Miami Dade College’s (MDC) prestigious Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade & Transportation has named Pamela Fuertes, a proud MDC alumna, as its new dean. Fuertes has serves as executive director of the acclaimed Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program at MDC since 2019.
As dean of the School of Business, Trade & Transportation, Fuertes will work on aligning MDC’s mission with the industry needs of the local, state and global business community; establishing partnerships and engaging with public, private and nonprofit organizations to meet talent needs. She will also assist in the development of programs designed to enhance the student experience at the College. The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program will report to her and continue supporting small businesses and economic development efforts across South Florida.
“Our community is experiencing significant transformation in both business and culture. As a Miami Dade College alumna, I’m excited to take on this role where I can help shape and support our global business and entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Fuertes said. “I’m inspired by the drive, vision and strength of our students, and look forward to working alongside colleagues and partners to help build a stronger business community, where we can all continue to flourish.”
Fuertes’s professional background includes experience in the public and private sectors, including Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the City of Coral Gables, LanguageSpeak and Miami-Dade County.
In addition, Fuertes serves on the World Trade Center – Miami Board of Directors, the Arts & Business Council, the Organization of Women in International Trade, the Alliance-Française of Miami, the Italy Chamber of Commerce. She is also a distinguished member of International Advisory Board of Miami Scientific Italian Community.
Her work has been recognized with the National Order of Merit with the rank of “Chevalier ” by the Republic of France, the World Trade Center of Miami’s International Businesswoman Award and Fashion Group International of South Florida.
Fuertes earned an associate degree in political science at MDC and a bachelor’s degree and MBA in international business from the University of Miami. She is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Italian.
MDC’s Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade & Transportation is focused on helping students forge new career paths in global business, transportation and logistics, supply chain management, supervision and management, aviation and hospitality. The School offers associate and baccalaureate degrees, programs that transfer to four-year institutions and short-term certificate programs that prepare and position students for a career in Miami’s vibrant business community. To find out more, please visit: https://www.mdc.edu/globalbusiness/programs.aspx
