Future Entrepreneurs Showcase their Business Ventures
Written by Prof. Jack Rose
Miramar, FL – The Summer 2024 term, at United International College, ended with the largest Business Expo in the college’s history, when 22 budding entrepreneurs showcased their businesses to visitors attending the Expo.
Under the direction of Professor Jack J. Rose, students learned not only the challenges of opening up a new business, but the importance of growing their business to achieve a higher level of success. Students had to submit their product/service for approval and identify their primary and secondary target markets. Ongoing marketing research was a key ingredient that Professor Rose emphasized, since each location has different clientele. As a former buyer, he stressed the importance of a merchandise plan, and knowing everything about their customers. Today, localization marketing is the key to all businesses having more than one location.
From an economic standpoint, most cities want businesses to come to their community to boost the economy – providing employment and becoming involved community members. Globally, student must know the laws of each city/country, and the importance of knowing what marketing techniques are best to reach the target customer.
Chikamo Farms is the brainchild of Kumawuese Chiattitor. The farm specializes in producing organic vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, pepper, carrots, different bean varieties, and celery.
At the Expo, Kuma spoke with Thai Tran, the founder of Chao, featuring traditional Vietnamese Cuisine. Since Thai’s business is built on quality ingredients, a “marriage” was made between the two entrepreneurs.
Diana Carolina Enciso’s Exquisite Clean is a high-end luxury cleaning service and exclusive provider of cleaning and maintenance solutions for luxury home and properties located in the affluent neighborhoods of South Florida.
Rank Marathon Digital Solutions is the service provider created by Sadat Fahim. His company offers a comprehensive range of marketing services, including, but not limited to, Website Audit, Email Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, On-Page SEO, Of-Page SEO, Google Ads, and META ads. Rank Marathon’s goal is to provide convenient and effective marketing solutions for start-ups and established companies.
Nicholas Lamont Gravely’s 2047 Restaurant is the fulfillment of his dream to open a restaurant featuring American and Soul food, and become an important member of the community by being open 24 hour — serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 24/7. Every item arrives from the kitchen freshly made with the finest ingredients and love. Most important is the customer service experience to keep his customers returning to his business.
SnackSmart’s motto is “Fuel Your Day the Smart Way” and founder Jahed Hosson’s company provides vending machines to any company or organization that wants to promote healthy choices to their employees. These machines offer a wide-range of products, including organic snacks, gluten-free options, protein bars, fresh fruits, and natural beverages.
Sam’s Sweet Bakery attracted many attendees since they were invited to sample some of Samantha Igor’s delectable creations. Her slogan, “Find Happiness in Every Bite” came to fruition as each visitor sampled her baked goods. Within five years, Sam intends to build a great marketing brand and be an active member of the community.
Tanjim Ul Kahn’s Green Buds Waste company specializes in repurposing cigarette butts into a range of eco-friendly products including keyrings, mosquito repellants, pillows, dolls and more. By recycling these discarded butts, the company not only reduces environmental pollution, but also creates unique and sustainable items that serve various purposes.
Zen Rolls is looking to be the premiere establishment for sushi rolls. The brainchild of Maria Paula Malaver, her goal is to become the go-to place for real hand rolls, where besides the traditional rolls, customers will have the opportunity to sample different rolls, all made of the finest quality ingredients.
Marrying his love of baseball and his dream of owning a restaurant, Anthony Monroy, plans to open All Star Kitchens, using a baseball theme motif throughout the venue. His target market are families, students, and tourists who enjoy experiencing different cuisines in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. His future growth of his company includes becoming a source for family events, company picnic, and community events as the only source for successful events in the area.
Aqua Flow Essentials is a business that Benjamin Morganti is extremely excited about since his passion for water sports lit the lightbulb of excitement for his business as an entrepreneur. His tagline, “Flowing Towards Efficiency – Unlocking the Power of Fluid Dynamics for a Sustainable Future” aptly states the intention for his business. Benjamin sees his business location on the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk offering top-quality paddle boards, water sports clothing, and extreme sports gear. His future goal is to grow his business within other beachfront locations throughout Florida and beyond.
Carolina Posse’s Inner Journey Expeditions is a travel agency that seeks to sell tours for women to erotic destinations or with a spiritual vibe, not only to get to know the destination, but to make a healing workshop on different topics such as female lineage, healing of the uterus, healing of father and mother, etc. Her target market is the group of Latin women (because tours will be in Spanish), over 35 years of age, and who are in search for their lkigai (purpose of life).
David Rhead’s Hills and Valleys clothing company reflects his religious beliefs and looks forward to spreading the word throughout the USA and Canada by helping others represent their faith. His target market are Christians, ages 20-35, and is convinced his slogan, “Put God First” will attract more people to love and believe in their faith.
Mikael Silva’s MSS Soccer Club, fulfills the dreams of this Brazilian Soccer player who wants to develop talents for this sport. His ambitious goals are to start with five youngsters that he will coach, and grow MSS Soccer Club in five years to ten coaches, each having a group of 50 kids. With his drive, hard work, and motivation, Mikael will succeed in developing players for not only Brazil, but the world.
Artem Sorokin has created JumpBall Agency to assist athletes to locate schools in the USA and Europe where they can receive a great education and participate in the college of university’s basketball program. A member of the United International College’s basketball team, Artem has the experience in knowledge in navigating this goal for so many young people.
Elite Skills FL was created by Elias Vera and his tagline, “Create Your Own Path,” mirrors his goal for training young athletes interested in basketball, with an emphasis on skills development, fitness training, and competitiveness drills. Within five years, Elias sees Elite Skills FL becoming the only destination for basketball training in the region, expanding their services to include summer camps, specialized coaching programs, and partnerships with school and youth leagues.
- Learn more about Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree programs. Learn more about UIC Programs,
- How to apply to UIC
- How to enroll as an International Student
- and how to become a student athlete at UIC
It Takes a Village and Gratitude to Get to Commencement Day: UIC Celebrates its XXII Commencement Ceremony
Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano
Miramar, Florida – United International College held its 22nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale, 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 awarding Master, Bachelor, and Associate degrees to 34 students representing the USA, Pakistan, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Canada, Bangladesh, China, Romania, France, Haiti, Vietnam, Colombia, Brazil, and Honduras.
The ceremony was opened with the interpretation of the National Anthem of the United States, the Star Spangled Banner by Alin Turculescu, a former Romanian folklore music singer and Business Administration Bachelor Degree recipient.
UIC’s co-founder and President, Lydia Bautista Moller, delivered her speech and started by congratulating the Class of 2024. She accoladed the UIC Eagle Rays and mentioned her own love for the sport of Basketball. She also urged the students to always look for what makes them happy as the Holistic Model of Education of UIC teaches.
Jean Souffrant, the Executive Director at Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center, and Director of Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church served as the Commencement Speaker. He works alongside Father Reginald Jean-Mary who has been an influential agent of change in the Haitian diaspora in the United States, always bringing together Haitian migrants and prominent leaders , and empowering them with a message of hope from a powerful spiritual faith.
Souffrant started his speech singing a religious song, delivered an empowering speech motivating students to always continue reaching their dreams, and concluded his speech with a teaching of Apostle Paul by stating that “in everything that you do, always maintain an attitude of gratitude…never forget where you came from.”
Luis Hernandez was the Magna Cum Laude Business Administration Undergraduate Commencement Speaker. Hernandez is an Eagle Ray Baseball student athlete who shared in his speech the nuances of his daily work being a student athlete to reach the moment of his commencement ceremony from his associate in Business Administration. (a dream com true)
Hernandez mentioned that he had arrived from Venezuela as an international student to play baseball. He told the graduating class of 2024 that anyone in the world would love the chance to be in their place as graduates from UIC in the United States. He also recognized that students’ workload and responsibilities might seem stressful and over achievable and added: “we will always find a way to accomplish everything we desire and succeed.”
You can learn about Luis’ journey as an Eagle Ray Baseball student athlete in a blog post that Prof. Jack Rose wrote about him after interviewing him. Learn about Luis
Angelica Moyano, the Provost of UIC, awarded the diplomas to students. The President guided the Alumni Oath, and the Graduating Class recognized Faculty and family members for their support throughout the years. The ceremony concluded with a sense of accomplishment and immense joy.
Ximena Caraballo, an alumna from the Communications and Mass Media program, volunteered to conduct the media coverage and live stream of the ceremony. A fine team of volunteers joined to facilitate the Commencement Ceremony including UIC students, staff, and members of the community, including Detective Yesenia Diaz, from the Miramar Police Department of the City of Miramar.
UIC Eagle Rays have a home away from home and they are always welcome back to study another degree or to share their life stories with their UIC family.
- Learn more about Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree programs. Learn more about UIC Programs,
- How to apply to UIC
- How to enroll as an International Student
- and how to become a student athlete at UIC
Discipline Motivates Achievement
Written by Prof. Jack Rose
Miramar, Florida – There are times when I just need to take a break and recharge my batteries, like the Energizer Bunny. For me, this usually happens during football season when I can wake up, shower, and crawl in bed for the day to watch the games. However, as a professor, I tell students that I have learned more in my lifetime by listening and observing. While books are important, listening to others, observing what is happening in our environment brings more knowledge, and important life skills.
While students are number one, each student is an individual and must be challenged to reach a high altitude. Then, there are those who truly amaze me and I wish I can clone them. Knowing that I cannot, I decided to interview Luis Alejandro Hernandez, a member of our UIIC Baseball Team, a catcher and second baseman, to find out how Luis manages to succeed on the field, in the classroom, at his job, and with his peers.
Luis was born in Venezuela and came to United International College last year, as a Business Administration major, not only to obtain his college degree, but to be a member of a college baseball team. At 21 years old, Luis has set many goals for himself and strives to achieve them. Having had Luis in different classes, and aware of his position on the baseball team, Luis shared with me that he also works. He just doesn’t have a job; he is a manager and shared with me how he practices customer service excellence and instills that to his team.
Luis takes pride in his strong work ethics, which contributed to his advancement to a management position at 100 Montaditos Restaurant in Miami Lakes. Starting as a cook, Luis developed his culinary skills, and was promoted to kitchen leader, and began showcasing his leadership abilities. Noticed and impressed by his ability to multi-task and his belief that the customer must leave happy, Luis became a manager, not only responsible for the training and development of new employees, but accepted the challenge to work with his existing team and challenged staff to exceed customer service excellence. He also accepted the responsibility of the entire operations of the restaurant, from working with vendors and suppliers, to planning the daily and weekly menus.
I asked Luis how he manages to do everything, and do it well. He quickly answered, “Discipline” and then continued to state, “I strongly believe in discipline that can truly drive responsibility,” and he confides that past teachers and professors have noticed that about him.
Luis lives by a philosophy that he has instilled in himself. “Be better and be the best,” and explains, “It doesn’t matter what people do to you, but I have to be better and not do the same thing to another person. “I have to be better because I want to assure myself that in every aspect of my life/career, I will give my best efforts to be good at it, and do my best.
Luis concludes by saying something that really hit home. “What motivates me is the sense of discipline, and making my family, people around me, and myself, proud of everything I do as well as the desire of accomplishing the kind of life I want to have.”
In speaking with other professors, when the name of Luis Hernandez is mentioned, the positive feedback is immediate reflected on his philosophy of always wanting to be better. Perhaps, this interview will inspire others to develop the philosophy that helps Luis to succeed. Are you up to that challenge?
Luis was chosen to be the Student Speaker of the XXII Commencement Ceremony of United International College.
Congratulations, Luis, on your accomplishments and we are certain that you will keep climbing higher and higher, not only for you, but for your family, friends, and mentors.
- Learn more about Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree programs. Learn more about UIC Programs,
- How to enroll as an International Student
- and how to become a student athlete at UIC
Becoming Entrepreneurs: Business Communication Students Experience the Mock Interview
Written by Prof. Jack Rose
Miramar, FL – The Spring 2024 term for students, at United International College, came to a close with several activities enjoyed by students before taking their final exams.
One such educational activity was the Mock Interviews that students in Professor Jack J. Rose’s Business Communications class participated in as the final activity of the term. The course covers both oral and written communications and students are challenged to hone their communication skills through various projects and activities throughout the term. The Mock Interviews are the culminating activity to the course.
Several students in this class completed Professor Rose’s Human Resources Management class and, therefore, sparked an idea to challenge those students to interview their peers to put theory into practice. The interviewers and the interviewees switched roles so each gained the knowledge and experience in interviewing techniques.
Student feedback was most favorable and several stated that the event helped to build their self-confidence and to ease any nervousness they might have had.
The Magic of Theater: Character Study Monologue Scope
Blog Post Written by Marcela Moyano
Over the course of the spring 2024 term, United International College Communications and Mass Media undergraduate students learned about the appreciation of theater and the world of performing arts. The course was taught by Prof. Joey Ashley.
Students were challenged to understand different identities through the lens of performing art by diving into character study. Students underwent deep learning into a character’s traits and personality to understand why characters act the way they do.
Overall, this study revolves around a protagonist’s hopes, dreams, desires, challenges, fears, and life path. Each student had the opportunity to choose a pre-existing monologue from a film/TV show/stage or any published media – that they identified with, and to carefully examine the character of that monologue through their own cultural lens.
“I was in awe and so very proud of how well devoted each student committed to the art of theater. The students truly connected to their characters, and this transparently showed in their remarkable live performances. This was an opportunity for non-acting students to challenge their own identities by stepping outside their perspectives into another’s point of view of understanding.” – Prof. Joey Lamar Ashley
On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, students performed their monologues at the Int’l Voices of Theater at the J. Alberto Moyano Auditorium to an audience composed of UIC students, faculty, and local entrepreneurs, friends of UIC. Prior to the performance, students were anxious, as for the majority of them, this was the first time they were acting in front of an audience.
“I’m Valerie Seguin from France. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey of celebrating the spirit of women. Through this monologue, let’s explore their strength, resilience, and determination in the face of life’s challenges. Thank you for being part of this performance. Let’s begin” was the opening line of Valerie Seguin who interpreted a parody monologue of Wonder Woman.
Students who performed their monologue piece were:
Valerie Seguin – Wonder Woman
Anthony Monroy – Iron Man
Abdul Haseeb – Vern, the Haunted Manor
Sa Sa Wu – Ana in Frozen 2013
Kiril Ilchuk-Sonic the Hedgehog
Martha Rodriguez – Gloria in Barbie 2023
Edward Espinoza – Games of Thrones
After their performance, there was a Q&A moderated by Prof. Ashley in which students had the opportunity to voice their experience as they prepared for this act and their post-performance reactions. Most of them agreed that they had a better outcome when they were faced with the public. They also agreed that they somewhat selected traits of characters that they best identified with. Finally, most of them felt relieved and empowered after the performance. Their anxiety went away after performing and they realized that they had a talent to act that perhaps they didn’t know about. 
“I truly believe each student now has gained a deep appreciation for actors and performing artists from all over the world as it’s not an easy task to perform but it certainly helps to understand the world by knowing we all are different characters living a different story in one interconnected world.” Prof. Joey Lamar Ashley
“It was breathtaking to observe how this performing event brought our UIC students to a higher level of understanding of their own personal struggles and some might have even had some type of katharsis to heal inner wounds or simply empower themselves to keep moving forward to reach their career and personal goals. The magic of theater is simply mesmerizing.” Dr. Marcela Moyano, Communications and Mass Media Program Director.
UIC is proud of the students’ accomplishments. They have unlocked their performing talents.
Learn more about UIC’s Associate’s and Bachelor’s Communication and Mass Media Program
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Celebrating Academic and Athletic Excellence: A Recap of the Awards Ceremony at UIC
Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin
On Friday, April 26th, 2024, the J. Alberto Moyano Auditorium & Art Gallery was filled with excitement and pride as the United International College (UIC) honored its outstanding students and athletes in a grand ceremony. The evening was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and excellence that define the UIC community.
Among the highlights of the evening was the recognition of Martha Rodriguez, who was awarded the prestigious Academic Excellence Award for achieving a remarkable GPA of 3.97, the highest among UIC students. Congratulations poured in for Martha, whose commitment to academic excellence serves as an inspiration to us all.
The celebration continued with the announcement of the UIC President’s List awardees, comprising students who achieved a CGPA higher than 3.82. UIC Provost Angelica Moyano proudly introduced the exceptional scholars: Jean-Daniel Augustin, Luis Alejandro Hernandez, Edward Espinosa, Marene Stark, Naomi Mangiapane, and Hannah Freden. Each of these individuals exemplifies the academic rigor and dedication that UIC values.
The spirit of leadership was celebrated with the presentation of the Leadership Award to David Rhead, acknowledging his outstanding qualities and contributions to the UIC community.
In addition to academic achievements, the ceremony also recognized exemplary contributions in various fields. Valerie Seguin, an intern in the communications department, and Dylan Francisco, an intern in the Athletic Department, were honored for their commitment to their respective professions, setting a high standard for their peers.
Athletic prowess took center stage as Baseball head coach Marcos Cabral bestowed the Cy Young Award (Best Pitcher) upon Jesus Delgado and the MVP (Most Valuable Player) title upon George Gallardo.
Women’s head coach Johana Karbanova recognized Natalia Peixe as the greatest team player, Keila Gonzalez as the most improved player, and Astrid Beckemeier as the MVP, highlighting their invaluable contributions to their teams’ success.
Men’s head soccer coaches Sergio Guarita and Samir Malini presented the MVP award to Carly Jure, while Tennis Coach Jahanzed Inam honored Diego Vargas with the MVP award for his outstanding performance on the court.
Dr. Ted Abernethy, UIC Eagle Rays Athletics Director, took pride in presenting the Men’s Basketball MVP award to Artem Sorokin and the prestigious Mr. Eagle Ray award to Anthony Monroy. The title of Ms. Eagle Ray was bestowed upon Naomi Mangiapane by UIC President Lydia Bautista Moller, recognizing her exceptional leadership and contributions to UIC athletics.
The evening also celebrated the remarkable impact of student initiatives, with Dr. Marcela Moyano UIC Communications Director and Advancement presenting the Difference Maker Award to the @daepodcast and @d.vacilon podcast. These platforms exemplify the power of student voices in fostering dialogue and understanding within the UIC community and beyond.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Dr. Ted Abernethy expressed gratitude to the coaching staff for their unwavering dedication and, celebrated the achievements of each team throughout the academic year. President Lydia Bautista Moller emphasized the importance of caring, joy, and love in the UIC and Eagle Rays community, embodying the spirit of Holistic Education at UIC.
The Awards Ceremony celebrated at J. Alberto Moyano Auditorium & Art Gallery was an emotional celebration of academic and athletic excellence, showcasing the remarkable achievements and contributions of the UIC community. As we look forward to the future, let us continue to uphold the values of excellence, leadership, and community that define the spirit of UIC. Congratulations to all the awardees and best wishes for continued success in their endeavors.
Follow some of the Award’s Night content on instagram
Diana Carolina Enciso Santana in UIC Collective Thoughts
Blog Post Written by Diana Carolina Enciso Santana Class of 2027
Miramar, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative writing, and creative nonfiction pieces of work submitted by our undergraduate students.
Meet Diana Carolina, in her essay on American values, she highlights four key pillars: freedom, equality, individualism, and patriotism, which collectively define the nation’s ethos and identity, rooted in the principles of the Founding Fathers and shaping societal norms and aspirations.
American Values by Diana Carolina Enciso Santana
FREEDOM
One of the foundational values in American society is freedom. Rooted in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the concept of freedom has been a guiding principle for the nation. Americans value the freedom to express their opinions, practice their chosen religion, and pursue their individual aspirations. This commitment to personal and political freedom is evident in the emphasis on civil liberties and the democratic system. Americans believe that freedom fosters innovation, creativity, and a diverse society. It is considered a fundamental right that shapes the national identity and influences policy decisions, reflecting the enduring influence of the Founding Fathers’ commitment to liberty.
EQUALITY
Equality is another core value that has evolved over time in American society. While the nation’s history includes periods of inequality, the pursuit of equal rights has been a driving force. The belief in equal opportunities and treatment for all is deeply ingrained in the American ethos. From the Civil Rights Movement to ongoing discussions about gender and LGBTQ+ rights, the commitment to equality reflects a shared desire for a just and inclusive society. The Founding Fathers’ principles of equality before the law and the pursuit of happiness continue to resonate, inspiring ongoing efforts to address social injustices and disparities.
INDIVIDUALISM
Individualism is a distinctive American value that emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy and self-reliance. The idea that individuals can shape their destinies through hard work and determination is deeply ingrained in American culture. This value is reflected in the celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and the belief in the “American Dream.” While communal bonds and societal cooperation are acknowledged, individualism remains a defining trait. The Founding Fathers’ emphasis on individual rights and liberties has contributed to a culture that values personal responsibility and the pursuit of one’s unique goals and aspirations.
PATRIOTISM
Patriotism is a pervasive value in American society, reflecting a deep love and loyalty to the nation. Rooted in the sacrifices of the Revolutionary War, this value is evident in displays of national pride, such as the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the national anthem. Patriotism is not just about love for the land but also a commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution. The Founding Fathers’ dedication to creating a nation where citizens actively participate in shaping its destiny has contributed to the enduring sense of patriotism. This value is seen as a unifying force that transcends differences and fosters a shared identity among Americans.
Celebrating Art and Activism: The Day I Heard the Sounds of the World Premiere
Blog Post Written by Valerie Seguin
Art has always been a vehicle for social change, a medium through which voices are amplified, narratives are reshaped, and communities are united. On March 21st, 2024, the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (MoCAAD) welcomed artists, scholars, and activists to the premiere of The Day I heard the Sounds of the World: Art Connecting Communities – Overtown and Coral Gables (2024), a documentary by Michael Anderson, Five-X Regional Emmy-Award Winning Filmmaker/Storyteller, and featuring the groundbreaking work of Marielle Plaisir.
This event marked a significant milestone in the museum’s journey to discover, commission, and preserve the work of the most advanced contemporary artists of the Global African Diaspora and Africa itself.
At the heart of this premiere was the unveiling of Marielle Plaisir’s latest masterpiece, “The Day I heard the Sounds of the World: Art Connecting Communities – Overtown and Coral Gables.” Plaisir, a multimedia artist and activist, has long been dedicated to exploring the themes of domination, supremacy, and social justice. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, encompassing painting, sculpture, photography, installation, film, and performance. Through her art, she delves into the complexities of colonialism, race, class, and the construction of identity.
Plaisir’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in research and documentation, drawing from documentary history, literature, and sound sources to craft visually striking and emotionally resonant pieces. Her ability to fluidly navigate various mediums allows her to create powerful visual experiences that challenge harmful narratives and offer glimpses of hope for a more equitable future. Marielle Plaisir’s solo exhibition “Strange Fruits” is currently on view at the Coral Gables Art Museum. Her new work “The Day I Heard the Sounds of the World” will join the “Strange Fruits” exhibition and will be on view from April 5-28, 2024.
The premiere of Plaisir’s exhibition was accompanied by a fireside chat featuring esteemed guests Dr. Dorothy J. Fields and Marilyn Holifield. Dr. Fields, a luminary in the preservation of African-American heritage, shared insights into her lifelong mission to raise awareness of South Florida’s black history. Her tireless efforts, including the establishment of Miami’s Black Archives and the designation of historic sites, have paved the way for a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Similarly, Marilyn Holifield, a trailblazer in the legal profession and arts advocate, brought her unique perspective to the conversation. As the first black woman partner of a major law firm in Florida, Holifield’s journey exemplifies resilience and commitment to breaking barriers. Her passion for the arts, nurtured since childhood, underscores the importance of cultural expression in shaping identity and fostering social change.
To enhance the vibrancy of the event, independent recording artist Alexander Star graced the audience with a captivating performance. With a knack for merging entertainment with social impact, Star added an extra layer of depth to the premiere, echoing the themes of activism and empowerment woven throughout Plaisir’s work.
Beyond the physical exhibition, attendees were treated to a mix-and-mingle virtual reality art experience, marking a significant milestone for MoCAAD. The launch of this virtual reality and augmented reality museum experience signifies a bold step towards expanding access to art and culture on a global scale. Soon, audiences around the world will have the opportunity to engage with multilingual art, spoken word, and music experiences, further amplifying the museum’s mission of inclusivity and accessibility.
Communication students from United International College (UIC) were particularly drawn to attend this event due to the inherent interdisciplinary nature of their field of study. Communication encompasses various disciplines, including media studies, cultural studies, and public relations, all of which intersect with the themes explored in Marielle Plaisir’s artwork and the discussions at the premiere. By immersing themselves in this cross-disciplinary environment, communication students were able to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of how communication functions within the context of contemporary art and activism. Moreover, attending events like the MoCAAD premiere allows communication students to cultivate their critical thinking skills, enhance their visual literacy, and gain valuable insights into the role of communication in shaping cultural narratives and fostering social change. As future communicators, their participation in such events catalyzes their academic and professional growth, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to make meaningful contributions to society through their communication practice.
For faculty and students from art classes at United International College, this event also served as an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of art and activism. Through Plaisir’s evocative artwork, Dr. Fields’ dedication to preserving heritage, Holifield’s trailblazing leadership, and Star’s dynamic performance, attendees were invited to reflect on their roles as agents of change in their communities and beyond.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us continue to champion artists, scholars, and activists who dare to challenge the status quo and envision a more just and equitable world through their creativity and passion.
Join us in exploring the intersection of art and activism at Miami MoCAAD, where every brushstroke tells a story, and every voice is heard.
Mikael Silva in UIC Collective Thoughts
Blog Post Written by Mikael Silva, Class of 2027
Miramar, FL- Collective Thoughts is a blog published once a semester by our UIC students, and features fiction, creative writing, and creative nonfiction pieces of work submitted by our undergraduate students.
Meet Mikael, a keen observer of American society, whose insightful essay delves into the fundamental values that define the fabric of contemporary America. From his experiences transitioning from Brazil to Virginia and immersing himself in the vibrant culture of Miami, Mikael’s exploration captures the essence of American values with depth and clarity. Join us as we embark on a journey through Mikael’s reflections, gaining new perspectives on freedom, opportunity, and individualism, and their enduring significance in shaping the American identity.
American Values by Mikael Silva
First, I lived in Ferrum, Virginia and it was a totally different experience compared to my hometown in Brazil and Miami. Also, I have visited some places in the United States of America such as New York, Maryland, and North Carolina. Everywhere I went I observed differences in behavior, property, lifestyle, and ethics. In the Ferrum, I had a more country life and in Miami a beachier vibe which is very similar to life in Brazil.
One of the fundamental values deeply ingrained in American society is the search for freedom. Based on the nation’s founding principles, Americans value the ability to make choices, express opinions, and live without unjustified restrictions. This value includes political freedoms, such as the right to free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly. It also extends to personal autonomy and the individual life pursuit. The belief in liberty as a fundamental value is evident in documents such as the Declaration of Independence, which set out the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Today, the concept of liberty continues to shape American identity and informs debates on issues ranging from civil liberties to economic policy.
American society values opportunity – the belief that hard work, determination, and talent should be recognized with the chance to achieve success and prosperity. This value is deeply rooted in the American Dream, the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their goals through merit and effort. From the original frontier spirit of expansion westward to the promise of social mobility, the belief in opportunity has inspired the aspirations of generations of Americans. While challenges such as economic inequality and systemic divides persist, the belief in the transformative power of opportunity remains a driving force in American society.
American society places a high value on individualism, the idea that each person is unique and has a value and humanity of their own. This value is based on the belief that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests and goals without interference from the government or society. Individualism is celebrated in American culture through narratives of personal success, the importance placed on personal autonomy, and the emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities. While this value can sometimes lead to a sense of rigid independence, it also promotes innovation, creativity, and the search for individual achievement.
In conclusion, the ideals supported by the Founding Fathers—individualism, equality, freedom, and democracy—remain relevant in contemporary American culture. The significance of individual liberty, equal opportunity, civil freedoms, and civic participation is emphasized by these ideals. They create social change, creativity, and advancement by adding to the vibrant and varied fabric of American culture. Even while the country is still facing difficulties and inequality, the persistent dedication to these fundamental principles acts as a light of hope, encouraging citizens to work into a more ideal union in which everyone is free to follow their aspirations and advance the common good.
