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Experts on countries of origin by country

Baird, Dr Adam

Dr. Adam Baird is a rare blend of academic depth and frontline experience, known for turning research into real-world change. Over the past 20+ years, he’s worked across Latin America and the Caribbean, shaping youth violence prevention programs, advising international agencies, and leading ground breaking studies on gangs and masculinities. His work with the UN, UNDP, and leading universities reflects not just his expertise but also the trust global institutions place in him. Adam brings clarity to complex problems, builds collaborative teams, and delivers solutions that resonate both in policy and in practice. If you're seeking someone who understands violence from the inside out and knows how to reduce it, he’s exactly who you want leading the charge.

Occupation: Dr. Adam Baird is a passionate and widely respected voice in
the field of violence prevention, with a deep focus on gangs,
masculinities, and urban insecurity across Latin America and
the Caribbean. What sets Adam apart is his ability to connect
academic insight with on-the-ground impact, he doesn’t just
study violence, he works directly with communities,
governments, and global organizations to help reduce it. His
ground breaking ideas like chronic vulnerability and masculine
vulnerability have influenced both policy and practice, and his
research has helped shape youth intervention programs,
especially in places like Belize and Colombia. Whether
advising the UN, leading international research teams, or… Read more
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America

De León, Luis Fernando

Luis Fernando De León is a committed legal advisor and international diplomat whose career spans courtrooms, classrooms, and conflict zones. With deep roots in humanitarian law and hands-on experience in some of the most sensitive political environments in Latin America, Luis brings clarity, diplomacy, and legal precision to every mission he undertakes. Whether he’s drafting protection policy, training peacekeepers, or advising on constitutional reform, he leads with empathy and intellect. His multilingualism, international education, and proven leadership make him a top-tier candidate for roles requiring cross-cultural expertise and legal foresight. He is not only qualified—he is impactful.

Occupation: Luis Fernando De León is a trilingual legal strategist and
international protection expert with over a decade of
experience in diplomacy, law, and humanitarian affairs. From
leading missions for the OAS to directing legal strategies for
the Red Cross and UNHCR, Luis has been a trusted advisor in
matters of human rights, IHL, refugee protection, and
governance. His ability to navigate high-level diplomatic
environments while also engaging communities on the ground
shows both depth and adaptability. Whether training
peacekeepers in international law or building coalitions for policy reform, Luis is a connector, problem-solver, and a powerful advocate for justice.
Countries of expertise: Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, United States of America

Harding, Robert

Dr. Harding earned a Ph.D. in International Studies from the University of Miami with specializations in Latin American Politics, Foreign Policy Analysis, and International Relations. His major professor and dissertation chair was the late Dr. Enrique Baloyra, a renowned Cuba-born scholar. Dr. Harding has held full-time academic appointments in Virginia, Alabama, and most recently Georgia, where he is the Professor of Political Science at Valdosta State University. He is the author of three books and several book chapters as well as over a dozen journal articles. Dr. Harding has been an invited presenter on Latin American politics in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He has been a federally recognized asylum expert since 2018, working for asylum attorneys throughout the United States as well as the UK and and the Netherlands.

Occupation: Professor of Political Science
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Olmedo, Diego Robles

The Expert is the National Coordinator at Foundacion Scalabrini de Mexico (FSMX) NGO, leading a dedicated team of 50 professionals across Mexico in designing and executing impactful projects focused on migration, human trafficking, and children's rights in Central America. Throughout the years the expert has demonstrated expertise with federal, state, and international entities, including IOM, UNCHR, UNICEF and various embassies. The expert also works as University Professor at Universidad del Valle de Mexico, the expert delivers insightful instruction on strategic planning and international relations. He has held roles at the UNDP and the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin (U.S) which reflect a comprehensive skill set in advocacy, and bilateral relations, making a significant impact in protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.

Occupation: The expert is highly experienced and versatile professional with a strong background and advocacy within the realm of migration, human trafficking, and human rights. Proficient in designing, coordinating, and supervising projects within the NGO sector aimed at supporting vulnerable populations, particularly migrants and refugees. Adept at leading and managing teams to achieve set objectives and deliver results in line with donor requirements. Experienced university professor with a focus on strategic planning, international relations, and diplomatic affairs. The expert has extensive experience in both governmental and non-governmental sectors, including roles within the United Nations system, diplomatic missions, and private sector entities.
Countries of expertise: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela