Miami Dade College

The largest and most diverse college in the nation. #BeMDC 🦈

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

This Veterans Day, we honor our students, faculty, staff and all who have served our country. We're grateful to the veterans who are part of our Shark Family. 💙

At Miami Dade College, we're committed to supporting our veterans as they transition from military service to the classroom and into their next careers. As a Purple Star Campus and the #3 Best College for Veterans in the South by U.S. News & World Report, MDC serves more veterans than any other institution in its regional ranking category, providing the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

To all who have served, thank you for your service and sacrifice. 🇺🇸

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

At the XI Presidential Dialogue, @MariaCorinaYA was recognized with @IDEA_Grupo’s Premio Sebastián Piñera para la Libertad for her defense of democracy in Venezuela. Her son, Ricardo Sosa Machado, accepted the award on her behalf.

Addressing a packed room from Venezuela, Maria Corina reflected on the power of sustained civic resistance, the importance of unity among democratic leaders and the role of international allies in supporting Venezuela’s democratic transition.

Her message: The fight for freedom is a shared responsibility, and while democratic transitions are rarely linear, the struggle continues moving forward in an irreversible way in her native Venezuela.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

We closed the XI Presidential Dialogue of @IDEA_Grupo with remarks from @Almagro_OEA2015, former Secretary General of the OAS, reflecting on a central theme throughout today’s discussions: the importance of embracing differing perspectives, fostering open dialogue, building transparent governments and strengthening democratic institutions across the Americas.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Our second panel at the XI Presidential Dialogue of @IDEA_Grupo brought together former presidents Federico Franco (Paraguay), @tutoquiroga (Bolivia), @_MiguelAngelRE (Costa Rica) and @AlvaroUribeVel (Colombia) to discuss AI’s impact on democracy.

From combating misinformation and closing the digital divide to cybersecurity, data privacy and algorithmic transparency, the central message: AI must serve people, not the other way around. Responsible governance is essential.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Our first panel at the XI Presidential Dialogue of @IDEA_Grupo with @Laura_Ch, Jamil Mahuad, @JeanineAnez and @llegopapa, focused on what it takes to preserve liberal democracies: respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and the limits of power, responsible leadership, and strong institutions.

A central message: In an era increasingly shaped by social media and technology, democracy is about more than winning elections. It is about governing responsibly, not simply seeking popularity.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Our XI Presidential Dialogue opened with @mdcpresident, @itobisono from DR, @asdrubalaguiar from @IDEA_Grupo, Nelson Mezerhane from @DLasAmericas, and José María Aznar from Spain on rising polarization, demographic shifts and rapid technological change in the world today. In the midst of such a massive global transformation, they argue, our societies need to preserve and strengthen liberal democracy across Ibero-America.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

The XI Presidential Dialogue of Grupo IDEA is underway at MDC! We started the day with a conversation bringing together our Institute for Freedom in the Americas Fellows, former presidents from Ibero-America, regional leaders and Mayor @MayorDaniella to discuss the deep connections between Miami-Dade County and the Western Hemisphere.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

We kicked off the XI Presidential Dialogue of the @IDEA_Grupo tonight with a welcome dinner bringing together former Ibero-American heads of state, regional and community leaders, our MDC students, and Fellows from our Institute for Freedom in the Americas.

This year’s Presidential Dialogue will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on our societies and the future of the region. We look forward to welcoming these leaders to MDC tomorrow for a full day of discussions and opportunities to engage directly with our students and Fellows.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Our inaugural cohort of the Institute for Freedom in the Americas Fellowship wrapped up today with a discussion between our Fellows and former heads of state from across Latin America.

Over the past nine months, MDC has hosted these emerging leaders from the government, nonprofit and business sectors as they examined the challenges and opportunities facing democracy in the Americas. Their fellowship explored a range of topics, from multilateral institutions and economic policies to systems of government and democratic governance.

Tomorrow, our Fellows will participate in the XI Diálogo Presidencial at MDC, which will focus on the intersection of artificial intelligence and human potential.

Congratulations to our inaugural cohort! We look forward to seeing how you apply what you've learned to your work in your home countries and continue contributing to stronger democratic institutions across the region.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

As Florida observes Victims of Communism Day, Miami Dade College’s Freedom Tower brings our history to life. At the Pedro Pan Gala, survivors who found freedom in the U.S. gather with generations who will tell their stories, honor their sacrifices and keep their legacy alive.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Through the Employer Provided Innovation Challenge (EPIC), MDC students are gaining hands-on experience solving real business challenges for South Florida companies, while building the skills and connections that lead to career opportunities.

Led locally by Miami Tech Works, EPIC has connected more than 100 students with 25 companies on projects ranging from applied AI and web development to marketing and data analytics.

One of those students, Bruno Acosta, developed a bilingual AI assistant for Canela Media that reduced weekly data-search time from 15 hours to just 30 minutes. His work took him to Washington, D.C., where he presented the project, and ultimately led to a job with the company.

That's the kind of impact we're working to scale: connecting classroom learning with real industry needs and creating pathways from college to careers.

Read more: https://t.co/UQiwL3zFHP

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Congratulations to MDC alum @BryanAvilaFL on his election as Florida’s next Lieutenant Governor, serving alongside Governor-elect @ByronDonalds! 🎉

@BryanAvilaFL graduated from MDC in 2004 and served as Student Government President at our Wolfson Campus. He continues to stay involved with MDC and regularly returns to speak with our students, most recently at this year’s Student Government Association induction ceremony.

Congratulations to Governor-elect Donalds and Lieutenant Governor-elect Ávila! Bryan, we’re proud to call you a Shark! 🦈

[Madeline Pumariega @mdcpresident]

Congratulations Governor @ByronDonalds! We are looking forward to working together to expand opportunity, strengthen Florida’s workforce and open doors for our students. Especially proud to celebrate @MDCollege alumnus Bryan Avila as the Lt. Govenor! Together, we can build a brighter future for the great State of Florida!

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Polls close at 7 p.m.! 🗳️ If you haven't voted yet, there's still time.

As Democracy’s College, we’re proud to serve as a polling place at our Kendall and Homestead Campuses, where more than 6,500 voters have cast their ballots during early voting and on Election Day thus far.

Every vote counts! Go out there and vote!

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

@TheFCSAA Go Sharks! 🏆🦈💙

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

Congratulations to our Women’s Volleyball team for winning the @TheFCSAA State Championship! Go Sharks! 🦈 🏐

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

The Latin Builders Association @LBA has recognized Miami Dade College with its 2026 Education Award!

South Florida’s construction industry is experiencing double digit growth and creating new opportunities for skilled workers across our region.

At MDC, we’re helping prepare the workforce to meet that demand. Through our Construction Trades Institute, currently at North Campus and now expanding to Homestead Campus, we're investing in hands-on training in fields ranging from general contracting to HVAC, plumbing, electrical work and fiber-optic infrastructure.

Thank you to the Latin Builders Association for this recognition and for its continued work supporting South Florida’s construction industry and the next generation of skilled professionals.

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

@CTEMiami So excited to host our future educators at Padrón Campus!

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

A big congratulations to MDC Shark Tania Li, named a 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholar! 🎉🇺🇸

This is one of the highest honors a high school student can receive in the United States. This year, just 161 students nationwide were selected from more than 6,700 candidates. The recognition celebrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, character and service to others.

Tania attended our School for Advanced Studies (SAS) at our Wolfson Campus, where she earned her Associate in Arts degree along with her high school diploma. Tania is now at MIT studying an interdisciplinary major in both Chemistry and Biology.

But what makes Tania especially remarkable is how she uses her talents to help others. She founded Animal Wishes, a nonprofit that brings art and pet therapy to hospitalized patients, helping them create portraits of their beloved pets while raising funds for animals in local shelters. Her work earned her the 2026 Miami Herald Silver Knight Award in Art.

Tania, congratulations on this extraordinary national recognition! We can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish next. Once a Shark, always a Shark! 🦈💙

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

On #NationalFirstRespondersDay, we recognize the firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs, paramedics and other emergency personnel who serve and protect our communities every day. 🚒🚓🚑

At MDC, we’re helping prepare the next generation of first responders through our School of Justice, Public Safety and Law Studies and our Emergency Medical Services programs. From training at our Fire and Police Academies to hands-on emergency medical training, our students develop the skills to respond to emergencies, save lives and keep our communities safe.

Today, we thank all first responders, including the many MDC alumni serving across South Florida, for the work they do every day. 💙🦈

[Miami Dade College @MDCollege]

MDC Fire Academy student Bryan Monzon has been awarded the Zeke Urrutia Endowed Firefighter Scholarship, established in memory of Fire Academy alumnus Zeke Urrutia to carry forward his passion for helping others.

Through this scholarship, Zeke’s legacy lives on, supporting aspiring firefighters as they prepare to serve and protect their communities.

Congratulations to Bryan, and thank you to the Urrutia family for their generosity and commitment to honoring Zeke’s impact and inspiring the next generation of first responders. 💙