Havana, Cuba

Ileana Saria

Ileana is a distinguished professional with a diverse range of experiences in the legal and educational sectors. Her career highlights include notable positions and accomplishments in Cuba and the United States.

Ileana has served as a Notary in La Republica of Cuba, demonstrating her expertise in legal documentation and formalities. Additionally, she has held the position of Professor at the Instituto Superior de Relaciones Internationales, where she has imparted her knowledge and expertise in the field of international relations.
Ileana’s career also includes a role in fraud detection at the U.S. Interests Section, where she utilized her legal acumen to identify and prevent fraudulent activities. Furthermore, she has worked as a Legal Advisor at the Universidad de Habana, providing valuable guidance and expertise in legal matters.

Antonio Villaverde Areces

Antonio Villaverde Areces is a seasoned Legal Advisor and Compliance Officer with over 20 years of experience in anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), and international financial compliance. Based in Havana, Cuba, he serves as the Compliance and Legal Officer for Republic Bank Limited’s Representative Office, where he leads compliance initiatives and ensures adherence to regulatory standards in both Trinidad & Tobago and Cuba.

Antonio holds a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification and an International Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering from The University of Manchester. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Havana. His expertise spans AML/CTF policy development, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and staff training.

Fluent in Spanish and English (IELTS 8.0), Antonio combines strong technical knowledge with excellent organizational and analytical skills. He has contributed to key financial projects, including facilitating a bond issue listed on the London Stock Exchange and leading compliance committees to mitigate legal and reputational risks.

Antonio is a Professional Member of the International Compliance Association (MICA) and has participated in multiple international AML conferences, staying at the forefront of compliance trends and practices.

Jorge Mario Sanchez Professor, University of Havana

Jorge Mario Sánchez is a distinguished economist and researcher specializing in Cuba’s economic development, structural reforms, and international trade and tourism. His work focuses on the structural macroeconomic determinants shaping Cuba’s long-term profile and the challenges of mid-term economic restructuring and institutional policy reforms. Sánchez is widely regarded for his in-depth analysis of U.S.–Cuba relations, providing insights into historical contexts, legal frameworks, and the economic implications of normalization efforts.

As a contributor to several seminal works, including A Contemporary Cuba Reader: The Revolution under Raúl Castro and Cuba: Updating the Model Balance and Perspectives of Socialist Transition, Sánchez bridges academic theory with actionable policy considerations. His research has informed discussions on trade, remittances, and socio-economic policies, making him a leading voice in understanding Cuba’s evolving role in global and regional contexts.

Sánchez frequently engages with development theory and policymaking, offering a comprehensive perspective on the risks, volatility, and opportunities in Cuba’s path toward sustainable growth. His expertise serves as a vital resource for academics, policymakers, and international stakeholders interested in the economic and social trajectory of Cuba.

Marta Elisa Deus Rodriguez

Marta Elisa Deus Rodriguez is a self-employed professional and the founder of Deus Expertos Contables, Mandao.express and Negolution Magazine. After living in Spain where she studied Business Administration, Deus sensed an emerging need for accounting, tax and financial services in the burgeoning private sector of her native Havana. Since 2013, her business has helped an emerging class of self-employed professionals develop business plans, market their services and otherwise navigate the still evolving system of regulations, contracts and licenses necessary to operate a private business in Cuba. In 2016 she opened two new businesses, Mandao.express, a messenger service in Havana, and Negolution, a business and trade magazine.

Alberto Roque Guerra, MD

Alberto is a Doctor in Medicine who specializes in Internal Medicine and has a Diploma in Intensive Care, practicing at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. He is an educator in Human Rights at the International Centre for Human Rights; Education Equitas, Canada, 2008.

Alberto holds a Master’s degree in Bioethics and is an Assistant Professor and Associate Researcher. He was the Coordinator of the medical team of the National Commission for Comprehensive Care for Transgender People at the National Center for Sexual Education, from 2005-2013. Guerra Consults for the Health Care Strategy for Transgender People in Guatemala (2011). A member of the Cuban Multidisciplinary Society for the Study of Sexuality (SOCUMES), the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (2007-2013), and the Latin American Studies Association (LASA). Research areas: sexualities, genders, sexual citizenship, sexual rights, vulnerability, and bioethics.

Alberto is an activist for sexual rights and a member (2003-2013) of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA).