NEW YORK, 02-18-2026.– Former President of the Dominican Republic and president of GFDD, Dr. Leonel Fernández, held a working meeting with authorities of the Columbia University School of Journalism (Columbia Journalism School), one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world for the training of journalists and communicators.
During the meeting, held at the university’s headquarters, it was agreed to establish a framework for academic cooperation aimed at developing joint programs between the Columbia University School of Journalism and GFDD. The initiative contemplates the organization of conferences, workshops, seminars, certificate programs, and master’s degree programs in areas such as investigative journalism, digital journalism, film (screenwriting), audiovisual rights, radio and television, report writing, and photography, among other specialties.
These programs would be developed both in the Dominican Republic and in the United States, promoting academic exchange and strengthening professional capacities in the field of communication.
Participants in the meeting included Elena Cabral, Assistant Dean of Student and International Programs and Adjunct Professor; George Miller, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Adjunct Professor; and Tarin M. Almanzar, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Enrollment Management, the latter of Dominican origin.
Founded in 1912, the Columbia University School of Journalism is internationally recognized for its academic excellence and for administering the prestigious Pulitzer Prizes, considered the highest award in journalism in the United States and one of the most important worldwide. Throughout its history, the institution has trained generations of journalists, writers, and communication professionals who have set standards in global media.
Among the Dominican figures linked to the School is journalist Rafael Herrera, who received the Maria Moors Cabot Prize, one of the oldest international recognitions in journalism, awarded by Columbia University to communicators who contribute to strengthening press freedom and inter-American understanding.
This engagement reaffirms GFDD’s commitment to academic excellence, the internationalization of higher education, and the strengthening of professional training in communication and journalism in the Dominican Republic.
