Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) recently concluded its Business Week 2025, themed “Leading the Future,” in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This event brought together students, alumni, academics, business leaders, and government officials for a week filled with innovative ideas and collaboration.
The week served as a vital connection point among various generations of leaders, emphasizing youth leadership, innovation, and technology. The inaugural session featured a keynote address by the country”s Vice President, Raquel Peña. Her talk, titled “Government and Business: Allies in Innovation within Competitive Markets,” highlighted the broader role of innovation beyond just corporate borders. Peña stated, “Innovation also occurs when a government seeks to change outdated structures, simplify processes, and deliver services more efficiently to citizens.”
Secilio Espinal, the rector of PUCMM, remarked that Business Week has evolved into a strategic platform for fostering critical thinking and young leadership. He challenged participants to tackle global challenges with creativity, vision, and commitment. Diana Frías, director of the Business School at the Santiago campus, added that the goal of the event was to create a meaningful impact on attendees, addressing key areas such as business management, finance, and marketing.
A significant highlight of the event was the inauguration of the first Bloomberg Lab in the Dominican Republic. This facility provides access to financial data, analytical tools, and global market information, positioning PUCMM as the only university in the country with such an academic resource, aimed at enhancing the practical training of its students.
The agenda included various conferences, panels, and workshops focused on topics like innovation, sustainability, branding, and the application of artificial intelligence in finance. Notable among the speakers was Fernando Martínez, Vice President of Newlink Dominicana, who delivered a talk titled “Influencing: From Reach to Impact.” He emphasized the importance of storytelling and personal branding with purpose, stating, “True influence lies not in how many people hear you, but in how many are transformed by your message.” He further noted that social media has become the new public square, where conversations shaping collective thought are constructed.
With this edition of Business Week, PUCMM reaffirms its commitment to developing leaders who can construct a more innovative and competitive business future, contributing to the economic and social development of the Dominican Republic. More information about the event can be found at pbw.pucmm.edu.do.
