María José Espinosa Carrillo is Director of Programs and Operations at the Center for Democracy in the Americas. María José provides strategic and operational leadership to support the growth of CDA’s advocacy initiatives, Cuba Travel Program, and research efforts. Prior to joining CDA, María José worked at DMC of Miami a travel agency where she organized exchange programs and missions for individuals or groups interested in better understanding economic development opportunities in Cuba. Earlier in her career, she was an International Affairs Analyst at the Centre for the Study of Asia and Oceania and a member of a research team that published reports on Cuba’s economic, political, and social affairs regarding Asia and Oceania. She began her career as a Professor in the School of Economics at the University of Havana. She holds an MSc. in Economics from the University of Havana, an MSc. in Tourism and Environmental Economics from the Universitat de les Illes Balears, and a BSc. in Economics from the University of Havana.
Teresa Garcia Castro is a Program Associate at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) where she provides research and support for the Drug Policy and the Andes projects, as well as the Cuba programs. She also focuses on the intersection of women and incarceration for drug-related offenses. Prior to joining WOLA, Teresa was a research assistant at American University. She has co-authored several articles on U.S.-Cuba relations and the process of internal reforms in Cuba. She also worked as a specialist in international relations at the Cuban Ministry of Culture promoting artistic and educational exchanges. She interned at the Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG), an international pro bono law firm focused on peace negotiations and at the Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry. Her most recent publications include “Pretrial Detention in Latin America: The Disproportionate Impact on Women Deprived of Liberty for Drug Offenses” and “A Long Legacy of Distrust and the Future of Cuban-US Relations”. Teresa received an M.A. in International Relations focused on foreign policy at American University’s School of International Service (SIS) where she was awarded the SIS Award for Outstanding Academic Performance. She obtained her B.A. in International Relations from the Higher Institute of International Relations in Havana, Cuba.
