Top Leaders Discuss The Way Forward For U.S.-Cuba Relations at Meridian’s Cultural Diplomacy Forum on Cuba June 9, 2016
The Honorable Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting
On Thursday, June 9, 2016, top leaders from Cuba and the United States met at Meridian International Center’s annual Cultural Diplomacy Forum to discuss the way forward for relations between the two nations. Speakers at the Forum included Ambassador of Cuba to the United States Dr. José R. Cabañas; Congressman Tom Emmer (R-MN); The Honorable Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting; Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, Chairman, Meridian International Center; Adrienne Arsht, Executive Vice Chairman, Atlantic Council; Jennifer Zammuto, Corporate Philanthropic Strategies Manager, Caterpillar Foundation; Jodi Bond, Vice President, Americas, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Meridian’s President Ambassador Stuart Holliday; and Collin Laverty, President Cuba Education Travel.
The sold-out Forum was attended by American and Cuban business leaders, senior U.S. government officials, high-ranking diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts. Featured speakers explored prospects for economic development through entrepreneurship and policies that promote cultural tourism in Cuba; while panelists addressed how leaders can collaborate to pave the way for increased engagement between the United States and Cuba through educational and cultural exchanges.
The Forum was followed by a cocktail reception, with entertainment from leading Cuban-American band Orishabo and the Company E Dance Company.
Meridian’s Cultural Diplomacy Forum on Cuba was presented in partnership with Adrienne Arsht and Caterpillar, with travel provided by Cuba Educational Travel.
Meridian’s President Ambassador Stuart Holliday
Ambassador of Cuba to the United States Dr. José R. Cabañas
Adrienne Arsht, Executive Vice Chairman, Atlantic Council
Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, Chair, Albright Stonebridge Group and Chairman, Meridian International Center
Carlos M. Gutierrez, Jr.
Rosa Lowinger, President and Chief Conservator, RLA Conservation Art + Architecture; Jennifer Zammuto, Corporate Philanthropic Strategies Manager, Caterpillar Foundation; and Hermes Mallea Architect & Author M(Group)
Michelle Angela Ortiz, Visual Artist and Community Arts Educator and Dr. Richard McIntyre, Chair, Economics Department, University of Rhode Island
Dr. Richard McIntyre, Chair, Economics Department, University of Rhode Island; Lynn Roche, Deputy Director for Public Policy and Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State; and Miles Jackson, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Cuba Skate.
Jodi Bond, Vice President, Americas, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, Consultant, Transnational Group and Rosa Lowinger, President and Chief Conservator, RLA Conservation Art + Architecture
Peter Schechtre, Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Atlantic Council and Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, Consultant, Transnational Group
Peter Schechtre, Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Atlantic Council and Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, Consultant, Transnational Group
Jennifer Zammuto, Corporate Philanthropic Strategies Manager, Caterpillar Foundation
The Honorable Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting
