Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center Spain
About us
We are a group of people who firmly believe that education is the backbone of any developed society that seeks to thrive.
Kennedy Human Rights Spain
We know that children and young people are an essential part of the key to our collective future. In them lies the possibility of building a more just society, one that is more aware and more committed to the dignity of every person. That is why we believe deeply in education as a driver of change, and in human rights education as an essential tool for learning to live together, engage in dialogue, and act responsibly.
We exist to build bridges and strengthen the ties among nations, organizations, institutions, and individuals. Our purpose is to move toward common goals through respect, cooperation, and a genuine willingness to come together. In an increasingly divided world, we want to focus on what unites us and avoid feeding unnecessary sentiments based on political, philosophical, or personal differences.
Our main concern is to take into account all members of society, including those who think differently, those who do not always feel heard, and those who, for whatever reason, have been left out of the important conversations. We believe that a truly democratic society is not built by excluding voices, but by creating spaces where the dignity, experience, and responsibility of every person can be recognized.
Our core values are democracy, collective action, collaboration, and social justice. We understand that the foundations and strength of a democratic society depend, to a large extent, on education, especially an education that promotes respect for human rights, equal opportunities, and a commitment to the common good.
We want to involve civil society, the business community, and public administrations in a shared effort. We believe that when people, institutions, businesses, and governments work together, collective action strengthens individual voices and makes it possible to drive real, sustainable, and necessary change.
We create bonds among civil society, businesses, and governments. And, of course, through our training programs, we seek to foster, protect, and defend respect for human rights, bringing these principles closer to new generations and making them a living part of democratic culture.
Our goal is to help increase the number of people in Spain with knowledge of and awareness about human rights. We want to improve the situation of as many citizens as possible, encourage cooperation between the population and the European community, and support in particular those educational, social, and institutional initiatives that promote a more just, more free, and more humane way of living together.
About us
Team
María Díaz de la Cebosa
President
President of the American university CIS – The College for International Studies. President and founder of the International Studies Foundation. President and founder of the NGO Cruzada por los Niños. Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters awarded by Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts. Holder of the "Key to the City" of Miami, Florida, USA.
Anthony Verrecchio
Executive Director
Originally from Philadelphia, USA. He has lived in Spain for nearly 20 years, working as a professional in international education from early childhood through university level. With a Bachelor Degree in Communication Studies and an MBA, he has worked as a journalist, teacher, and musician, and has extensive knowledge of new technologies. He was part of the team that, in 2015, developed the STTP human rights education program of the RFK Human Rights Foundation in Spain. He is currently the Director of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation in Spain and a university professor of human rights.
Nuria Sánchez
Secretary to the President
Secretary to the President of the CIS Education Group, made up of CIS – The College for International Studies, IM – International Management Business School, IMLASS Consulting, the NGO Cruzada por los Niños, the International Studies Foundation, and the RFK Human Rights Foundation, since 1992. She handles the administrative management of the foundation and works with the rest of the team on preparing project documents, fundraising, and events.
Beatriz Barraca
Communications
Beatriz Barraca Mairal is a professional in the field of education who has held leadership positions at various academic institutions since 1995. She holds a degree in Information Sciences from Universidad San Pablo CEU and a Master in Theory of the Arts from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. She directed the Díaz Balaguer study center and the Zola Las Rozas charter school. She is currently Director of Communications and External Relations at CIS University, and Secretary and Trustee of the "International Studies Foundation".
Carlos Martínez-Almeida Morales
Secretary (Non-Trustee)
Founding partner of Martínez Almeida Abogados. He holds a Law degree from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, doctoral coursework in Commercial Law (UAM), and a postgraduate degree from Georgetown University. He is an arbitrator of the Spanish Court of Arbitration and a litigation specialist with more than 20 years of experience. He is Treasurer Trustee of the Anar Foundation for the protection of children.
Partners
The partners of Kennedy Human Rights Spain are passionate advocates committed to protecting and promoting human rights. Their tireless dedication and joint work drive positive change in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
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