Student-Led Quisqueya Conference Celebrates Dominican Heritage and Leadership

Student-Led Quisqueya Conference Celebrates Dominican Heritage and Leadership

April 10, 2026

Baruch College hosted students, alumni, and industry leaders at its first Quisqueya Conference-an event organized by the Association of Students of the Dominican Republic (ASEDOM)-that brought together vibrant energy, meaningful dialogue, and a shared celebration of Dominican heritage.

More than 130 students attended the March 27 event, representing several CUNY campuses, including Baruch, Hunter, City College, Lehman, John Jay, and BMCC. Throughout the day, attendees engaged with professionals across business, media, education, public affairs, and technology, who shared personal stories of perseverance, career growth, and cultural pride.

Beyond panel discussions and fireside chats, the conference offered opportunities for networking and mentorship, fostering connections between students and speakers. The program also featured professional development workshops, followed by a small business showcase and a cultural dance celebration to close the one-day event.

Empower, Educate, and Uplift

"Planning the Quisqueya Conference for nearly one year took a lot of work, labor, love, and passion," said Karla Fernandez (Business Communications '26), event organizer and secretary of ASEDOM. "I am incredibly happy and grateful we were able to make this happen at Baruch. As CUNY students, we are worthy of stepping into any room we go into. Being Dominican is an advantage, a strength, and what keeps us going."

The conference aimed to empower, educate, and uplift both Dominican and non-Dominican students by highlighting the value of cultural identity in professional spaces.

"We wanted to create an event that highlights Dominican voices, stories, and success within our community," said Avril Checo Marte (Finance '26), vice president of ASEDOM. "Most importantly, students were able to see that their culture and background are strengths that belong in professional spaces."

Pathways to Leadership

For many students, the conference provided meaningful insight into potential career paths.

Amelia Carbajal ('27), a political science and international communications major with a minor in law and policy, connected with professionals as she prepares for law school. She spoke with a New York City Council member representing her hometown of Washington Heights, gaining perspective on public service and community impact.

"When I see professionals who share my heritage in those positions, I believe I can get there too," Carbajal said. "They are shaping the path for people like me who are first-generation."

Emmy Award-winning multimedia journalist Tinabeth Piña, host of CUNY-TV's Latinas and Global Scholars on PBS, also reflected on the significance of participating in the conference.

"I've always taken pride in celebrating my Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Being part of the media panel was not only inspiring, but also such a meaningful experience within the CUNY community," she shared on social media. "It gave me the chance to connect with incredible people I hadn't met before and to learn from students who came with thoughtful questions-I truly appreciated that exchange."

Building on the Momentum

The success of the inaugural Quisqueya Conference marks an important milestone for ASEDOM and underscores the impact of student-led initiatives at Baruch College. Organizers hope to build on this momentum by making the conference an annual tradition and expanding collaboration across student organizations representing the College's diverse communities.

"There is strong interest in continuing the Quisqueya Conference, with opportunities to expand partnerships, increase programming, and create even more space for networking and dialogue," said Jan Martinez, assistant director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Office of Student Life who supported ASEDOM in planning and executing the event.

"ASEDOM plays a vital role on campus by fostering community, representation, and leadership development for Dominican students," Martinez added. "I'm incredibly proud of the students who created this experience. Their work is a powerful testament to the impact of student leadership across campus."