“As an intern, it was illuminating to learn the vast level of scholarship in China and Latin America. I am Colombian and I had lived in China. I was knowledgeable of the bilateral relationship between both countries. At the Dialogue, the perspective broadened at a hemispheric and global level. Interning at the Dialogue provided a more holistic perspective in understanding the big picture not only in the Americas but also globally. Equally important was the continuous engagement with Dialogue activities as an alumnus. I found particularly insightful reading the Latin American Advisor and some of the conferences organized by the Dialogue. These helped me greatly in my professional career to understanding the economic and political dynamics in different countries where I was doing business. This information allowed me to recalibrate and refocus different business development activities that I was working on in the region.”

“I would also say that having up-close access to thought leaders from the region, including former and sitting presidents, academics and civil society leaders, was a particularly unique experience as a young professional. I’ll never forget when then-President Luis Guillermo Solis (Costa Rica) came to the office for a meeting with Michael Shifter and stopped to ask every junior staff member what they worked on and thanked us for our work. While I don’t work planning events anymore, I feel that these regular interactions with high-level speakers and USG officials at the Dialogue has impacted my current work. Although I am still considered “junior staff,” I feel empowered to speak up in meetings with government officials from the region, moderate events in English and Spanish, and gained more confidence in my voice as an expert on democracy issues in the region.”

“Believe it or not, I’m still having impactful Dialogue experiences! Currently, I’m very grateful for the Dialogue’s support and informational exchanges with its fellows regarding the issues and topics related to Cargill’s operations in the region. I always value the insight and expertise of the Dialogue’s staff, and its generosity of information and thought. I suppose I’ll age myself when I mention that the interns in 2000 had to take turns compiling daily news clips, which in those days were still literally articles clipped from newspapers and magazines and pasted into binders. That, however, was my first experience in intelligence collection and issue monitoring. I also remember working as support staff for a Sol M. Linowitz Forum and being amazed at the number of foreign policy experts, diplomats, and Latin Americanists in the room. I felt the significance and impact that such a group can have on the future of the Western Hemisphere, and the immense value in the free exchange of ideas and policy proposals among people who would have a role in shaping the future of their countries. I was in awe.”