Senior Fellow

Armando Ibarra is a Senior Fellow of Latin American Studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. His work focuses on combating the influence of authoritarian and adversary nations while advancing human rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance across the hemisphere.

Ibarra spearheaded campaigns that shut down adversary nation influence networks in states across the nation, activating policymakers and stakeholders to close Confucius Institute programs, ban adversary nation companies from critical infrastructure projects, and prohibit foreign adversary sponsored initiatives at universities or governments. He also passed first-of-a-kind anti-communist education legislation in Florida, requiring schools to teach an annual curriculum about the history, crimes, and victims of communism.

As a Founding Member of Cuba Decide, he plays a pivotal role in directing strategic advocacy toward the United States and foreign governments to shape international policy on Cuba. Furthermore, he helps lead a comprehensive transition planning initiative, collaborating with government entities, university partners, and key stakeholders to develop a detailed governance, legal, and operational framework to guide systemic political and economic change and a successful transition to democracy in Cuba.

Ibarra has extensive experience representing institutions in multilateral policy forums, such as the OAS Summit of the Americas, elevating visibility for hemispheric issues and reshaping summit outcomes through strategic events, bilateral meetings with senior policymakers and diplomats, and visible public engagements with government officials such as the US Vice President.