Sonia Guzmán, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the United States, spoke to BYU students and faculty as part of the university’s Ambassadorial Lecture Series on Jan. 17.
Students and faculty filled every seat and more in the Kennedy Center lecture space.
Guzmán, the first woman to serve as the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to the U.S., shared insights about her nation’s culture, economy and its relationship with the United States.
The ambassador began her lecture by highlighting the Dominican Republic’s heritage, calling it, “a nation rich in culture, history and opportunity.”
She discussed various aspects of the country's traditions including its dance, music, cuisine and diverse population.
“The Dominican people and their customs have predominantly European cultural origins, consisting of bases with both African and native Taino influences,” Guzmán said.
Turning the discussion to U.S.-Dominican relations, Guzmán emphasized the strong economic partnership between the two nations.
“The Dominican Republic's most important trade partner is the United States,” Guzmán said. She explained that trade with the U.S. accounted for approximately 55% of the country’s exports and 44% of its imports.
Guzmán went on to discuss the Dominican Republic's recent economic growth from tourism.
“In tourism during the 2024, the Dominican Republic surpassed the goal of 11 million visitors, setting another new record after achieving just over 10 million visitors in 2023,” Guzmán said.
“For a small country that has a little more than 10 million persons as a population, it is amazing to reach 11 million visitors of tourism,” Guzmán said. She noted that the influx of tourists is primarily driven by the United States, which has historically been the largest generator of tourism to the Dominican Republic.
Guzmán also emphasized the country’s strides in renewable energy, stressing the importance of "less pollution energy sources and increasing access to reliable and affordable energy."
During the Q&A session, Guzmán addressed her experiences negotiating the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement, or CAFTA-DR.
“This agreement has improved transparency and strengthened the rule of law in the Dominican Republic, making it a more attractive destination for foreign investment,” she said.
She also highlighted the value of educational partnerships between U.S. and Dominican institutions.
“We are promoting programs to send students abroad to gain skills and knowledge, so they can return and help the Dominican Republic progress,” Guzmán said.
Emerson Johnston, a first-year international relations major, attended the lecture.
“I enjoyed learning about the cultural and economic ties between the Dominican Republic and the U.S. It broadened my understanding of diplomacy and international collaboration,” Johnson said.
Milo Cazier, a graphic design major who served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic, appreciated Guzmán’s perspective.
“It was fascinating to hear about the history and traditions of the country from someone who has lived and represented it on the global stage,” Cazier said.
The Ambassadorial Lecture Series is coordinated by BYU’s International Vice President's Office, which works to bring global leaders to campus to expand students’ international perspectives.
“We hope that students leave with a greater understanding of the world and an appreciation for how diplomacy shapes international relations,” Jeff Ringer, BYU’s associate International Vice President, said.
Ringer explained that the program seeks to provide BYU students with opportunities comparable to those at other universities by connecting them with global leaders.
“We want students to have the same opportunities that students at Stanford and Harvard enjoy,” Ringer said. “That doesn’t happen easily here in Provo, so we work hard to make these connections possible.”
He emphasized the lecture series’ role in preparing students to engage with global challenges.
“We’re working to ensure our students have the kind of experiences that prepare them to engage with global challenges and inspire collaboration between nations,” Ringer said.