On April 12, the “ASEZ Forum: Inspiring Women” was held at Girasol Hall in the Santiago Botanical Garden in the Dominican Republic. The forum was organized to encourage university students to reflect on leadership, sense of purpose, self-development, and social responsibility through the lives and experiences of women leaders active in various fields, and to grow into youth leaders who serve for a better society.
More than 150 university students attended the event, sharing a time of learning and connection. The forum featured a distinguished panel of women leaders making an impact in the public, professional, and social spheres, including Dharuelly D’Aza, Vice President of the Dominican Republic Chamber of Deputies; Dr. Javiela Tejada, Northern Regional Coordinator of the National Blood Center; Santy Domínguez, a broadcaster and influencer; and Gezbell Mercado, Miss Dominican Republic Latina 2025.
The event opened with a welcome address by ASEZ members, followed by an introductory video about ASEZ, an artistic performance, and a panel introduction. During two panel sessions, the guests spoke candidly about their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and the values and beliefs that helped them overcome hardship. Attendees listened attentively to the panelists’ stories and reflected on the goals and responsibilities they hold as young people, as well as the meaning of serving society.
The panelists emphasized the importance of setting clear goals, acting with a sense of responsibility in the face of challenges, and persevering without giving up even in difficult times. A message that resonated deeply with students was that true leadership does not begin with standing in a visible position, but with the commitment to first transform oneself and positively influence others.
Dr. Javiela Tejada encouraged the ASEZ students, saying: “Study, prepare yourself, have passion, have faith, don’t give up, and keep moving forward.” She described ASEZ young adults as “the hope of the world” and stressed that they carry a great responsibility. She also expressed her hope that meaningful events like this one would continue in the future.
Vice President Dharuelly D’Aza said he felt honored to spend time with ASEZ members. Encouraging the students to keep pressing forward, he shared that ASEZ means “responsibility, dedication, commitment, and love” to him. He also expressed his gratitude to ASEZ for being present during difficult moments and said he looked forward to sharing more times of growth and joy with the youth.
The university students participated actively in the event by asking the panelists questions directly. They inquired about how to overcome personal, professional, and social difficulties, and what mindset is needed to live with a sense of purpose. The panelists’ responses gave students an opportunity to reflect anew on their own lives and goals.
One theme that left a deep impression on many attendees was the love of a mother. Several panelists shared how their mothers’ love, sacrifice, and encouragement had been a great source of strength throughout their journeys. Students expressed that the experience moved them to reflect on the love they had received and inspired them to share that love with their neighbors and society through volunteering.
Felicia Mosquea de la Cruz, a student at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, said, “Through this forum, I gained a clearer sense of what I want to do going forward as a student.” David Alexander Torres Vargas of the National University Pedro Henríquez Ureña shared: “Hearing the panelists talk about overcoming situations similar to what many young people face made me think, ‘If they could do it, why couldn’t I?’”
The forum concluded with an audience Q&A session, a group photo, and a networking time between attendees and guests. More than a simple lecture series, the event was a meaningful occasion for young people to discover their own potential and reaffirm the value of responsibility and service toward society. The life stories and warm encouragement shared by the women leaders gave students a fresh perspective on their own possibilities and planted in them a desire to pass on the love they had received to their neighbors and communities.
ASEZ will continue, grounded in the spirit of a mother’s love, to help young people grow into individuals with sound values and warm-hearted leadership, and to take meaningful steps together with university students toward a better society and the happiness of all people.
