Maricha
Martinez Sosa, PhD

Maricha Martinez Sosa is a researcher, educator, and entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic. With more than 15 years of experience in visual and written communication, she focuses on digital communication, culture, education, sustainable development, and innovation. Founder of Umami Creadores, Quemashago.com, and Cultoural.com. Bachelor in Graphic Design with a Master's Degree in Advertising, she has postgraduate studies in Higher Education and a Ph.D. in Communication and Cultural Industries from the Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain).

During her academic and professional career, she has received several awards and recognitions such as the Epifanio Lantigua National Touristic Journalism Award of the Dominican Republic (2021 / 2019) and the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative - YLAI Professional Fellowship from the Department of State of the United States of America (2016).

What I Do

Research

Coordination and development of research for organizations, institutions, brands and initiatives, with special focus on digital communication, culture, education, development and innovation.

Content Creation

Creation and production of visual and written content, tailored to each communication needs. Including: graphic design, photography, videos and copywriting.

Education

Design and execution of educational modules, courses, training sessions and workshops in areas such as: digital communication, creativity, graphic design and photography, among others.

Consulting

Ad hoc consulting for brands and initiatives in areas such as digital communication, branding, creativity, aesthetics, and interaction with customers.

Testimonials

Resume

+15 Years of Experience

Education

2014 – 2020
Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Valencia, Spain

PhD in Communication and Cultural Industries

Doctoral research: Cultural Communication in the Dominican Republic, impediments for the dissemination and its relation to poverty. Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10251/156036

2012 - 2014
Universidad Católica Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Higher Education Specialist

Post Graduate Studies certified by the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic that habilitates professionals from several fields to serve as university professors. 

2008 - 2009
Universidad Antonio de Nebrija. Madrid, Spain

Master Degree in Advertising

2003 - 2007
Universidad APEC. Dominican Republic.

Bachelor Degree in Graphic Design

2003
Colegio Dominicano De La Salle. Dominican Republic

High School Diploma

Awards, Merits & Recognitions

2023
APEC University

Named: “Outstanding graduate” of the School of Arts and Communication.

2023
World Organization of Travel Journalism. Chiriquí, Panamá.

Awarded: Honorable mention on the "Pasaporte Abierto International Award". Category: Investigative Journalism.

2023
Organization of American States (OAS) and Young Americas Business Trust (YABT).

Jury of the Entrepreneurship Competition TIC Americas

2022
World Organization of Travel Journalism, San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Winner: Pasaporte Abierto International Award. Category: Recognition of the others

2022
Organization of American States (OAS) and Young Americas Business Trust (YABT).

Jury of the Entrepreneurship Competition TIC Americas

2021
National Tourism Journalism Award Epifanio Lantigua

Winner: Dominican Republic's National Tourism Journalism Award Epifanio Lantigua· 2021. Category: Arts & Culture.

2021
Google’s Local Guides

Winner: Guiding Stars 2021. Category: Community Builder.

2021
Organization of American States (OAS) and Young Americas Business Trust (YABT).

Jury of the Entrepreneurship Competition TIC Americas

2021
World Organization of Travel Journalism

Winner: Pasaporte Abierto International Award. Category: Originality

2020
#LatamDigital Awards

Winner: Best Digital Start Up (Umami.do / 2nd place) #LatamDigital Awards, Colombia

2020
Organization of American States (OAS) and Young Americas Business Trust (YABT).

Jury of the Entrepreneurship Competition TIC Americas

2019
National Tourism Journalism Award Epifanio Lantigua

Winner: Dominican Republic's National Tourism Journalism Award Epifanio Lantigua· 2019. Category: Best TV / Youtube report

2019
Google

Google’s Local Guides Connect Live 2019 Convention Attendee, California, USA

2019
Organization of American States (OAS) and Young Americas Business Trust (YABT).

Jury of the Entrepreneurship Competition TIC Americas

2016
United States of America Department of State

Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellowship

2005 - 2006
Universidad APEC / Dominican Republic

4 times Winer of the “Best Graphic Design Student” Award

2003
Colegio Dominicano De La Salle

Winner of the Lasallista Merit Student Award

Research & Dissemination

2023
Congreso Prácticas Internacionales de Conservación Urbanismo Diseño Arte Arquitectura (PICUDA).

Panelist at the International Practices in Conservation Urbanism Urbanism Design Art Architecture (PICUDA) Congress on Disruptive Thinking. Santo Domingo, 2023.

2023
Barna Management School

Advisor of four (4) researches, Final Degree Project.

2023
Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies (OGTIC)

Speaker at Dominicana Innova 2023 on “Debunking Myths: Creativity and Soft Skills.”

2023
APEC University

Panelist at the 2nd Colloquium on Graphic Design: Misuse of design: branding, packaging and communication: Who do we design for?

2023
Frank & Timme, Berlin, Germany.

Published research: “Dominican immigration in the United States: Relevance of the English language” in the book: “Diversity and Inclusion across languages. Insights into communicative challenges from theory and practice”.

Abstract: This study has investigated the relationship of the Dominican community in the United States with the English language in order to estimate the relevance of languages in an immigrant’s life. A database was generated through surveys to determine the correlation between English proficiency and educational level, age, city of residence, income level, and gender, among others. By quantitatively analysing the importance of language in the lives of Dominican immigrants in the U.S., it is possible to determine to what extent multilingualism and language is linked to academic success, level of professional development, gender equality, and community integration. The findings of the study are relevant for sociological research, as well as for private businesses and public institutions interested in promoting social sustainability.

Link: https://doi.org/10.57088/978-3-7329-9098-6

2022
Vienna’s University Of Economics And Business. Vienna, Austria.

Speaker at Vienna’s University Of Economics And Business, “Diversity & Inclusion across Languages” Conference.

2021
Proceedings of the "III International Congress on Food Heritage and Museums". Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) / Spain

Comunicación culinaria en República Dominicana: tecnología, chefs, food stylists y foodies. . Actas del II Congreso Internacional sobre Patrimonio Alimentario y Museos.

Culinary communication in the Dominican Republic: technology, chefs, food stylists and foodies. Published in the Proceedings of the "III International Congress on Food Heritage and Museums".

Abstract: Technological development has transformed what we eat and how we enjoy it. Gastronomy has evolved, and this is reflected in the progressive use of innovative formats and communication platforms, which have also influenced the rituals of food socialization. The popularity of new media has led to an increase in the creation of gastronomic content in the Dominican Republic. In order to address it, this research has been carried out taking two axes as a point of analysis: the bibliography on the food heritage of this Caribbean country and the profiles of subjects, brands, and initiatives that serve as digital ambassadors of this culinary culture and use the networks to generate impact on society.

Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10251/184703

2021
Proceedings of the "III International Congress on Food Heritage and Museums". Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) / Spain

Génesis de una identidad visual: Creación de la imagen para el Congreso Internacional de Patrimonio Alimentario y Museo. Actas del II Congreso Internacional sobre Patrimonio Alimentario y Museos

Genesis of a visual identity: Creating the image for the International Congress on Food Heritage and Museum. Published in the Proceedings of the "III International Congress on Food Heritage and Museums".

Abstract: Graphic design, when assumed professionally, is a research process from which visual results are obtained. This paper addresses the connection between graphic design and intellectual production for academic purposes and presents the concept of design methodology. From the methodological perspective, and following the 5 steps of the scientific method, the process and motivations behind each decision are presented, detailing the approach to the project for the creation of the visual identity of the Congreso Internacional de Patrimonio Alimentario y Museos El Gusto enel Museo (EGEEM). By taking as an example the way in which the visual identity of this congress was developed, readers are allowed to witness the process that led to its creation, and the brushstrokes that can serve as a guide for the development of projects with similar characteristics are laid.

Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10251/184762

2020
Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) / Spain. Proceedings of the "II International Congress on Food Heritage and Museums".

Patrimonio alimentario, herramienta de empoderamiento femenino. Actas del II Congreso Internacional sobre Patrimonio Alimentario y Museos.

Food Heritage as a Tool for Women's Empowerment. Published in the Proceedings of the "II International Congress on Food Heritage and Museums".

Abstract: There are groups of women who, more than just becoming entrepreneurs, end up turning into one while seeking the benefit and integration of their community and using their culinary heritage as a fundamental part of their sustainable development. After a brief contextualisation of the Dominican rural environment and the presentation of the intangible heritage as a development tool, two local cases are evaluated as “success stories” because they use the inherited knowledge in the gastronomic field, are led by women and have an impact on their communities. Likewise, a high-impact corporate social responsibility initiative is presented as an example of those that favor this type of community entity.

Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10251/163244

2020
Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) / Spain. Department of Audiovisual Communication, Documentation and Art History.

Tesis Doctoral: Comunicación de la cultura en la República Dominicana, impedimentos para la difusión y su relación con la pobreza

Doctoral research: Cultural Communication in the Dominican Republic, impediments for the dissemination and its relation to poverty.

Abstract: This research collects different points of view and perceptions about the communication impediments of the cultural action, especially among people living in poverty, in the Dominican Republic. It is based on an extensive bibliographical and opinion analysis and a series of interactions involving more than 1,800 Internet users, more than 300 high school students, almost twenty experts and about ten rural residents to present a correlation between culture, development, (dis)equality and communication. The aim is to contextualize the reality of the Dominican Republic in terms of communication, cultural action and education, as well as the perception that the Dominican individuals have, regarding the inequalities in the cultural field. Throughout this process, opportunities for improvement and ideas for maximizing the dissemination of cultural actions were identified.

Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10251/156036

2018
United Nations & Vito. Brussels, Belgium

Panelist and Presenter of Preliminary Doctoral Research Results at the U.N. Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Conferences (G-STIC) Brussels, Belgium

Exhibits & Arts

2019
European Union & Ministry of Women of the Dominican Republic

Chosen as the 2020 Calendar cover picture of Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Women and the European Union’s Dellegation

2019
European Union & Ministry of Women of the Dominican Republic

Part of the Photo Collective Exhibition if the the Mama Tingó Photography Contest

2019
Centro de la Imagen de la República Dominicana

Collective Exhibition & Shortlisted for the Youth Image Award of the Dominican Republic

2013
Film Commission of the Dominican Republic

Collective Exhibition & Shortlisted for the 1st Digital Contest "Descubre una Locación para Cine”.

2006
Universidad APEC / Dominican Republic

Photo Expositor in “Grafía de Luz” 4rd. Photography Collective Exhibit from UNAPEC Students

2004
Universidad APEC / Dominican Republic

Photo Expositor in “Grafía de Luz” 3rd. Photography Collective Exhibit from UNAPEC Students

Professional Experience

2020- Current
Barna Management School / Dominican Republic

University Professor

Professor of the courses: "Creativity and Critical Thinking" · "Innovative Mindset" and "Unlocking the Thought Process".
Involved in the whole educational process, from the development of the syllabus to the teaching of classes, the creation and correction of practices/exams and the publication of grades.

2019 - Current
Culturamia & Umami Creadores / Dominican Republic

Founder & Manager

Founder and manager of Umami & Culturamia.

Umami Creadores, an Award Winning Creative Platform and communications Consultancy Firm based in the Dominican Republic.

Culturamia, a company that designs and executes educational activities and serves the community as a youth talent accelerator.

2021-2022
IC Net

Digital Marketing Coordinator: Project for Sustainable Community-Based Tourism in the Dominican Republic

Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the "Project for Enhancing the Mechanism for Sustainable Community-based Tourism Development in the North Region" impacted 14 provinces of the Dominican Republic. As a Digital Marketing Coordinator / Consultant I worked on: - Visits to territories, for the collection of written, experiential and audiovisual information.
- Analysis, compilation, and creation of content for the website DescubreCibao.com.
- Strengthening of the digital presence and marketing possibilities of the initiatives, Productive Units, Territorial Groups, attractions, and beneficiary destinations in the "Cibao" region.
- Design and delivery of a workshop on Digital Marketing for Sustainable Community Tourism.
- Elaboration of methodological documents and reports.
- Development of research on the impact of the project and the perception of its beneficiaries.

2014 - 2016
Esencia Films & Celines Toribio Enterprises / Dominican Republic

General & Communication Coordinator

I went from Graphic Designer to General Coordinator, being my bosses 'right hand' and intermediating between her, the accounting and legal team in some matters. While she was not in the country I represented her and managed the companies.

2013 - 2017
Comunidad Educativa Lux Mundi / Dominican Republic

Highschool Teacher

Photography, Graphic Design and Digital Communication teacher for stude several grades. I was involved in the whole process from making the syllabus, teaching the classes, creating and correcting the assignments and exams, and publishing the grades. 

2012 - 2013
District & Co. / Dominican Republic

Creative, Graphic & Editorial Designer

Magazine design, product presentations and creativity for the promotion of events and activities.

2011
CICE: Escuela de Nuevas Tecnologías / Spain

Enterprise Courses Teacher

Photoshop and Internet tools teacher for private companies.

2009 - 2010
Piamonte Group TV / Spain

Account Executive & Web Development Coordinator

My first customer-facing and team coordination experience! Among my responsibilities were: scheduling meetings with clients and determining their needs. Defining the structure and contents of the webs (or services required). To coordinate with the programming, design, community management, and development teams. As well as the follow-up with our clients to ensure their satisfaction.

2007 - 2008
Esquadra Publicitaria / Dominican Republic

Creative Graphic Designer

My first job in advertising design and creativity! Among my duties was the design and creation of advertising pieces and concepts for different media/media/ and different brands/sectors, among them:  Yellow Pages Dominican Republic, PalaPizza (local pizza chain), Prin (children's clothing store), Halka Industrial (beauty products) and SkyPro (event producers).

2006 - 2008
Comunidad Educativa Lux Mundi / Dominican Republic

Highschool Teacher

Photography teacher for 9th and 10th-grade students. I was involved in the whole process from making the syllabus, teaching the classes, creating and correcting the assignments and exams, and publishing the grades. There I confirmed that I do love teaching and sharing knowledge!

2006 - 2007
Grupo de Comunicaciones Listin / Dominican Republic

Editorial Graphic Designer

It was my first full-time job! I was given the articles and photos so that I could proceed with the design of the pages or magazines its preparation as final art, the sending to the print house, and supervision of the result.

2005 - 2006
Universidad APEC / Dominican Republic

English Teacher

English Teacher at different levels with ages ranging from young children to adults.

Memberships

2022
https://www.periodismoturistico.org/

Member of the World Organization of Touristic Journalism

2018
https://sodomedi.com/

Founding member of the Dominican Society of Digital Media (SODOMEDI)

2016
http://adompretur.com/

Member of the Dominican Society of Tourist Press

News & Highlights

News, collaborations, appearances and ideas

Contact

Get in Touch

+1 (809) 931-2985

Santo Domingo

info@marichams.com

Freelance & Travel Availability

How Can I Help You?

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