MIAMI — May 1, 2026 — This week, Miami Dade College (MDC) welcomed its inaugural cohort of fellows for the Institute for Freedom in the Americas Fellowship. This is a landmark initiative designed to empower emerging leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean to advance democratic values, economic freedom, and effective governance. The group convened from April 29 to May 1 for the program’s official launch.
The inaugural fellows include:
Argentina
Carlos Roberto Pereira, representative for the San Luis Province
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, Maule region representative
Colombia
Alejandra Cifuentes, political activist and former candidate for the house of representatives
Juan Felipe Corzo, member of Congress
Costa Rica
Henry Salazar, alderman and president of the municipal council of Cantón de Alajuelita
Cuba
Roberto Hechavarría Pilia, director of Cubanet Noticias
Dominican Republic
Jean Marco Pumarol, chief of staff at the Ministry of Housing and Buildings. Member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Public Policy Analysis (CAPP)
Ecuador
Paola Mahuad Calderón, former first lady of Ecuador and active participant in Paz y Dolarización group
El Salvador
Ricardo Godoy, director of the Conservative Training Institute and VP of the ARENA Political Party
Guatemala
Alejandro Palmieri Waelti, political editor of newspaper República
Honduras
Ana Regina Sánchez, vice president of the Commission on International Affairs of the National Party of Honduras and of the Christian Democratic Organization of the Americas (ODCA)
Mexico
Alejandra García Morlán, representative in Oaxaca
Nicaragua
Jonathan Martín Duarte, executive director, Foundation for Freedom of Nicaragua, regional secretary for the Americas of the World Liberty Congress
Panama
Ana Giselle Rosas, head of the women’s secretariat, Democratic Change Party of Panama
Paraguay
Salma Agüero, minister of youth. She is the youngest minister in Ibero-America and in the history of Paraguay
Peru
Rosangella Barbarán, national secretary of youth of the Fuerza Popular Party, chair of the ProInversión Committee and vice-chair of the Consumer Protection Committee. She is the youngest congresswoman in Peru.
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 (CED)
Venezuela
Santiago Aguiar Dorante, managing partner at Aguiar & Asociados. Consultant at KLMC Legal, SC
Headquartered within the College’s Institute for Freedom in the Americas, the yearlong Fellowship brings together distinguished public sector leaders for an immersive experience combining academic study, policy dialogue, and hands-on collaboration. Fellows will engage in interactive seminars, mentorship, and programs designed to address the most pressing challenges facing democracy in the region.
The program reflects Miami Dade College’s mission as “Democracy’s College,” serving as a convening force for global dialogue and leadership development. Through the Fellowship, participants will collaborate with leading scholars, policymakers, and former heads of state while contributing to thought leadership and real-world solutions that promote democratic values and global governance.
“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.”
The Fellowship is a prestigious program designed for accomplished leaders with demonstrated impact in public service. Participants will develop innovative policy solutions, strengthen global leadership skills, and build a lasting network committed to democratic advancement.
Dr. Asdrubal Aguiar, secretary general of Grupo IDEA, emphasized the 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 Institute for Freedom in the Americas builds on MDC’s legacy as a global hub for dialogue and civic engagement, including its longstanding Presidential Dialogue series, which has convened former heads of state and global leaders in Miami for the past 10 years to address critical issues shaping the region.
The fellowship will culminate with participation in the XI Presidential Dialogue of Grupo IDEA (Nov. 9-11, 2026).
For more information about the Institute for Freedom in the Americas and its fellowship, please visit: Institute for Freedom in the Americas