Dr. Chavez served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs from 2013 until 2016 where she prioritized Women, Peace, and Security initiatives, combatting the militarization of law enforcement, and expanding defense institution building programs. Her areas of focus included shaping Defense Department contributions to President Obama’s Central America Strategy, moving the U.S.- Mexico relationship beyond the narrow counternarcotics focus, supporting the Colombian peace process, resetting defense relations with Argentina and Brazil, and establishing a productive dialogue with Cuba on humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Prior to joining the Obama-Biden administration, Dr. Chavez was a tenured professor of political science at the United States Naval Academy where she served on the Admissions Board and the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate. Her research focused on democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, and she taught a wide variety of comparative politics and international relations courses, including Latin American and Caribbean Politics, Democratization, and United States-Latin America Relations.

Dr. Chavez is the author of The Rule of Law in Nascent Democracies (Stanford University Press). Her work has appeared in edited volumes and scholarly journals, including The Oxford Handbook of Law and Politics, Courts in Latin America (Cambridge University Press), Comparative Politics, Latin American Politics and Society, and The Journal of Latin American Studies. Her opinion pieces have been published in The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and Defense One. 

Raised in Austin, Texas, Dr. Chavez received her MA and PhD in political science from Stanford University and her BA in public and international affairs from Princeton University. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the recipient of multiple academic grants, including a Fulbright Scholarship.

Dr. Chavez lives in Washington, DC with her husband Pablo and their two children, Oscar and Penelope.

The post Rebecca Bill Chavez appeared first on The Dialogue.

Acha joined the Dialogue as a Member in 2012.

The post Sebastián Acha appeared first on The Dialogue.

Allamand is currently on leave from the Dialogue until the end of his term.

The post Andrés Allamand appeared first on The Dialogue.

As an activist for education in Brazil, Amaral co-founded two organizations: Vontade de Aprender Olímpica, which prepares Brazilian students to compete in international olympiads, and Movimento Mapa Educação, which promotes education equality in Brazil. She also co-founded the political organization Acredito, which provides funding for progressive candidates running for the first time in Brazil.

Before attending university, Amaral represented Brazil in five international science competitions. She then graduated from Harvard University with a degree in astrophysics and political science. She was also a columnist for Rádio CBN and Glamour magazine.

Amaral joined the Dialogue as a member in 2020 and is an ambassador of connectivity for educational purposes.

The post Tabata Amaral appeared first on The Dialogue.

Ardito-Barletta is an Emeritus Member of the Dialogue. 

The post Nicolás Ardito-Barletta appeared first on The Dialogue.

A recognized Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Argueta is a member of the Central American Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute and the Inter-American Dialogue. She has been featured in various publications as one of the most prominent women leaders in the region.

In addition to her diplomatic work, she has published articles on foreign affairs, international relations, regional integration, and Latin America’s competitiveness. She is dedicated to advancing public-private collaboration, sustainable development, and the empowerment of women. Argueta also serves on the boards of private companies and advisory boards for institutions like the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard, the Latin American Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center, the UNDP Latin American Program, and the Partnership for Central America.

Argueta holds a law degree and a postgraduate diploma in diplomacy from the University of Oxford. She has pursued specialized studies at institutions like the International Peace Academy, Harvard University, and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Her distinguished career has earned her national honors and awards from countries including Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Italy, and the United States.

Argueta joined the Dialogue as a Member in 2024.

The post Marisol Argueta appeared first on The Dialogue.

Aronson holds a BA with honors in humanities from the University of Chicago. He has published opinion pieces in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New Republic, and The Huffington Post, among other publications.

Aronson joined the Dialogue as a Member in 1997.

The post Bernard Aronson appeared first on The Dialogue.

Bachelet joined the Dialogue as a member in 2010. She is the former co-chair of the Dialogue’s Board of Directors.

The post Michelle Bachelet appeared first on The Dialogue.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology as well as a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. In September 2014, Bárcena was awarded an honoris causa doctorate by the University of Oslo, Norway.

Bárcena is currently on leave from the Dialogue until the end of her appointment. 

The post Alicia Bárcena appeared first on The Dialogue.

As chair of the Democratic Caucus, Becerra wielded a strong voice in House Democratic leadership, helping to set priorities and drive the legislative decision making process. He dedicated himself to promoting issues affecting industries critical to the economic vitality of the Southern California region such as health care, high technology, entertainment, and stimulating free, yet fair, trade.

The first Latino to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, Becerra used his position to increase opportunities for working families, to improve the Social Security program for women and minorities, to combat poverty among the working poor, and to strengthen Medicare and ensure its long-term viability. He served on the Social Security Subcommittee. In 2010, Becerra served on the bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

Becerra was a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) where he served as chair during the 105th Congress (1997-98). He was also a member of the Executive Committee of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Prior to his election to Congress, Becerra served one term in the California Legislature as the representative of the 59th Assembly District in Los Angeles County. He is a former deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice. Becerra began his legal career in 1984 working in a legal services office representing the mentally ill. Becerra earned his BA in economics from Stanford University. He was awarded his JD from Stanford Law School in 1984.

Becerra is currently on leave from the Dialogue until the end of his term.

The post Xavier Becerra appeared first on The Dialogue.