CDA STATEMENT: The Center for Democracy in the Americas Names María José Espinosa Executive Director
June 01, 2022
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA) is proud to name María José Espinosa Executive Director, effective June 1, 2022.
“María José is a visionary and impactful leader with a collaborative spirit and a heart for making the lives of others better. Her work with a diverse set of domestic and regional actors has provided her with a nuanced appreciation for and ability to navigate the broad-ranging community of stakeholders that operate within the foreign policy context. Coupled with her expertise in U.S.-Cuba policy and regional migration, we are excited to see how María José’s leadership and experience will build off of that of her predecessors,” said Bea Edwards, President of CDA’s board of directors.
Ms. Espinosa brings more than twelve years of experience analyzing and developing policy and seeking ways to strengthen ties among the people and the countries of the Americas. Since 2016, Ms. Espinosa has served in different positions at CDA, including most recently as Deputy Director. At CDA, she has designed foreign policy strategies and campaigns conducted through policy research, strategic advocacy with U.S. policymakers, and over twenty high-level, high-impact educational and fact-finding delegations to the region, including Cuba, Central America, and the U.S.-Mexico border. She has built strategic partnerships with Latin American and Caribbean civil society actors and has played a key role in elevating and bringing their voices into the U.S. policy debate, channeling their recommendations into advocacy efforts.
“We are living in a complex and exciting time in the Americas and CDA’s team is ensuring policymakers have insights from our advocacy, research, civil society engagement, and educational trips,” Ms. Espinosa said. “Our work to inform humane regional migration solutions and shape U.S.-Cuba policy is more vital than ever and I am excited for where our team will take the work.”
Ms. Espinosa succeeds Jorge Quintana. “I am proud of the work that CDA has accomplished over the last year," Mr. Quintana stated. "While I look forward to pursuing other interests, I will continue to support CDA as the team successfully carries on vital policy work under María José's leadership."
“CDA’s ability to look at both the big picture in the Americas as well as the specific policies of countries helps ensure our advocacy and policy positions allow people to build the type of open and peaceful society we want,” Ms. Espinosa said. “Every day, we work to make our world more connected and break down barriers that separate us. I am excited to lead CDA and I am grateful for the support of CDA's Board, partners, and our growing community.”
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