Washington, D.C. — The Stimson Center’s Latin America Program is pleased to welcome Francisco Sagasti, María Vélez, and Kezia McKeague as new members of its Advisory Board. Their combined expertise in diplomacy, technology and education, and democratic governance will advance the Program’s mission to produce pragmatic ideas to strengthen U.S.-Latin America relations and solve public policy challenges across the Americas.
“Our newest Board members bring unique perspectives and deep regional experience at a moment of profound change in Latin America,” said Benjamin N. Gedan, Director of the Stimson Center’s Latin America Program.
“At a moment of rapid political and technological change across the Americas, the Latin America Program’s work is more important than ever,” said Brian Finlay, President & CEO of the Stimson Center. “Francisco Sagasti, María Vélez, and Kezia McKeague bring the leadership and regional insight that help turn Stimson’s research into real-world impact.”
Francisco Sagasti served as President of Peru from 2020 to 2021, guiding the country through the COVID pandemic and a critical political transition. A widely published scholar, Sagasti has held senior roles in government, international organizations, and civil society. He writes regularly on democratic governance, science and technology policy, and development.
María Vélez is the Founder and CEO of Crack the Code, an organization dedicated to expanding digital skills in underserved communities. A leader in innovation and education, she is preparing future generations to take advantage of new digital tools and Latin America’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
Kezia McKeague is a Managing Director at McLarty Associates, where she advises global companies on political risk, market entry, and strategic engagement across the Americas. She brings extensive experience at the intersection of business, government, and international policy.
Learn more about the Latin America Program Advisory Board: https://www.stimson.org/lap-advisory-board/
The Stimson Center’s Latin America Program Advisory Board brings together leaders from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector to support the Program’s research agenda and foster dialogue on regional security, democracy, economic development, and transnational challenges.
About the Stimson Center
The Stimson Center promotes international security, shared prosperity, and justice through applied research and independent analysis, deep engagement, and policy innovation.
For three decades, Stimson has been a leading voice on urgent global issues. Founded in the twilight years of the Cold War, the Stimson Center pioneered practical new steps toward stability and security in an uncertain world. Today, as changes in power and technology usher in a challenging new era, Stimson is at the forefront: Engaging new voices, generating innovative ideas and analysis, and building solutions to promote international security, prosperity, and justice.
More at www.stimson.org.
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