Cyntia Cárdenas
Nothing about them, without them.
Caring for others is the backbone of Cyntia’s 25 years of experience in international development, championing equity, advancing rights and civic engagement, while uniting people and initiatives to drive meaningful social impact.
Cyntia has led advocacy for international instruments and policy reforms across the Americas, designing people-centered democracy, governance, and migration strategies and programs in complex, multicultural contexts.
Her experience furthering equity intersects human rights, gender, citizen security, justice, civic space, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
She has led regional humanitarian responses to health emergencies, natural disasters, human mobility crises, and democratic backsliding within a state of exception, always prioritizing individuals’ well-being.
Her core expertise includes:
- Advocacy
- Strategy
- Cross-border project and crisis management
- Democracy, rights, governance, and human mobility
Experience
Cyntia is a lawyer advising on strategic communications to drive sustainable social impact. She also serves as a Senior Advisor to the Ford Foundation, promoting equity through private sector engagement.
She previously served as Senior Migration and Human Rights Advisor at USAID’s El Salvador Regional Mission, covering eight countries, and prior she headed the Human Rights Team at USAID Mexico.
Her expertise in human mobility spans migration, displacement, and refugee protection, with experience at the Mexican government and with the UN Refugee Agency.
Cyntia led strategic litigation and global missions from Ecuador to Yemen defending freedom of expression and press rights within her work at ARTICLE 19.
She has advised governments, the UN, philanthropy, and civil society organizations.
In Community
Cyntia has dedicated her career to supporting people in-need and driving systemic change. Recognized for her leadership in high-level missions and cross-sector partnerships, she has received U.S. Government awards for innovative programs, defending human rights, and preventing a de facto amnesty law in El Salvador.
Cyntia thrives on adventure, meaningful connections, good food, and shared laughter.