OUR HISTORY
CEDA, formerly known as the Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA), was founded in 2006 by Sarah Stephens who served as the executive director from 2006-2017. Since its inception, CEDA designed and led programs to improve relations between the US and Latin America and the Caribbean, placing rights-based policy at the center of our efforts.
CEDA holds engagement with Cuba as a foundational value, believing that it offers the best possible path for the Cuban people to determine their own future. As part of this effort, CEDA has brought hundreds of policymakers, business leaders, women philanthropists, artists, and cultural icons to and from Cuba.
FROM CDA TO CEDA
CEDA's advocacy and programmatic activities evolved throughout the years to focus on different countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Ecuador, Venezuela, and issues such as environmental protection, agricultural sovereignty, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. In 2019, CEDA pivoted its focus towards Central America.
We embarked on an initiative to lead educational travel delegations to Central America and the US-Mexico border. This effort aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the impact of U.S. policy on the experiences of migrants throughout their journey. This marked the inception of our regional migration program - a significant shift for CEDA’s program areas.
ABOUT THE REBRANDING
After more than 18 years of impactful work as the Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA), we are adopting a new identity that better reflects our evolving mission and the broad scope of our work across the Americas. We have officially become CEDA (pronounced seh-dah/se-da), short for the Center for Engagement and aDvocacy in the Americas
What led to the rebranding?
The rebranding from the Center for Democracy in the Americas to the Center for Engagement and Advocacy in Americas stems from a comprehensive strategic visioning process in 2023, our new name and visual identity capture the uplifting and pioneering essence of our engagement and advocacy efforts, focusing on policies that enhance the well-being and uphold the dignity and rights of individuals across the Americas.
What does the rebranding mean for your work?
Our commitments, including our dedication to US-Cuba engagement, are as strong as ever. We continue to champion policies in the United States and the Americas based on partnership, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue. Moreover, the rebrand more accurately captures CEDA’s growing involvement in migration work, advocating for a rights-based, protection-sensitive migration governance regime that ensures safe, orderly, and humane migration in the Americas. We are committed to protecting and respecting all those forcibly displaced, including those affected by climate change, while addressing the needs of transit and destination communities. We believe the United States must engage in humanitarian diplomacy regarding migration and adopt an informed, nuanced approach to regional migration management.
Acknowledging Cuba's growing connections with its neighbors, we understand that one nation's developments can impact the entire region. Migration, a critical cross-border issue, highlights the broad implications of policies that affect migrants. Thus, we are integrating our Cuba-focused efforts into wider regional strategies to tackle shared challenges, promoting understanding, collaboration, and resilience across borders for a sustainable future for Cuba and its neighbors.
What does your logo represent?
Our logo embodies the essence of who we are and the values we uphold. Passionate, committed, and deeply caring, our logo is a visual story of collaboration and trust.
The two semi-circles, representing the letters ‘C’ and ‘D,’ come together, symbolizing our dedication to bridging connections and fostering strong partnerships. This merging forms a dynamic intersection, reflecting our commitment to being nimble, flexible, and a reliable partner in all our endeavors.
Our use of geometric shapes—squares, triangles, and semicircles—illustrates CEDA’s agility and problem-solving prowess. These elements highlight our ability to adapt and build bridges, advancing diversity and equity throughout the Americas.
The colors of our logo—bright, uplifting, yet with depth—reflect the optimistic and profound impact we aim to have across the Americas. They capture the spirit of hope and the substantive change we work towards every day.
The extended arm on the letter ‘A’ is there as a reminder of the human touch that underpins everything we do at CEDA—partnership, connection, and our caring energy are at the heart of our mission. As we embrace this new chapter, our logo stands as a beacon of our values and our resolve to create meaningful impact.