Resume
+15 Years of Experience
Education
2014 – 2020
Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Valencia, SpainPhD 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 RepublicHigher 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, SpainMaster Degree in Advertising
2003 - 2007
Universidad APEC. Dominican Republic.Bachelor Degree in Graphic Design
2003
Colegio Dominicano De La Salle. Dominican RepublicHigh School Diploma
Awards, Merits & Recognitions
2023
APEC UniversityNamed: “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 LantiguaWinner: Dominican Republic's National Tourism Journalism Award Epifanio Lantigua· 2021. Category: Arts & Culture.
2021
Google’s Local GuidesWinner: 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 JournalismWinner: Pasaporte Abierto International Award. Category: Originality
2020
#LatamDigital AwardsWinner: 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 LantiguaWinner: Dominican Republic's National Tourism Journalism Award Epifanio Lantigua· 2019. Category: Best TV / Youtube report
2019
GoogleGoogle’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 StateYoung Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellowship
2005 - 2006
Universidad APEC / Dominican Republic4 times Winer of the “Best Graphic Design Student” Award
2003
Colegio Dominicano De La SalleWinner 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 SchoolAdvisor 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 UniversityPanelist 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.
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) / SpainComunicación 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.
2021
Proceedings of the "III International Congress on Food Heritage and Museums". Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) / SpainGénesis 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.
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.
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.
2018
United Nations & Vito. Brussels, BelgiumPanelist 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 RepublicChosen 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 RepublicPart of the Photo Collective Exhibition if the the Mama Tingó Photography Contest
2019
Centro de la Imagen de la República DominicanaCollective Exhibition & Shortlisted for the Youth Image Award of the Dominican Republic
2013
Film Commission of the Dominican RepublicCollective Exhibition & Shortlisted for the 1st Digital Contest "Descubre una Locación para Cine”.
2006
Universidad APEC / Dominican RepublicPhoto Expositor in “Grafía de Luz” 4rd. Photography Collective Exhibit from UNAPEC Students
2004
Universidad APEC / Dominican RepublicPhoto Expositor in “Grafía de Luz” 3rd. Photography Collective Exhibit from UNAPEC Students
Professional Experience
2020- Current
Barna Management School / Dominican RepublicUniversity 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 RepublicFounder & 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 NetDigital 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 RepublicGeneral & 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 RepublicHighschool 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 RepublicCreative, Graphic & Editorial Designer
Magazine design, product presentations and creativity for the promotion of events and activities.
2011
CICE: Escuela de Nuevas Tecnologías / SpainEnterprise Courses Teacher
Photoshop and Internet tools teacher for private companies.
2009 - 2010
Piamonte Group TV / SpainAccount 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 RepublicCreative 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 RepublicHighschool 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 RepublicEditorial 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 RepublicEnglish Teacher
English Teacher at different levels with ages ranging from young children to adults.