PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

Round 2

International Perspectives on Politics: Dominicans in Politics

This panel brings together prominent Dominican politicians from the Dominican Republic to explore the unique challenges and opportunities that arise at the intersection of island and diaspora politics. With Dominican voices increasingly influencing both local and international spheres, this discussion will examine how leaders from this distinct political landscape navigate identity, policy, and representation. This comes at a pivotal time in Dominican politics, with internal governance conflicts, as well as continued refueling of conflict with Haiti.

  • José Blanco is the current Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations, a role he has held since August 2020. He has extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy, having served as Vice-President of the 76th UN General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Commission (2021-2022) and as President of the Third Committee of the 77th General Assembly. Ambassador Blanco played a pivotal role in negotiating the US-DR CAFTA Free Trade Agreement and served as Chief Negotiator for UN General Assembly Resolution 66/188, addressing financial market regulation and food price volatility. He has represented the Dominican Republic in key international forums, including ECOSOC, disaster risk reduction summits, and humanitarian platforms. A career diplomat with a degree in Business Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana and postgraduate studies at Strayer University and Georgetown University, he also serves as non-resident Ambassador to Iceland and Kenya.

The Power of Knowledge: Dominican Contributions to Scholarship

Gathering with distinguished Dominican scholars and academics who have made significant contributions to higher education, research, and the intellectual landscape in both the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. These educators and researchers are paving the way for future generations by challenging dominant narratives, expanding knowledge, and promoting equity in education.

  • Alex is Senior Lecturer II and Associate Research Faculty of Digital Humanities in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Yale University, where he teaches introductory and advanced courses in digital humanities, and runs project-based learning and collective research initiatives. Before joining Yale, Alex served for ten years as Digital Scholarship Librarian at Columbia University, where he co-created and nurtured the Butler Studio and the Group for Experimental Methods in Humanistic Research. His research interests include Caribbean culture and history, digital humanities and technology design for different infrastructural and socio-economic environments, and the ownership and material extent of the cultural and scholarly record. He is currently senior editor of archipelagos journal, editor of internationalization of Digital Humanities Quarterly, co-organizer of The Caribbean Digital annual conference, and co-principal investigator of the Caribbean Digital Scholarship Collective, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon foundation.

  • Jaime Aristy-Escuder is an economist and mathematician. In 1985 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics Summa Laude from INTEC (Dominican Republic). In 1989 he received a PhD in Economics from the University of Barcelona (Spain). In 1994 he obtained his master’s degree in Pure Mathematics at PUCMM (DR). In 2003 he graduated from the University of Chicago (USA) with a Master of Science in Financial Mathematics. Since 1989 he has been a professor of Mathematical Economics, Econometrics and Stochastic Calculus at PUCMM, INTEC and UNIBE in the Dominican Republic.

         Jaime has participated in the design of the main structural economic reforms implemented by various Dominican governments since 1990. He has been a consultant for the UNDP, World Bank, IDB, the European Union, UNICEF and ECLAC. He has written and collaborated in 12 books published in the Dominican Republic or by foreign publishing houses, including the Fondo de Cultura Económica, McGraw Hill and the Brookings Institution. Author of essays that he has presented in conferences held at the Universities of Stanford, MIT, Harvard and London.  

         In 2000 Jaime was awarded the Jaycee's 72 Award, for his performance as an outstanding young man of the Dominican Republic. In 2011 he received the Outstanding Graduate Award from INTEC. He is a member of the American Economic Association, the American Mathematical Society and the Econometric Society.

  • Ariel Antonio Báez Pineda is an accomplished academic leader and results-driven professional with a passion for performance-based goal achievement and team leadership. He currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at UNICARIBE, where he has been instrumental in shaping academic programs, fostering faculty development, and driving institutional excellence since 2021.

    With a strong background in higher education and human development, Báez Pineda has dedicated his career to advancing academic initiatives that prioritize innovation, leadership, and student success. His experience includes serving as Head of Development for over eight years, where he led strategic projects aimed at enhancing institutional growth and operational efficiency. Additionally, he has held faculty positions at Universidad Católica Santo Domingo, contributing to the education and mentorship of future professionals.

    Báez Pineda’s academic credentials include a Postgraduate degree in Higher Education Teaching from Universidad Católica Santo Domingo and specialized training in Public Policy and Administration in a Disruptive and Transformative Era from Harvard University. His expertise in project management, human development, and academic leadership continues to make a significant impact on higher education in the Dominican Republic.

    As a dedicated educator and strategist, Báez Pineda remains committed to empowering students, faculty, and institutions through innovation, performance-driven strategies, and transformative leadership.

Diaspora Canvas: Reimagining Dominican Identity Through Visual Art

This panel gathers visionary Dominican artists whose work transcends borders to explore the deep connections between art, identity, and resistance. From the vibrant streets of Santo Domingo to the dynamic cultural scenes in the U.S., these creators use their art to challenge narratives, preserve heritage, and spark social change. Through their work in visual art they highlight the ways Dominican culture informs their artistic practices and impacts the broader global discourse.

  • Raquel Paiewonsky is a Dominican artist known for her multidisciplinary work across painting, sculpture, and photography. A graduate of the Altos de Chavón School of Design and Parsons The New School for Design, Paiewonsky has exhibited extensively in the Dominican Republic and internationally, earning recognition at the National Visual Arts Biennial of Santo Domingo and receiving the Gran Premio Eduardo León award three times (2006, 2008, 2012). Her work, included in prestigious collections such as Daros-Latinoamérica and the Museum of Modern Art in Santo Domingo, explores the intersection of cultural structures, stereotypes, and the human body. She is also a co-founder of the Dominican art collective Quintipata. Paiewonsky resides in Santo Domingo, where she balances her artistic career with business ventures and family life.

  • Gina Goico is a multidisciplinary artist, educator and self-proclaimed necia. Through their work, Goico navigates their identity and the spaces where they exist in the Dominican Republic and the United States. Through their career they have come to create a diverse body of work that ranges from embroidery to installations, ink drawings and performance. Goico also facilitates spaces for temporary communities and dialogues around healing in the current status quo.

    Goico was a Van Lier Fellow and artist in residence with Smack Mellon. They also participated in AIM fellowship at The Bronx Museum of the Arts; The Laundromat Project, Kelly Street Resident Artist, among others. They have exhibited in the US and the Dominican Republic, and continue to actively support socio-political initiatives in the island and in diaspora. Goico holds an AAS in Fine Arts and Illustration from Altos de Chavon the School of Design in the Dominican Republic and a BFA in Fine Arts from Parsons. They also hold a MA in Arts Politics from NYU and is a PhD student in Performing and Media Arts at Cornell.

From Bar to Bench: Dominican Journeys in the Legal Field

  • Elsa Mota joined NSBHF as a Cochran Fellow in 2023. Before joining NSBHF, Elsa was a Bertha Justice Fellow at the Center for Constitutional Rights where she specialized in advocating for immigrant rights and racial justice by challenging government misconduct and abusive immigration practices. Elsa also spent a year as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Edgardo Ramos of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York.

    During law school, Elsa participated in designing and establishing Yale Law School’s Access to Law School Program, a law school pipeline program designed for people from the New Haven area who are first generation, low- income, formerly incarcerated, racial minorities in the U.S., or members of another group that is underrepresented in the law.

  • Veronica Guerrero represents clients in white collar criminal defense and complex litigation before federal and state courts and the U.S. government. She routinely helps clients navigate internal investigations, antitrust matters, and contractual disputes, as well as matters concerning Latin America. A staunch advocate of pro bono work, Veronica leverages her prior experience as an Immigration Attorney at the Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia (PDS) to represent clients in criminal and immigration matters.

    As an Immigration Attorney at PDS, Veronica advised noncitizen clients and their criminal trial attorneys on the immigration consequences of pending criminal cases, engaged in plea negotiations with the United States Attorney’s Office, litigated post-conviction cases on behalf of noncitizen clients, and engaged in other litigation and advocacy on issues relevant to noncitizen clients. She also frequently appeared in D.C. Superior Court on behalf of her clients in hearings ranging from preliminary hearings to sentencing.

    Veronica received her J.D. from Yale Law School where she served as a law student intern in the Worker and Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic for two years. During her time in the clinic, she argued a motion to reconsider in immigration court, deposed a federal government officer, and lobbied for Clean Slate legislation before the Connecticut State Legislature which was ultimately passed. Veronica also served as the President of the Latinx Law Students Association and the Community Development Chair of the Black Law Students Association. She is fluent in Spanish and conversational in Mandarin Chinese.

  • Francisco Guzmán is Corporate Counsel for Labor & Employee Relations at Amazon.com, where he is part of a team that provides advice and counsel on all labor issues. Prior to joining Amazon, Francisco was an Associate in the Labor Management Relations group at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP in the New York office where he represented companies in unfair labor practice charges and representation cases before the National Labor Relations Board. Francisco started his legal career as a field attorney in the Brooklyn, NY office of the National Labor Relations Board. As a field attorney he investigated charges of unfair labor practices and prosecuted violations of the NLRA. In addition, he conducted elections to determine union representation preferences, and served as hearing officer in contested representation matters. Francisco earned his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and B.A. from New York University. He is also an alum of the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs and the Peggy Browning Labor Law Fellowship. Francisco was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up Washington Heights, NYC.

  • HONORABLE LLINÉT ROSADO is an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department. Justice Rosado attended SUNY Albany for her undergraduate degree and obtained her Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 1997. She began her career representing individuals, first at the Criminal Defense Division of the Legal Aid Society and subsequently at the Children Law’s Center representing children. Justice Rosado has also served as a court attorney to several judges and teaches as an adjunct professor at Hostos Community College. On November 6, 2012, Justice Rosado was elected to the Civil Court, Bronx County and assigned to Bronx Family Court where she served until she was transferred to Bronx Supreme Court. There she served in the Civil Term as a hybrid judge and as an Acting Supreme Court Justice presiding over matrimonial cases, personal injury actions, mental health proceedings, and over arraignments in Bronx Criminal Court. On November 6, 2018, she was elected Justice of Supreme Court of State of New York. In July 2023 Justice Rosado was appointed to the Appellate Division, First Department. Justice Rosado consistently serves her community by speaking to local schools regarding the law as well as participating in programs and panels focused on enlightening the community. One of her favorite roles of being a judge is her ability to officiate weddings, and she is proud to note that she has officiated over 57 weddings thus far! Justice Rosado regularly lectures at the Judicial Institute and serves on the New York State Bench Book Committee. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and numerous bar associations including the Dominican Bar Associati9on and the Latino Judges Association. She is President Elect of the New York Women Judges Association and serves as Co-Chair of the Hon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin Committee on Women in the Courts.

Round 3

Dominican Narratives: Celebrating Literary Talent

This panel shines a spotlight on the diverse and vibrant world of Dominican writers. This event will feature a dynamic group of authors, poets, and playwrights who will share their unique perspectives on the craft of writing and the influence of Dominican culture on their work. Explore themes of identity, heritage, and social justice as panelists discuss how their personal experiences shape their narratives. From traditional storytelling to contemporary literature, attendees will discover the rich tapestry of Dominican voices that reflect the complexities of life both on the island and in the diaspora.

  • Alejandro Heredia is a writer from the Bronx. He has received fellowships from LAMBDA Literary, Dominican Studies Institute, UNLV’s Black Mountain Institute, and elsewhere. He received an MFA in fiction from Hunter College. Loca is his debut novel.

  • Natalie Guerrero is a Dominican and Puerto Rican writer from New York and now based in Los Angeles, California. Her debut novel, MY TRAIN LEAVES AT THREE will be published on July 8th from One World, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Her other writing has been featured in publications such as Electric Literature, Byline, Goop, and Hungry Hearts, an anthology published by Penguin Random House in 2021. In her “free time,” she can be found walking her dog, Tupac, in the hills of Los Feliz.

Nuestro Voto, Nuestra Voz: The Latino Power Shift

  • Katharine Pichardo-Erskine is a trailblazer who has melded political organizing expertise and executive leadership to become a widely recognized change-maker in the governmental, political, and civic arena. As president and CEO of Latino Victory, she takes charge of a mission perfectly suited to her 25 years of experience as a successful leader and passionate advocate: building political power within the Latino community and ensuring that Latino voices are included in the nation’s policy and fiscal agenda. 

    Empowering Latinos, and all underrepresented communities, have always been at the center of Katharine’s adult life and career. From her start as a civic education organizer at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, to her time as chief of staff and other senior-level positions in government, Katharine has been at the forefront of advancing our communities. She has fought publicly for common-sense immigration reform, universal access to healthcare, a good quality education for all children, economic policies that create upward mobility for all, and fair and equal representation at all levels of government. 

    Most recently, Katharine served as Executive Director of Latino Victory. Previous to that, she served as Senior Vice President at the MirRam Group, a top-tier New York- based strategic consulting firm where she has managed some of the firm’s most prominent portfolios. Specifically, lobbying, government and community relations on behalf of corporate, labor and non-profit clients. Between 2018 and 2022, Katharine also led the firm’s political arm, as President of the Hamilton Campaign Network (HCN). In this role, Katharine worked with stakeholders around the country to engage Latinos in the political process, provide a roadmap for voter participation efforts during the 2020 Presidential campaign, and support down-ballot races in 10 strategically important states. 

    Born in the Dominican Republic, Katharine is a proud product of New York City public schools and Queens College of the City University of New York (CUNY). Perhaps there is no greater demonstration of her executive leadership and political acumen than her role in various successful high-profile and history-making campaigns, including the election of Adriano Espaillat as the first Dominican- American in Congress. She also helped to elect Letitia James, the first woman and person of color to be elected Attorney General of New York, and Eric Gonzalez, the first Latino District Attorney in the Northeast. 

    oday, Katharine is a sought-after strategist. She has appeared on various “power lists,” including City and State New York’s top political consultants list. She is also a regular political commentator on Telemundo as well as other media outlets in English and Spanish.

  • Eddie Cuesta has served as the Executive Director of Dominicanos USA (DUSA) since its founding in 2013, spearheading efforts to integrate Dominican-Americans civically, socially, and economically. Under his leadership, DUSA has become a trusted resource, registering over 185,000 voters and engaging 1.2 million through grassroots outreach, including canvassing, phone banking, and digital engagement.

    Eddie Cuesta has served as the Executive Director of Dominicanos USA (DUSA) since its founding in 2013, spearheading efforts to integrate Dominican-Americans civically, socially, and economically. Under his leadership, DUSA has become a trusted resource, registering over 185,000 voters and engaging 1.2 million through grassroots outreach, including canvassing, phone banking, and digital engagement. Recognizing the importance of civic empowerment beyond voting, he expanded DUSA’s impact by launching a citizenship program in 2016, which has helped 2,756 green card holders on their path to U.S. citizenship. Committed to youth development, Eddie led the creation of the DUSA Youth Ambassador Program, fostering future leaders through civic participation, and the DUSA Tech & eSports Program, providing opportunities in gaming and technology. He also serves on the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC) board of directors and the Nasry Michelen Foundation. Born in Santo Domingo, Eddie migrated to New York City with his family in the early 1960s. A lifelong advocate for the Dominican community, he has dedicated his career to empowering Dominicans to become active participants in shaping their own future.

  • Yuridia Peña is the Founder and CEO of Alta Consulting, a strategic communications firm recognized by City & State Magazine as a top Political PR firm in 2022 and 2024. In 2025, she was named among the top 100 Political Consultants in New York.

     

    Since its inception in 2020, Alta has worked with nonprofits, social movements, and political campaigns including the New York Immigration Coalition, the Bard Prison Initiative, Rehabilitation Through the Arts, Levy Konigsberg, and the Racial Justice Commission. She has also led communications for political campaigns such as George Latimer for Congress, Letitia James for Attorney General, and Shaun Donovan for Mayor.

     

    With 19 years of experience, Yuridia has led communications for unions, city agencies, and elected officials, shaping legislation, initiatives, and multilingual marketing campaigns. She has held leadership roles at SOMOS Community Care, the NYC Department of Education, and 32BJ SEIU.

     A native New Yorker, Yuridia holds a Master of Arts in Corporate Communication from CUNY Baruch and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from SUNY Purchase. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and two sons.

Dominicans Shaping the World Through Architecture

Spotlighting Dominican engineers who are making significant strides in various architecture to cutting-edge innovations in technology and sustainability. These professionals are at the forefront of solving complex global challenges, applying their technical expertise to shape industries both in the Dominican Republic and internationally.

  • Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral is a Dominican architect with a multidisciplinary approach to design, blending architecture, urbanism, set design, and furniture design. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she also pursued minors in Business, Architectural History, and Electronic Design. She later earned a Master of Architecture from Yale University, further refining her expertise in innovative and culturally responsive design.

    Batlle Cabral’s professional experience spans a diverse range of projects and disciplines. She has worked with Brandon Haw Architects in New York City, contributing to architectural design across various scales. She is currently an Architect at Frida Escobedo Studio, where she explores contemporary design solutions that integrate materiality, context, and social engagement. Beyond traditional architecture, she has also worked as a set designer, furniture designer, and project manager, collaborating with creative studios on projects such as the Venice Design Biennale and fashion brand Zepherina’s installations.

    With a keen interest in adaptive reuse, cultural preservation, and sustainable urban practices, Batlle Cabral continues to push boundaries in design. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating meaningful, human-centered spaces that bridge architecture, art, and functionality.

  • Javier Pérez Pittaluga is a distinguished Dominican architect and urban developer with extensive experience in transformative urban design, sustainability, and community revitalization. As Studio Director for the Caribbean at Gensler, a globally recognized architecture and design firm, he is at the forefront of shaping the region’s built environment through innovative and sustainable design solutions.

    Beyond his role at Gensler, Pérez Pittaluga is the Director of Pérez Morales y Asociados, a firm renowned for its integration of architectural projects within urban environments, emphasizing designs that foster community engagement and enhance quality of life. He also serves as Secretary of TRAZA.DO, an incubator for urban projects that use creative interventions to improve cities and public spaces.

    His career is marked by a commitment to pioneering approaches in urbanism, advocating for sustainable development and creative economies in the Caribbean. His expertise in large-scale projects, public space enhancements, and forward-thinking architectural strategies makes him a key voice in the future of architecture, urbanism, and regional development.

  • Gustavo Rodríguez is a Dominican architect recognized for his expertise in urban design, sustainable architecture, and large-scale development projects. He earned his architecture degree from Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña and later pursued a Master of Science in Architecture with a specialization in Design Technology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

    Rodríguez began his career in the Dominican Republic with Jordi Masalles Arquitectos, where he contributed to projects such as the Hospital de Herrera and various residential developments. After completing his studies at MIT, he gained experience in the U.S. working with Stephen Hale & Associates in Boston, participating in the design of the Dennis Public Library in Cape Cod. He then joined CBT Architects, where he worked on high-end residential projects like Columbus Center and North Point, as well as healthcare facilities such as Hope Lodge Boston, a LEED Gold-certified project.

    In 2006, Rodríguez moved to New York City to join FXFOWLE Architects (now FXCollaborative), a firm known for its sustainable and socially responsible design approach. Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to Design Director in 2014, contributing to major projects such as the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (LEED Platinum), the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center expansion, and multiple residential and commercial towers in New York, Pennsylvania, and international markets like Azerbaijan and China.

    Beyond his professional practice, Rodríguez co-founded HeRo Architecture, a firm based in Santo Domingo focused on urban design competitions, consulting, and architectural projects. He has also played an active role in architectural education, teaching at Boston Architectural College and Cornell University, and serving as a guest critic at Columbia University.

    A LEED-accredited professional, Rodríguez is committed to advancing sustainability in architecture while bridging global design strategies with Caribbean urban challenges. His work continues to shape the built environment, inspire the next generation of architects, and redefine the role of architecture in social and environmental impact.

Dominicans in Business: Innovating, Investing, and Impacting the Future

Bringing together Dominican leaders in the finance sector, offering a unique glimpse into how these professionals navigate and succeed in the fast-paced world of global finance. From investment banking and asset management to fintech and entrepreneurship, these trailblazers are shaping economic landscapes both in the Dominican Republic and abroad.

  • Jeffrey Torres is an experienced program analyst and marketing strategist with a strong background in financial services, market research, and business development. With a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Rutgers Business School, Torres has built a career that blends data-driven strategy, sales, and operations management to drive impactful business outcomes.

    Currently serving as Top Account Field Marketing Leader at IBM, Torres leads account-based marketing initiatives within the U.S. financial market, helping shape innovative marketing strategies tailored to key industry players. Prior to IBM, he gained extensive experience in financial services and corporate strategy, holding various roles at J.P. Morgan Chase, where he specialized in customer engagement, retail marketing, and leadership development. His expertise also extends to entrepreneurial ventures, having co-founded and served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at the Collective Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), where he mentored students and helped local businesses grow.

    A certified ITSMA ABM professional with a specialization in behavioral economics, Torres is passionate about negotiation, market insights, and business transformation. His work continues to drive strategic innovation in marketing and financial services, making him a key figure in shaping the future of corporate marketing.

Round 1

Giving Back: Dominicans in Local Politics

This panel spotlights Dominican-American leaders who are making strides in local government and community activism. By leveraging their backgrounds and personal experiences, these politicians are reshaping policies and fostering connections that directly impact their neighborhoods. The discussion will delve into their motivations for public service, the unique perspectives they bring to local governance, and the challenges they face as representatives of both an immigrant community and a diverse American population. Attendees will gain insight into how these leaders are championing initiatives around education, public safety, housing, and economic development, while staying rooted in their commitment to uplift and empower their communities.

  • Janet A. Peguero is a dedicated public servant, immigrant from the Dominican Republic, and advocate for equitable community development. Raised by school aides, Janet’s commitment to civic engagement stems from her upbringing and passion for serving others.

    Her public sector journey began at the Vance Center for International Justice, where she expanded access to free legal services in Latin America and Africa. Janet later contributed to behavioral health and nonprofit sectors before joining NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS). There, she launched the innovative Commercial Lease Assistance program and championed equitable land use projects as Senior Rezoning Manager for the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.

    Janet also advanced women’s representation in politics as Bronx Borough Director for Amplify Her, supporting campaigns that led to NYC’s first female-majority City Council. Prior to her current role, she advocated for nonprofits and affordable housing as an Associate at Constantinople & Vallone.

    In January 2022, Janet became the first immigrant woman of Dominican descent to serve as Deputy Borough President for the Bronx. She oversees key initiatives in land use, health services, and economic development. Her efforts include securing $220 million in funding to revitalize the Kingsbridge Armory and advancing maternal health with a birthing center in the Bronx.

    A proud SUNY Binghamton graduate and Kingsbridge resident, Janet is a tireless advocate for Bronxites and a leader in shaping a more equitable future.

  • Sabina Matos is the 70th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Rhode Island. She was appointed to the office in 2021 and was elected to serve a full four-year term in November 2022. She is the first woman of color to hold this post and the first Dominican American to hold statewide

    office in the United States.

    As Lieutenant Governor, Sabina Matos chairs statewide policy councils on emergency management, small business, and healthcare, manages veterans service programs, and advocates for housing equity. Prior to her current role, Lieutenant Governor Matos served on the Providence City Council from 2011 until 2021. In 2019, she was the first Latina elected to be THE City Council President.

    Lieutenant Governor Matos immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1994 and graduated from Rhode Island College in May of 2001. She lives in Providence, Rhode Island, with her husband and their two children.

Mathematical Research and the Economy of the DR

This panel highlights Dominican mathematicians and researchers who are driving innovation in economic development and financial policy in the Dominican Republic. By applying advanced mathematical models and data-driven strategies, these experts are shaping economic frameworks, optimizing financial systems, and fostering sustainable growth. The discussion will explore their contributions to economic forecasting, risk analysis, and market stability, as well as the unique challenges they face in a rapidly evolving global economy. Attendees will gain insight into how these thought leaders are leveraging their expertise to enhance financial inclusion, support local industries, and create economic opportunities that empower communities across the Dominican Republic.

  •  Félix Emilio Lara Ángeles is a distinguished mathematician and educator with a career spanning over four decades in academia, research, and educational leadership. He holds a Master of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of Friendship of Peoples, Moscow, and a Master’s in Mathematics from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). His academic journey has been driven by a deep commitment to mathematical sciences, engineering, and higher education.

    At the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), he has played a pivotal role in shaping the institution’s mathematics and science programs. He served as Dean of the School of Basic and Environmental Sciences (2009–2012), overseeing curriculum development and research initiatives. Additionally, he held various leadership positions, including Coordinator of the Mathematics Department, where he contributed to the advancement of mathematics education and faculty development.

         Lara Ángeles has also been instrumental in mathematics teacher training. Since 2018, he has worked at ISFODOSU (Instituto Superior de Formación Docente Salomé Ureña) as Coordinator of the Bachelor's in Mathematics for Secondary Education, while also teaching courses in the undergraduate and master's programs. His efforts have focused on enhancing the quality of mathematics instruction in the Dominican Republic, preparing educators with strong theoretical and applied mathematical skills.

         Beyond academia, he has contributed to research and professional practice in mathematics and engineering. He has held advisory roles in economic planning and project evaluation at the General Directorate of Mining and Hydrocarbons, and served as Scientific Director of the Foundation for the Advancement of Mathematics. His publications include modules on Vector Algebra, Calculus in Multiple Variables, and Mathematical Methods for Science and Engineering, which continue to support students and professionals in the field.

         Through his work as an educator, researcher, and academic leader, Félix Emilio Lara Ángeles has made a lasting impact on mathematics education and scientific research, shaping generations of students and professionals in the Dominican Republic and beyond.

  •    Jaime Aristy-Escuder is an economist and mathematician. In 1985 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics Summa Laude from INTEC (Dominican Republic). In 1989 he received a PhD in Economics from the University of Barcelona (Spain). In 1994 he obtained his master’s degree in Pure Mathematics at PUCMM (DR). In 2003 he graduated from the University of Chicago (USA) with a Master of Science in Financial Mathematics. Since 1989 he has been a professor of Mathematical Economics, Econometrics and Stochastic Calculus at PUCMM, INTEC and UNIBE in the Dominican Republic.

         Jaime has participated in the design of the main structural economic reforms implemented by various Dominican governments since 1990. He has been a consultant for the UNDP, World Bank, IDB, the European Union, UNICEF and ECLAC. He has written and collaborated in 12 books published in the Dominican Republic or by foreign publishing houses, including the Fondo de Cultura Económica, McGraw Hill and the Brookings Institution. Author of essays that he has presented in conferences held at the Universities of Stanford, MIT, Harvard and London.  

         In 2000 Jaime was awarded the Jaycee's 72 Award, for his performance as an outstanding young man of the Dominican Republic. In 2011 he received the Outstanding Graduate Award from INTEC. He is a member of the American Economic Association, the American Mathematical Society and the Econometric Society.

Cura y Cultura: Dominicans Redefining Healthcare

Showcasing the experiences and insights of Dominican professionals in pre-health and medical fields who are making significant contributions to healthcare in both the Dominican Republic and the U.S. From aspiring medical students to established healthcare practitioners, these leaders are dedicated to addressing health disparities and promoting wellness within their communities.

  • Dr. Rafael Lantigua received his MD degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo in 1972. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Lincoln Hospital, where he also served as a chief resident. After completing an endocrinology fellowship at the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1980, he joined the Division of General Medicine at Columbia as a faculty member. Since 1994, he has served as Associate Division Chief of the Division of General Medicine and as Medical Director of the Associates in Internal Medicine (AIM) practice. He is a member of the Admission Committee of Columbia University Medical School and the Internal Medicine Residency Selection Committee. Since 1995, he has represented Columbia University at the American Medical Association (AMA) Section on Medical Schools, serving on its Executive Committee in 2010. From 2005-2010, he was a member of the Board of Scientific Counselors of the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

    Dr. Lantigua has been actively involved in research on improving the quality of life for minority populations. From 1988-1994, he co-investigated a large-scale New York State Department of Health Program at Columbia to promote cardiovascular health in the Washington Heights-Inwood community. From 1998-2008, he served as the principal investigator of the National Institute on Aging-funded Columbia Center for Active Life of Minority Elders. Since 1999, he has served as Deputy Director of the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain at Columbia University. He has published more than 60 articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.

    As co-founder and former Chairperson of the Board of Alianza Dominicana, Inc., and the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrants Rights, Dr. Lantigua has contributed significantly to community advocacy. He has also served on the boards of various nonprofit organizations, including the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund, the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Institute for the Elderly, the Latino Commission on AIDS, and the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda.

    Dr. Lantigua is now set to work in the Ministry of Public Health in the Dominican Republic, collaborating with President Luis Abinader’s government to advance public health initiatives in the country.

  • Dr. Garcia is an experienced pharmacologist and microbiologist specializing in cell signaling and infectious diseases. Through a diverse multidisciplinary approach, he has amassed extensive experience in drug development and characterization at both the academic and industrial levels. He earned his doctorate in molecular pharmacology at Brown University in the prestigious Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology Department under the mentorship of Dr. Wayne Bowen. Dr. Garcia has received recognition for his work in the characterization of the sigma-2 receptor and for his leadership and dedication to teaching, earning him a full-membership induction into the Sigma Xi Society. He earned a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from the University of Rhode Island (URI), with a minor in chemistry. His work on antibiotic development led to the discovery of active compounds against the emerging threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

    Currently, Dr. Garcia holds a dual appointment as a visiting scientist at Brown University and a senior research scientist at Rhode Island Hospital, where he is the recipient of the Stein-Bellet Fellowship in the Diane N. Weiss Center for Orthopaedic Trauma Research. He is an active researcher in novel cancer targets and therapeutics, as well as in the development and characterization of antibiotic-independent antimicrobial surface coatings.

    Dr. Garcia has played a significant role in the COVID-19 response and has been recognized by several entities at the national, state, and municipal levels. He is also a dedicated leader in advocating for a more equitable and diverse community within the university.

    During medical school, Gisel held leadership roles in the Student National Medical Association and the Latino Medical Student Association, served on the board of the Women’s Clinic at Clinica Esperanza, and pursued her passion for women’s health and global health through medical service trips to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Peru, where she trained in indigenous birthing practices.

    As an ODMA fellow, Gisel created the podcast You Are Med to amplify the voices of underrepresented students and served as a bridge between students and administration, gaining valuable insights into academic medicine. Now an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Emory University, she credits the fellowship with cementing her interest in academic medicine and empowering her to advocate for mentorship and equity in education.

Special Guests

  • Jess Judith is a bilingual Orlando, Florida-based, proudly Dominican Republic-born creator and personality. After moving to the US at the age of 15, she developed an interest in social media, eventually finding her unique voice on TikTok in 2020. Since then, she has cemented herself as a leading creator for English and Spanish-speaking audiences alike, amassing over 5 million followers. Deeply rooted in her Latin heritage, she creates content that celebrates and uplifts her culture with an energetic, comedic, and unfiltered approach. 


    Her passion for lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, and—most importantly—music, has translated into successful campaigns with brands like Pandora Jewelry, Spotify, Amazon, Red Bull, Neutrogena, Dove, and more. Her deep appreciation for music led her to interview top artists, including Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Young Miko, and Álvaro Díaz. She’s also made her mark covering global events, from the Grammys and Latin Grammys to the Latin Billboard Awards and Latin American Music Awards. Jess continues to blur the lines between fan and insider, bringing her audience closer to major cultural moments.

  • Dr. Saudi Garcia is a skilled organizational steward, facilitator, social movement organizer, scholar and writer. She is the Director of the Freedom and Justice Institute and of the Dominican-Haitian social justice, peace and liberation organization In Cultured Company. She is a graduate of Brown University, New York University, and a former Mellon Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2022-24) at The New School’s Department of Anthropology. Dr. Garcia is an ethnographic researcher and social transformation practitioner who thinks, writes and facilitates from a queer, Black feminist, decolonial and first-generation immigrant perspective. She is formally-trained as a medical anthropologist who theorizes how Black Dominican experiences of environmental racism and socio-ecological movement formation expand current understandings of racial capitalism, climate catastrophe and its radical alternatives, abolition democracy & BIack and Indigenous earth stewardship. She enjoys surfing, cooking, reading novels, & spending quality time with friends and family. 

  • David Américo Ortiz Arias, known as Big Papi, is a Dominican-American former professional baseball player and Hall of Famer. Born in 1975, he played 20 MLB seasons from 1997 to 2016, primarily with the Boston Red Sox. A ten-time All-Star and seven-time Silver Slugger, Ortiz was instrumental in leading the Red Sox to three World Series championships, breaking the team’s 86-year title drought in 2004. Known for his clutch hitting, he earned the 2013 World Series MVP and holds records for most home runs, RBIs, and hits as a designated hitter. With over 500 career home runs and numerous postseason heroics, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022. Ortiz remains a celebrated figure in baseball and Dominican sports culture.

  • Marcello Hernandez is a Cuban-Dominican Stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who can currently be seen on the 50th season of Saturday Night Live. Marcello Hernández is an American comedian, actor, and writer known for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Raised in Miami, Florida, he Earned a degree in Entrepreneurship and Communication from John Carroll University in 2019. Hernández incorporates his cultural background into his comedy, which he first showcased through short-form sketches on social media, including the Miami-based content series Only in Dade. In 2019, he moved to New York City to pursue stand-up comedy and gained recognition in the comedy circuit, earning a spot as a Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy in 2022. That same year, he joined SNL for its 48th season, becoming the show's first Generation Z cast member. On SNL, he is known for playing Domingo, the flirtatious partner of Chloe Fineman’s character Kelsey, among other roles. Hernández continues to build his career as a rising comedic voice, blending observational humor with his Latino heritage and Miami upbringing.