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Press Release: 2020 United States-Spain Young Leaders Announced

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Press Release: 2020 United States-Spain Young Leaders Announced

For Immediate Release:


Washington, DC – The United States Spain Council is excited to announce ten outstanding leaders who will comprise this year’s Young Leaders Program.

These young professionals have the unique opportunity to visit Madrid and Valencia, Spain for a weeklong 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, they 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.


“Despite the inevitable delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to congratulate this year’s exceptional class of young leaders selected to the program. Each year I am impressed by the immense talent and strong credentials exhibited by our cohort and those that apply to join. I know this year’s group will make the most of this fantastic opportunity to represent our country in Madrid and Valencia,” said United States-Spain Council Honorary Chair U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas in announcing this year’s program. “Becoming a US Spain Young Leader is the opportunity to see first-hand the strong international friendship that ties the United States and Spain together. This bond serves as the foundation on the long history of diplomatic cooperation and joint- economic prosperity between our two nations. I challenge this year’s cohort to do their part to ensure that the friendship between the United States and Spain remains strong for many years to come.”


The United States – Spain Council is proud to welcome the following young professionals into this year’s cohort:

Images of the the 2020 Young Leaders

Given the international public health situation caused by the spread of COVID-19, we will be rescheduling the summer program to take place later in 2020 or early 2021. While our dates for this program have not yet solidified, we will continue to work closely with the Fundación Consejo España – EE.UU., our sister organization in Madrid, to monitor the situation and determine a time when it will be safe for our 2020 cohort to travel to and experience Spain. In the interim, we will be hosting a short program online for our 2020 Young Leaders the week June 22 through June 26th.


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 200 young leaders; representing federal and state government agencies, innovative businesses and corporations, and community organizations.


About the United States Spain Council: The United States-Spain Council is a unique organization in which U.S. and Spanish corporate leaders, top government officials and leaders in education and culture promote stronger ties between the two countries. The United States-Spain Council seeks to stimulate bilateral trade and investment, bringing companies together around business opportunities in both countries, conducting annual forums where business and government leaders explore the key policy and economic matters affecting commerce, and foster educational and cultural programs. Founded by former U.S. Vice President Albert Gore and former Spanish President José María Aznar in May 1996. Since its founding, the United States-Spain Council has been chaired by former United States Senators Bob Graham, Christopher Dodd, Mel Martinez, Robert Menendez, Tim Kaine and former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Joaquin Castro, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, currently serves as the Council’s Honorary Chairman. The United States-Spain Council’s annual Forum, organized together with the Fundación Consejo España – EE.UU., alternates each year between the United States and Spain.

USSC Members Respond to COVID-19

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USSC Members Respond to COVID-19

Additional USSC Members Respond to COVID-19

We, both the U.S.-Spain Council and our sister organization in Spain, the Fundación Consejo España – EEUU, are hoping that you are continuing to stay safe, following the guidelines laid out by your local health officials as we work together to combat the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the release of our Newsletter last week that shared some of the resources that our members are making available to their communities during this crisis, we’ve been lucky enough to see additional members release new COVID-19 response plans or expand on their previously announced efforts. In the interest of keeping you up to date, we wanted to make sure we shared these fantastic resources with you all. You can find these updates in the infographic below, clicking on any of the blocks below will connect you directly with these members and the resources they are providing. We’re proud to see our list of members stepping up in this time of crisis expanding as we continue to tackle this challenge together.


You should also know that Spain is now one of the nations that has been most heavily impacted by the spread of this virus, lagging only behind the United States in total confirmed cases, and we’d like to take a moment to highlight the efforts being undertaken by the Spanish government as they work to combat this global pandemic. In the face of this unprecedented crisis in his country, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez initially imposed a state of emergency on March 14, which was later followed up with a complete stay-at-home order that is expected to be extended until the end of this crisis. To mitigate the socioeconomic and health care impacts of this pandemic, the Spanish Government has passed an over $200 billion dollar relief package (equivalent of 20% of Spain’s gross domestic product) and looking forward, their legislature is now considering implementing new measures, such as a potential universal basic income, to help guide Spaniards through this time of need. The Spanish military also recently announced that they are now using their facilities to manufacture much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting products like hand sanitizer and much needed pharmaceuticals like paracetamol and coordinating the delivery of these supplies to the hospitals in their most affected regions. With the implementation of these efforts, health officials are finally beginning to report a decline in daily fatalities for Spain, an early sign of much needed hope for their people.We ask that you keep our partners in Spain in your thoughts as we continue to battle this crisis at home and abroad.


Thank you for your attention and compassion as we continue to share these updates, If you have any questions on any of the below resources, please let us know. Additionally, we’d encourage you to share any of these resources that may have a positive impact on those in your community.


Stay safe.

The USSC Team

United States Spain Council is Excited to Announce the 2019 Young Leaders Program Cohort

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PRESS RELEASE – Thursday, August 15th 2019.

Washington, DC – After an extensive review process, the United States – Spain Council is excited to announce the 2019 Young Leaders Program Cohort.

These ten young professionals have the unique opportunity to travel to Madrid and Malaga, Spain for a weeklong 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.

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.

“The Young Leaders program is a fantastic opportunity to form the international partnerships and personal relationships that strengthen the bonds between the United States and Spain and assert our leadership in the global economy,” said United States-Spain Council Honorary Chair Joaquin Castro of Texas. “I want to congratulate this exceptional class of Young Leaders on their selection to this program and look forward to the exciting opportunity that now lies before them. I have no doubt that they will make us proud during their time in Madrid and Malaga; exploring, forging and reestablishing our connections with the Spanish people that serve as the foundation for this important relationship between our two countries.”

The United States – Spain Council is proud to welcome the following young professionals into this year’s cohort:

Stephen Cobb – Counsel, Troutman Sanders LLP; Richmond, VA 
Gabrielle Corica – Assistant City Attorney, Denver City Attorney’s Office; Denver, CO
Natasha Everheart – Director of Strategy, Pacific Council on International Policy; Los Angeles, CA
Marvin Figueroa – Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources,Office of Governor Ralph S. Northam; Richmond, VA
Mary Gonzalez – State Representative, Texas House of Representatives; Clint, TX
Denisse Hudock – Senior Project Architect,PSW Real Estate; Austin, TX
Eric Jacobstein – Senior Policy Advisor, House Committe on Foreign Relations; Washington, DC
Natalia Martinez-Kalinina – General Manager, CIC Miami; Miami, FL 
Rebecca Pollock – Senior Director International Programs,The University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, TX
Jeremy Young – Senior Investigative Producer,Al Jazeera Media Network; Kensington, MD

The 2019 Young Leaders Program will take place September 28 – October 5. You can follow the Cohort’s journey on twitter and on the United States – Spain Council’s website.

European Theater Residency During Crosscurrents Festival: Meet & Greet Discussion

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Mon, May 06, 2019 6PM

Spanish artistic director, playwright, teaching artist, and arts manager Lucía Miranda participates at this year’s CrossCurrents Festival, a citywide biennial festival that highlights innovative artists from around the world who are harnessing the power of performance to humanize global politics.

https://www.spainculture.us/city/washington-dc/european-theater-residency-during-crosscurrents-festival-meet-greet-discussion/

Castro to Succeed Senator Kaine as Honorary Chair of the United States Spain Council

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For Immediate Release: 

January 28, 2019 

Press Contact: Jose R. Mercado 

JMercado@dpcreativestrategies.com

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Joaquin Castro (TX-20) will succeed U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) as the seventh Honorary Chair of the United States–Spain Council, an organization focused on stimulating bilateral trade and investment between the United States and Spain. The announcement will be made public during a ceremony at Spanish Ambassador Santiago Cabanas Ansorena’s private residence in Washington, DC. 

“I am honored that Senator Kaine has asked me to join such a prestigious group of honorary chairs.As Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I know how important and significant our relationship with Spain is,” said Chairman Castro. “I look forward to building on Senator Kaine’s success and further strengthening our country’s relationship with Spain.” 

Congressman Castro will share the title of honorary chair once held by former Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM), former and current Senators Bob Graham (D-FL); Christopher Dodd (D-CT); Mel Martinez (R-FL); Bob Menendez (D-NJ); and Tim Kaine (D-VA), who began his tenure as Honorary Chair of the United States–Spain Council in 2013. 

“I am thrilled that Joaquin Castro will take the helm of the United States–Spain Council,” said Senator Kaine. “As a citizen from San Antonio, Joaquin is familiar with the strong cultural and historic relationship between our nations. He will bring passion, experience and drive to help the Council further this relationship and bolster our two countries’ economic, diplomatic, and defense ties. He is the right leader at the right time.” 

The United States–Spain Council is a non-profit organization created by former U.S. Vice President Albert Gore and former Spanish President José María Aznar in 1996 to build stronger relationships between the public and private sectors in both countries. 

Each year since its creation, the Council has worked in tandem with the Fundación Consejo España–Estados Unidos, its Spanish counterpart, to organize an annual forum where prominent government officials, corporate executives, and nonprofit leaders from both countries gather to discuss current affairs and topics of mutual interest. 

This year’s United States–Spain Forum will be held in San Antonio, Texas, which is also the hometown of Honorary Chair, Joaquin Castro.

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2018 XXIII Annual Forum | Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

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SPAIN FORUM XXIII -Friday - Vistia RotaSPAIN FORUM XXIII - Friday - Almuerzo Palacio DomecqSPAIN FORUM XXIII - Friday - Sesión de inauguraciónSPAIN FORUM XXIII - Friday - Primera sesión

2018 Young Leaders Press Release

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Washington, DC– After an extensive review process, the United States – Spain Council is excited to announce the 2018 Young Leaders Program Cohort.

These ten young professionals have the unique opportunity to travel to Madrid and Salamanca, 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. 

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.

“I am delighted by the record number of exceptional applications we received for this year’s Cohort,” said United States – Spain Council Honorary Chair U.S. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. “This program gives participants an amazing opportunity to explore the important relationship between the two countries while offering each individual professional and cultural development. Congratulations to all the young leaders selected for this program!”

The United States – Spain Council is proud to welcome the following young professionals into this year’s cohort:

  • Natalie Armijo, United States House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
  • Jonathan Beutler, Pacific Rim Global Advisory, Manhattan Beach, CA
  • Karla Duran, Northside ISD -John Jay High School, San Antonio, TX
  • Douglas Garcia, Educational Testing Service, Alexandria, VA
  • Amilcar Guzman, CASA de Maryland, Washington, D.C.
  • Nathan Robinson, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX
  • Adam Sotomayor, United States Department of State, Washington, D.C.
  • Simon Tafoya, Office of Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver, CO
  • Emerita Torres, United States Mission to the United Nations/United States Department of State, New York, NY
  • Victoria Weatherford, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, San Francisco, CA

The 2018 Young Leaders Program will take place September 28 – October 6. You can follow the Cohort’s journey on twitter and here on the United States – Spain Council’s website.

Honorary Chairman Senator tim Kaine Receives Knights Grand Cross of the Order of Isabel la Católica

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Tuesday, February 27, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Washington, DC: United States – Spain Council Honorary Chairman Senator Tim Kaine received the Knights Grand Cross of the Order of Isabel la Católica on Tuesday, February 27th at a reception at the Spanish Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, DC. Bestowed by Spanish Ambassador Pedro Morenés, the Order recognizes Senator Kaine’s unique contribution to the Spanish nation and the people of Spain. 

Founded by King Ferdinand VII in 1815, the Order recognizes extraordinary behavior of civil character which contributes to strengthening the relations between Spain and the International Community. Senator Kaine received the Grand Cross, the highest possible grade given to non-heads of state. 

“Much of the excellent shape in which the US-Spain relations are is due to the leadership, work, and boundless energy of Senator Kaine and his team,” said Ambassador Pedro Morenés.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Senator Kaine. “Throughout my tenure as Honorary Chairman of the United States – Spain Council, I have strived to enhance the relationship between the United States and Spain. This honor is a testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship and the continued friendship between our two countries.”

Founded in 1996, the United States Spain Council is a unique organization in which U.S. and Spanish business leaders, top government officials, and leaders in education and culture promote stronger ties between the two countries. 

The United States – Spain Council remains committed to enhancing the bilateral ties between the United States and Spain. Under Senator Kaine’s leadership, the United States – Spain Council has strengthened the organization’s stature, presence, and membership.