From an early age he felt an affinity for hospitality and cultural exchange, understanding that tourism is much more than travel; It is identity, experience and human connection.
Graduated from the Ibero-American University of Santo Domingo in Hotel Administration, she began her career in renowned establishments such as the Santo Domingo and Hispaniola hotels. His first years in the sector strengthened his practical training and his ability to communicate the excellence of Dominican service.
However, his vision went beyond internal management. He aspired to position his country in new territories and international audiences.
The turning point in her career was expressed in her own words during an interview: “My transition from leaving the hotel industry in Santo Domingo after 5 years as Director of Public Relations and other positions to my move to the city of Chicago, to serve as Director of the Tourism Promotion Office (OPT) of Chicago, to open the Midwest market for the Dominican Republic.”
In 1998 he took on the challenge of moving to Chicago and establishing the tourism promotion office there, introducing the Dominican destination in a region where it still had little presence.
His vocation, however, had begun earlier. “During my studies in hospitality and tourism at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Santo Domingo, I was blessed to obtain the position of Quality Control Coordinator of a hotel chain in Santo Domingo, Hotel Santo Domingo 5 Estrellas, where I was able to stand out as an executive and promote such an excellent hotel and thus combine studies with practice in the branch that I chose to study, this marked the beginning and passion of the profession,” she recalled.
That stage planted in her a determination that accompanies her to this day.
From Chicago he expanded the reach of the Dominican destiny in the Midwest of the country. Years later, her experience took her to Miami, where she currently directs the Tourism Promotion Office and supervises eleven states in the southeastern United States, including Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Tennessee. His work has strengthened the presence of the country brand in a strategic and highly competitive region.
Being the youngest executive in different scenarios involved significant challenges.
She herself acknowledged it: “The truth is that at a young age, both in my first job and in my government position in Chicago, always being the youngest executive often entailed challenges of surpassing myself in all my assignments to demonstrate that despite being young, with discipline, professionalism and a lot of interest, one can achieve one’s goals.”
But with the determination that characterizes her, she gained momentum to improve herself and demonstrate her ability through tangible results.
“The success of each human being is often measured by the results of those feats that make a difference, and in these times there is no difference with what was previously stated. We are often measured by the positive and/or negative results,” he stated.
As he assured, the progress is reflected in the possibility of having open markets, creating strategic alliances and having visitors who return captivated by the island.
His authenticity, his smile and his people skills allow him to promote not only achievements that can be translated into figures, but also memorable experiences, beaches with turquoise waters, historical sites, contagious rhythms and the hospitality that distinguishes the Dominican.
The impact of his work is projected towards new generations.
And he added: “It is a very beautiful management, which inspires and reaches every human being, when one promotes one’s destiny with love and has the blessing of working for a government dedicated to highlighting the values and tourist attractions of the country, that makes a difference, and the human being is automatically impressed.”
For Wendy, promoting her country is a task that transcends the professional and becomes a deeply personal mission.
The path has required resignations: “Many times, time, we sacrifice more time for ourselves and dedicate it to the profession.”
Each effort, however, finds meaning in the fruits achieved.
Among his greatest satisfactions is the territorial expansion of the Dominican destination in the United States: “Opening different markets that previously did not know our country, conquering markets such as the Midwest and Southeast of the United States, positioning tourism promotion offices in cities such as Chicago and Miami, in charge of a third of the states of the United States.”
When thinking about the future, he expresses it like this: “Leaving a legacy is leaving something valuable that is remembered for your management in any sector of life. For me it is the management of tourism promotion, which has contributed to thousands of passengers delighted to visit my beautiful island.”
He summarized his career with a statement that embodies his love for his land: “I have always dedicated myself body and soul to Tourism in the Dominican Republic, contributing my grain of sand to tourism promotion abroad.”
His point of view on work ethic is, in itself, a lesson to be taken into account: “The truth I understand is to be genuine with yourself, honest and empathetic.”
Wendy Justo turned her career into a bridge between the Dominican Republic and the world. The result is reflected in each person who sets foot on that land for the first time, and especially in those who return. It showed that when a destination is promoted with authenticity and love for the homeland, visitors are seduced.
