Washington, DC – After an extensive review process, the United States – Spain Council is thrilled to announce the 2017 Young Leaders Program Cohort.
These ten young professionals have the unique opportunity to travel to Madrid and Bilbao, Spain for a week-long immersion program in Spanish culture, including meetings with Spanish government and business leaders, in-depth cultural tours, and conversations with fellow young Spanish leaders.
In Madrid, the Cohort will enjoy exclusive tours of several cultural highlights, meet the European Council on Foreign Relations and The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, have an in-depth presentation at the United States Embassy in Spain, and converse directly with Spanish business leaders.
The Cohort will continue their journey to Bilbao to enjoy a personal tour of the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum and meet with local government and Spanish business leaders.
Launched in 2001, this annual Program brings ten young American leaders to Spain to familiarize them with the social, cultural, economic, and political realities of contemporary Spain and to foster a stronger understanding between Spain and The United States. Since then the program has hosted 160 young leaders representing federal and state government agencies, innovative businesses and corporations, and community organizations.
“When the United States strengthens ties with our allies around the world, we strengthen our standing on the world stage and our role in leading the global economy,” said United States – Spain Council Honorary Chair U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. “I congratulate these young leaders from across the U.S. for their selection for this program, and I am excited about the strong bonds they will forge with Spanish leaders and the Spanish people during their experience in Madrid and Bilbao. They will undoubtedly contribute to the shared success of our two countries for years to come.”
The United States – Spain Council is proud to welcome the following young professionals into this year’s cohort:
- Ryan James Evans, DSPolitical
- Ruben Gonzales, Victory Institute
- Kemp Gouldin, Sakhr Software USA
- Christina Grant, The School District of Philadelphia
- Marisol León, California Department of Justice
- Jasmine Mora Garcia, Airbnb
- Roberto Martinez, Braven Agency
- Jackie Puente, Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo
- Lisa Reijula, Metro Chicago Exports
- Andrés Torres, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
