FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2025
Contact: Gemma Givens
press@thedialogue.org
Washington, DC – The Inter-American Dialogue is pleased to announce the appointment of four distinguished experts as non-resident senior fellows to its Mexico Program. Launched earlier this month, the Mexico Program is dedicated to advancing research, dialogue, and policy on the U.S.-Mexico relationship. The program is directed by Lila Abed, a leading authority on bilateral relations and former director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center.
The addition of these senior fellows bolsters the Dialogue’s capacity to shape policy debates on some of the most complex issues facing Mexico and the U.S.-Mexico agenda, from security cooperation and organized crime to trade, energy, and China’s growing regional influence.
“These distinguished senior fellows will enrich the Dialogue’s work with their deep expertise on Mexico’s political, economic, and security landscape,” said Rebecca Bill Chavez, PhD, President and CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue. “Their diverse insights will strengthen our analysis and expand our engagement on both the opportunities and challenges in the U.S.-Mexico relationship and the broader region.”
The new senior fellows are:
Cecilia Farfán-Méndez, head of the North America Observatory at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. A leading voice on Mexican organized crime, Farfán-Méndez brings critical expertise on the business models of criminal groups and U.S.-Mexico security cooperation.
Gilberto García-Vazquez, chief economist at Datawheel and specialist in economic complexity, industrial development, and green growth. García-Vazquez’s work supports governments and global institutions in transforming complex data into actionable policies that promote innovation, sustainable trade, and climate goals.
Jorge Guajardo, partner at DGA Group. Guajardo served as the Mexico’s Ambassador to China and Consul General of Mexico in Austin. As the Aspen Institute Global Cyber Security Group co-chair, Ambassador Guajardo is a leading expert on China, Mexico, supply chains, cybersecurity, and forecasting areas of concern for global corporations.
Pamela K. Starr, professor of practice at the University of Southern California. Dr. Starr is a recognized authority on Mexican politics, U.S.-Mexico relations, and Latin American political economy.
All four fellows will work closely with Lila Abed to advance the Program’s robust agenda.
“Non-Resident Senior Fellows play a vital role in offering informed, timely insights into the most pressing issues that impact the U.S.-Mexico bilateral agenda,” said Abed. “Their expertise helps shape constructive dialogue and policy solutions at a critical moment for the relationship. We are proud to have such a talented and committed group of fellows to help guide our work.”
About the Inter-American Dialogue:
Founded in 1982, the Inter-American Dialogue is the premier center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on issues in Western Hemisphere affairs. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with a network of experts and fellows across the Americas, the Dialogue convenes global leaders and institutions to advance democratic governance, shared prosperity, social equity, and sustainable development across the region.
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