MDC welcomed its inaugural cohort of fellows for the Institute for Freedom in the Americas Fellowship this week, convening emerging leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean in Miami from April 29 to May 1 for the program’s official launch.
Selected from a competitive pool of applicants representing 21 countries, the cohort includes policymakers, public servants and civic leaders working at the forefront of democratic governance, economic reform and institutional strengthening across the region.
The Inaugural Fellows:
Argentina
Carlos Roberto Pereira, representative for the province of San Luis
Bolivia
Carolina Ribera Añez, human rights activist and advocate for the release of political prisoners
Brazil
Paulo Velasco, associate professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro and international political commentator
Chile
Benjamín Moreno Bascur, representative for the Maule region
Colombia
Alejandra Cifuentes, political activist and former candidate for the Chamber of Representatives
Juan Felipe Corzo, member of Congress
Costa Rica
Henry Salazar, councilmember and president of the municipal council of Alajuelita
Cuba
Roberto Hechavarría Pilia, director of Cubanet Noticias
Dominican Republic
Jean Marco Pumarol, chief of staff at the Ministry of Housing and Buildings
Ecuador
Paola Mahuad Calderón, former first lady
El Salvador
Ricardo Godoy, director of the Conservative Training Institute and VP of the ARENA Political Party
Guatemala
Alejandro Palmieri Waelti, political editor of República
Honduras
Ana Regina Sánchez, vice president, international affairs commission, National Party
Mexico
Alejandra García Morlán, representative in Oaxaca
Nicaragua
Jonathan Martín Duarte, executive director, Foundation for Freedom of Nicaragua
Panama
Ana Giselle Rosas, head of the women’s secretariat, Democratic Change party
Paraguay
Salma Agüero, minister of youth
Peru
Rosangella Barbarán, member of Congress; chair, pro-investment commission
Spain
Germán Alcayde, director general, Atlantic Institute of Government
United States
Natalie Milian Orbis, Miami-Dade County commissioner
Uruguay
Hernán Bonilla, founding president, Center for the Study of Development
Venezuela
Santiago Aguiar Dorante, managing partner, Aguiar & Asociados
Hosted at MDC’s iconic Freedom Tower, the opening convening brought fellows together with distinguished leaders from the public and private sectors for a three-day program of policy dialogue, leadership development and collaboration. The launch included a private reception on Wednesday, April 29, offering a unique opportunity to engage with global thought leaders and regional stakeholders.
The yearlong fellowship is designed to equip participants with the tools, networks and policy expertise needed to address some of the most pressing challenges facing democracy in the Americas.
“This inaugural cohort represents a powerful step forward in our commitment to fostering principled leadership across the Americas,” said Madeline Pumariega, president of Miami Dade College. “As Democracy’s College, we are proud to bring together leaders who are dedicated to advancing freedom, strengthening institutions, and building a more resilient future for our hemisphere.”
Dr. Asdrúbal Aguiar, secretary general of Grupo IDEA, underscored the regional significance of the initiative:
“The launch of this inaugural cohort marks an important milestone in strengthening democratic leadership across the Americas. Through this fellowship, we are cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to freedom, institutional integrity, and the advancement of our societies.”
The fellowship will culminate with participation in the XI Presidential Dialogue of Grupo IDEA (Nov. 9-11, 2026), where fellows will engage directly with former heads of state and global leaders to present insights and contribute to high-level discussions on the future of democracy in the region.
The Institute for Freedom in the Americas builds on MDC’s longstanding role as a hemispheric hub for civic engagement and dialogue, including its Presidential Dialogue series, which has convened former heads of state and global leaders in Miami for the past 10 years.
For more information about the Institute for Freedom in the Americas and its fellowship, please contact Pamela Fuertes Berti, dean of MDC’s Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade & Transportation, at pfuertes@mdc.edu, 305-237-0698 or visit: Institute for Freedom in the Americas