Dishes full of history, traditional techniques, and delicious flavors filled the kitchen with enthusiasm. On Friday, a festival of appetizers joyfully wrapped up a week that celebrated culture and teamwork.
The third week was a true nonstop journey. From Italian pasta to intense and varied Asian flavors, the mini chefs tasted new ingredients and learned techniques from different parts of the world. The week concluded with a delicious brunch Friday, combining sweet and savory dishes for a feast for the senses.
“Yes, Chef!” continues to show that cooking is much more than just recipes; it’s a way to learn, share, and grow. Every dish has been a living lesson in culture, teamwork, and creativity. We’ll see you next year!
The School of Art and Culture successfully concluded its summer camp, SUMMER COMICS
For three weeks, the space was filled with imagination, color, and high energy at the SUMMER COMICS camp—an educational initiative where our young participants became true storytellers.
During this time, students learned drawing techniques geared toward comic creation, exploring themes like anatomy, clothing movement, character design, narrative structure, and timeline development. Each day was a chance to unleash creativity and turn ideas into unique characters.
The result was a vibrant collection of comics full of talent and originality—an outcome shaped by the effort, passion, and guidance of our facilitators.
We thank every family for trusting in this project, and our young artists for pouring their hearts into each page.
See you on the next creative mission!
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.
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.
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.
The ICDA Language School celebrates its first graduation of the year with more than 220 students
Emotion and pride filled the graduation ceremony of the Language School at the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), where in two separate ceremonies, diplomas were awarded to graduates of the Playful Learning, Juniors, Adults, and Spanish as a Foreign Language programs. In total, more than 220 students participated in a day full of symbolism, art, and academic commitment.
The event was opened by Mrs. Lucy Threan Lamarche, Vice President of the ICDA Board of Directors, and Mr. Robert Valcin, Director of the Language School, who both offered warm words of welcome. Professor Wilson Montilla Kelly, representing the teaching staff, congratulated the students for their perseverance and dedication.
One of the most anticipated moments was the recognition of outstanding students, including Zoe Clauddette Custodio Hernández (Advanced Junior), Farah Isabella Dicent Agüero (Advanced Junior), María José Colás (Advanced Adult), Josué Rafael de los Santos Cruz (Advanced Adult), and Alceni Oliveira Da Silva (Spanish Program), who delivered heartfelt speeches filled with gratitude, fulfilled dreams, and hope for the future.
The ceremony also featured a special artistic performance by the Domínico Americano Mixed Choir, directed by Maestro Viterbo Peña, adding a unique touch to the celebration.
The diploma presentation was a deeply emotional moment, with family and friends proudly applauding each student. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic oath, reaffirming the graduates’ commitment to learning and excellence.
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.
The first group of Kids Academy successfully completes the course Traditional Drawing I
With pencil, paper, and lots of passion, our students marked a milestone by completing the first course offered in our new Kids Academy section: Traditional Drawing I.
Over several weeks, they explored the fundamentals of drawing in a space designed to foster creativity from an early age. Each class was an opportunity to discover the power of lines, shapes, and personal expression.
This course not only strengthened their technical skills but also awakened a new way of observing the world around them.
We are immensely proud to see how this first group paved the way with enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment.
Congratulations to each one of them for their dedication and for taking this first big step in their artistic journey!