09/10/2026
Cafecito Caliente and Title Sponsor Lake Trust Credit Union are proud to announce Dominica Palacio as the 2026 Cafecito Caliente Latina of the Year. This award celebrates an extraordinary Latina who serves as a powerful advocate, inspiring leader, and passionate spokesperson for the advancement of Latinas and the broader Hispanic community.
Dominica Palacio is a proud Lansing native whose life and career reflect a deep commitment to education, family, leadership, culture, and service to her community. She is a proud graduate of the Lansing School District and a first-generation college graduate who understands firsthand the transformative power of education, opportunity, discipline, and perseverance.
Dominica earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and later earned her Master of Business Administration from Northwood University. During her time at Michigan State University, she demonstrated an early passion for leadership, culture, and inclusion. She was a founder of the first multicultural sorority on the campus of Michigan State University, Zeta Sigma Chi, and was also a co-founder of Colores de
las Razas Unidas, one of the University's first student-led Mexican folklórico and Latino dance organizations.
For more than 30 years, Dominica has built an accomplished career in Human Resources and executive leadership. She currently serves as Vice President of Administration at Ionetix, where she oversees Human Resources, Information Technology, and Legal Services. Ionetix is a Lansing-based innovator and manufacturer of proprietary superconducting cyclotrons and a producer of medical isotopes used in diagnostic imaging and targeted alpha therapy. Through its growing network of FDA-approved sites, Ionetix manufactures PET radiopharmaceuticals used to support imaging in cardiology, oncology, neurology, and other areas of medicine. The company is also advancing the production of therapeutic isotopes, including actinium-225 and astatine-211, helping position the Lansing region at the forefront of innovation in advanced medical technology.
While building an executive career, Dominica has remained deeply committed to her greatest role—being a mother. Alongside her husband, Fidencio Palacio, she has raised four beautiful children in the Lansing community, including triplets who all became college graduates in 2026. She has instilled in her children the values of education, discipline, resilience, faith, and tenacity.
Her son, Justin, earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics from UCLA and previously studied at Harvard and Oxford University. Her son, Brandon, pursued his dream of becoming a professional fútbol player, competing internationally in Serbia, Colombia, Montenegro, and Sweden before completing his Bachelor's degree in Business and beginning his career as an Aerospace Project Engineer. Her daughter, Gabriella, is pursuing her Master's degree in Accounting at Davenport University while working toward becoming a CPA and building her professional career as an Accountant.
Dominica has also had the privilege of traveling internationally alongside Gabriella as she represented the United States as Miss Environmental USA, supporting her daughter as she participated in international events and served as an ambassador for environmental awareness and the United States.
Her youngest daughter, Christina, was named the 2026 Athlete of the Year by the Lansing State Journal following her accomplishments as a State Champion in Track & Field and her continued athletic career as a collegiate basketball player at Grand Valley State University.
Although Dominica is proud of her professional accomplishments and her family's achievements, those who know her best recognize that some of her greatest contributions happen quietly and without recognition. She has consistently supported members of her community by helping individuals identify job opportunities, prepare for interviews, navigate career transitions, and build the confidence needed to pursue new opportunities. She is known for opening doors for others, sharing knowledge, making introductions, mentoring emerging professionals, and encouraging young people and adults alike to believe that their circumstances do not define their potential.
Dominica believes strongly in giving back to the community that helped shape her. She supports local organizations, community events, educational initiatives, and individuals who are working to improve their lives. She understands the importance of representation and the responsibility that comes with being able to help others succeed. Whether through professional mentorship, career guidance, supporting local families, encouraging students, or simply taking the time to help someone who needs advice,
Dominica has always believed that meaningful service does not need to be public to make a difference.
She is also an active member of her church and believes that faith, family, service, and community are the foundation of a meaningful life.
As a Latina, first-generation college graduate, executive leader, wife, mother, and lifelong member of the Lansing community, Dominica Palacio represents the power of perseverance and possibility. Her journey reflects what can happen when hard work is
paired with faith, education, discipline, cultural pride, and a commitment to lifting others along the way.
For Dominica, success is not measured solely by titles, degrees, or accomplishments. It is measured by the lives she impacts, the doors she helps open, the opportunities she creates for others, and the legacy of service she leaves within her family and community.
The Awards Program will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at the The Cadillac Room in REO Town Lansing. Lake Trust has been the Title Sponsor for both 2025 and 2026 and was also sponsored in 2024.
Lake Trust Credit Union website: https://laketrust.org/
Tickets: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/2026-cafecito-caliente…/
Sponsorship: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/gold-benefits-package-1000/
Sponsorship: https://cafecitocaliente.com/…/partners-sponsorship…
