Doménica Núñez del Arco Abad
University of Miami, Herbert Business School
“I’m a hard-working student driven to create a better world by blending creativity with problem-solving.”
Fun fact about yourself: I do the New York Times Daily Crossword every day.
Hometown: Guayaquil, Ecuador
High School: Unidad Educativa Bilingüe Delta
Major: Business Analytics; Computer Science
Minor: Political Economics; Math
Favorite Business Course: Industrial Economics & Public Policy
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
Leadership Roles: Chair of Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee; Hyperion Council Student Consultant & Recruitment Chair; University of Miami Student Government Academic Liaison; University of Miami First Year Leadership Council; Miami Hebert Business School Ambassador; Council of International Students and Organizations former Vice-President; Honor Council former member; Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity; University of Miami Model United Nations; Department of Computer Science Teaching Assistant
Honors: Presidential Scholar; President’s Honor Roll & Dean’s List; Latina Project Scholar; Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society.
Where have you interned during your college career? Baptist Health South Florida – Financial Shared Services Analytics Intern (June 2023 – May 2024); Carnival Corporation & plc (Miami, FL) – Health Informatics Data Analyst (June 2024 – August 2024)
Where will you be working after graduation? Cornerstone Research (Boston, MA) – Analyst
Who is your favorite business professor? While many professors have profoundly influenced my academic journey, Dr. Masoud Kamalahmadi stands out as one of my most inspiring instructors I have encountered at the University of Miami. His ability to distill complex concepts into clear, engaging lessons made my Stochastic Models in Operations Research course both intellectually stimulating and genuinely enjoyable. Dr. Kamalahmadi’s passion for teaching is evident in every lecture, and his unwavering willingness to support students has left a lasting impression on me.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The importance of putting yourself out there. Learning concepts in class is only half the battle when striving for success in the business world. As intimidating as it may be—especially for introverts like myself—growth comes from embracing discomfort. Whether it’s joining professional societies to connect with like-minded peers or reaching out to someone on LinkedIn whose career you admire, the worst that can happen is they don’t respond. But the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Explore different majors early on, especially in your first year. Many students enter college without a clear understanding of the diverse opportunities within business. For me, Miami Herbert’s curated business curriculum helped me refine my interests and ultimately switch to a major that aligned with my professional goals. That said, don’t let a single class define your perception of an entire field. Engage with classmates, connect with professors, and conduct your own research to find the path that best suits your skills and aspirations.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? I would get involved in career-building activities earlier, starting in my freshman year. While I actively engaged in student organizations like Student Government and the Council of International Students and Organizations, I wish I had dedicated more time to developing professional skills early on. Gaining exposure to internships, networking events, and industry resources sooner would have helped me feel more prepared and confident in my career path from an earlier point in time.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? One impactful way AI has been incorporated into my classes is through the creation of practice exams and sample questions, which serve as valuable study aids. Several of my professors have adopted this approach, providing ample preparation materials and making learning more interactive and effective. This experience has reshaped my perspective on AI—not as a replacement for learning, but as a powerful tool that enhances comprehension and deepens understanding.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am especially proud of my role as Chair of the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee, an undergraduate body responsible for distributing over $1.5 million in funding to more than 300 registered student organizations. This experience has allowed me to serve as a leader within my community, support the creation of hundreds of student-led events, and guide a team of high-achieving peers. I am particularly proud of redesigning outdated training processes, writing comprehensive handbooks, and developing a new website with community resources—streamlining the budget submission process and making funding more accessible to students.
Which classmate do you most admire? My friend and classmate, Martina Kurchan, is someone I truly look up to and admire. She is not only naturally bright, but also an extremely hard-working and driven person with a commitment to assisting others to reach their goals. As a full-tuition scholarship recipient and president of TAMID, a student consulting club, she exemplifies leadership and excellence in every sense. After graduation, Martina will join Bank of America as an Investment Banking Analyst, and I have no doubt that she will thrive in every endeavor she pursues.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I grew up in a home where traditional gender roles were slightly reversed—my mom was the primary income provider for most of my life due to my dad’s health condition. Despite this, she balanced a full-time job, earned her master’s degree in Finance, and (alongside my father) built and grew their own business in the middle of their careers. Through it all, they remained unwaveringly supportive and loving parents, celebrating my successes, and standing by me through every challenge. My mom and dad are the most intelligent, resilient, and disciplined people I know—true examples of perseverance and creativity—and I will never be able to thank them enough for the sacrifices they’ve made for me and my siblings.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I aspire to earn a master’s degree—and possibly a doctorate—in Data Science and/or Economics. Additionally, after gaining significant experience in my career, I hope to teach at a university and conduct research in my field, contributing to both academia and industry.
What made Domenica such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?
“Few students have made as lasting an impression on me as Domenica. She stood out for her deep curiosity, always seeking not just to understand what was being taught but also why it mattered. While many students struggle with short attention spans, she remained fully engaged in lectures, actively participating in discussions and immersing herself in the learning process. Her intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the classroom. Through my conversations with her and others, I learned that she was not only actively involved in various roles across the university but also was a remarkable leader and a loyal friend. In short, Domenica is an exceptional individual, and it was a privilege to be part of her undergraduate journey at the University of Miami.”
Masoud Kamalahmadi
Assistant Professor
Management Science
Miami Herbert Business School
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