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WOLA’s President is appointed by the Board of Directors; the selection of Dr. Jiménez follows a rigorous search and review process. Nancy Belden, Chair of WOLA’s Board, in announcing Dr. Jimenez’s appointment said, “Carolina Jiménez’s understanding of the value of coalition work, her strategic thinking about policy recommendations, research, and new media frontiers, and her passion for advancing social justice in Latin America are some of the top reasons why we are thrilled she will be guiding WOLA’s advocacy and partnerships. Her deep experience and her values will enable WOLA to build on its 47 years of work defending human rights and shaping policy debates, maintaining its unique strengths while evolving to address the emerging challenges in the hemisphere.”
Dr. Jiménez will succeed current WOLA President Geoff Thale. Thale first came to WOLA in 1995, working on Central America and subsequently establishing the Cuba program. He then served as WOLA’s Vice President for Programs for 14 years, leading program staff advocacy on Colombia, drug policy, Mexico, Venezuela, and other issues. He assumed WOLA’s presidency in the fall of 2019, and will retire in September 2021.
“Carolina Jiménez joins WOLA at a pivotal moment for the defense of human rights in the Americas. She has enormous experience and dedication, and I am delighted that she will lead WOLA and its supporters in defending human rights, justice, and equity for all,” said Thale.
As Dr. Jiménez comes on as WOLA’s President, the Board of Directors, staff, and other members of the WOLA family are planning future initiatives to honor, celebrate, and thank Mr. Thale for his decades of successful leadership and impact at WOLA.
WOLA is a leading research and advocacy organization advancing human rights in the Americas. Based in Washington, it is non-governmental, and non-partisan. Since its founding in 1974, after the brutal military coup in Chile, WOLA has worked to bring the voices of Latin Americans themselves to policy debates in the United States, and has worked in partnership with courageous Latin Americans making social change—activists, advocacy organizations, academics, religious and business leaders, artists, and government officials—to advocate for more just societies in the Americas.
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