We are about to welcome a new year and there are several reasons why I believe that 2023 will be a passionate year. 2022 is a year of change, but the experience we live in drives us to develop innovative plans and together we achieve them.

We are focused on finding opportunities that offer immediate assistance to the affected workforce. I remember how earlier in the year the extraordinary case numbers due to the new omicron variant highlighted the understaffing in the country’s hospitals.

As a leader at Miami Dade College, I am committed to increasing our nursing program by 40% to reduce the need for professionals in hospitals, nursing homes, and doctors’ offices.

With more than 300 nurses recently graduating from our Benjamin León School of Nursing in our Medical Center City centerwilling to become essential workers, Nursing Assistant program, CNA, is open for short term certificate in patient care.

Meanwhile at the Homestead Campus, a second Nursing Simulation and Skills Center was successfully inaugurated to gain working skills in real clinical settings. The new facility joins the Campus Medical Simulation and Innovation Center, where technology leaders in nuclear medicine, respiratory care, and physician assistants have been developed. The Annual Health Fair is also held with free services to the public.

My passion for innovation in higher education has always been supported by a tribe of great women who paved my way. In March we celebrate International Women’s Month with an exhibition recognizing leaders such as Nicole Brent, British Consul General; Kim Ng, general manager of the Miami Marlins; former Florida congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. And I proudly walked with my daughter, Alyssa, to be honored at the annual luncheon. Strolling in His Shoes to empower families in need.

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This year we were honored to host Governor Ron DeSantis to sign a bill that financially benefits more abandoned children’s caregivers by helping them pay for their college education, and I congratulate the so many women who become foster parents.

But I was even more excited to see so many proud mothers of their sons receiving diplomas from Miami Dade College, among the more than 14,000 students who graduated this year at the ceremony at LoanDepotPark.

Our cultural programming shined at the 39th edition of the Dade College Miami Film Festival, with the presentation of more than 120 feature films from more than 35 countries. The festival opens with Good Protector the Spanish comedy by Fernando León de Aranoa, with the appearance of Javier Bardem, was nominated for 20 Goya awards and an Oscar Award finalist.

This year MDC impacted society through its advances in technology programs and we consolidated ourselves as an engine of the labor economy and education. We join forces with the City of Miami in its goal of turning Miami into Smart city and we support the Venture Miami initiative, which helps local businesses expand opportunities. With Miami-Dade County and the Downtown Miami Development Authority (DDA), we announced a $15 million investment to educate new technologies.

We created MDC Tech to expand the program and connect students with employers looking for talent. We successfully launched the Technology Job Fair Miami Enterprises. We receive as a unique gift, a famous statue Cryptocurrency bull installed on the Wolfson Campus.

We participate in eMerge Americas, an annual technology conference, with educational talks and innovative exhibits. Our North Campus successfully inaugurated an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center to expand study programs.

Our EnTec School of Engineering and Technology has attracted leaders such as IBM, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and Oracle for our cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics programs. We received the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber ​​Defense designation from the National Security Agency.

We celebrate together with the community, the I AM DAY MDC which marks the 62nd anniversary of Miami Dade College. And the contributions of thousands of alumni are highlighted, thanks to the generosity of friends of the College, Fundación MDC Foundationexpansion of funds to help new students.

Once again, Miami Dade College’s symbolic Freedom Tower served as the backdrop for the prestigious MDC Alumni Hall of Fame gala on its 20th Anniversary where 10 new civic and business leaders were inducted.

Culinary Institute and Hospitality School opens a simulation center for hotel teaching. And North American multinational corporation Diageo donated $1 million to Miami Dade College, to provide financial support to students in the hospitality, dining and business sectors.

The VII Annual Presidential Dialogue held at the Wolfson Campus was impressive and hosted prestigious former heads of state, presidents of Latin America and Spain who analyzed world events through unique presentations.

The thirty-ninth edition of the Miami Dade College Book Fair hosted the finest contemporary literature with the participation of 500 renowned authors, and thousands of visitors enjoyed stellar presentations and a massive book fair. We welcome the famous Colombian musician Juanes with his new biography, former Vice President of Nicaragua, Sergio Ramírez and Jamil Mahuad, former President of Ecuador.

And at the Idea Center, in front of top government leaders and executives, the Blackstone Company gave us $500,000 to expand the program. Blackstone Launcher student entrepreneurship and business skills

There are so many initiatives that I feel very proud of, and in this new year we will continue to save the dreams of those who seek the best educational experience. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Madeline Pumarieta is president of Miami Dade College.