Dominican Culture Day at SIPA

As both a SIPA student and a member of the Columbia community, I consistently convey to potential students the vibrant array of campus activities available. Whether it's participating in prestigious events like the World Leader’s Forum, engaging with the Institute of Global Politics initiatives, or joining in on gatherings hosted by student organizations, there's a constant stream of opportunities for students to actively contribute to events fostering mutual understanding and raising awareness across various topics. Additionally, with a global student body coming from nearly 100 countries, with approximately half of the student body from overseas, SIPA offers an ideal environment for broadening horizons and expanding perspectives.

Meet SIPA student Ámbar Pagan who recently organized Dominican Culture Day at SIPA! 

As a daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Ámbar's personal connection to her Dominican roots drove her to create the event, with the goal of fostering a sense of pride and belonging among Dominican students, faculty, and staff at Columbia University. 

On February 27th, SIPA held the inaugural Dominican Culture Day, organized by Ámbar Pagan, MIA’24. The event celebrated the 180th anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic and commemorated “Los Padres y Madres de la Patria,” the heroic patriots who played a role in achieving freedom for the nation. A key figure at the event was U.S. Congressman Adriano Espaillat who delivered a speech highlighting the historical significance of Dominican independence and the accomplishments of the Dominican diaspora. Congressmember Espaillat is the first Dominican-American to serve in Congress, representing the 13th district of New York City comprised of Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx, where nearly 70% of the population are migrants or children of immigrants from the Dominican Republic. Many of the staff workers who help maintain the daily functions of Columbia University are Dominicans residing in the 13th district, making Dominican Culture Day pivotal in recognizing their contributions to our community. The event featured a cultural showcase, educational games, and food from Mama Fifis Kitchen, a local business owned by Jean Melo, a student at Columbia Business School. The New York Dominican Dance Group directed by Ramona Torres gave a folklore performance, emphasizing the importance of Dominican heritage and the African-influenced genre of merengue. On Dominican Culture Day, the red, blue, and white tricolored flags roamed the hallways of the SIPA, marking a legacy for Dominican representation to be visible at the university. 

Her efforts were praised by community members, including Luis Garcia, who has been a longtime staff worker for 30-plus years and expressed gratitude for the inclusive space created by the event. Mr. Garcia became the inspiration to make Dominican Culture Day an official university holiday, aiming to secure representation and recognition for future generations of Dominicans. Ámbar collaborated with various student groups including Grupo Quisqueyano, the Latin American Student Association, and the Institute of Latin American Studies to launch Dominican Culture Day, showcasing her leadership and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. She serves as a role model to her peers in organizing events that can provide Dominican students with a seat at the table. Ámbar exemplifies the characteristics of a Dominican saying, “Orgullo Dominicano” ~ “Dominican Pride” for uplifting the Dominican community. By working together, SIPA’s DEICE Committee and Ámbar are building upon the success of Dominican Culture Day and implementing additional initiatives that celebrate and highlight Caribbean culture and contributions within the university community. This collaboration demonstrates a proactive approach to ensure that students from all backgrounds feel valued and represented.

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