2011 Conference Speakers

Alicia Diaz

Director of Government Affairs and Legislative Policy, Cuban American National Council

Alicia Diaz is the Director of Government Affairs and Legislative Policy for the Cuban American National Council’s D.C. office, an office she launched in 2002 and guided through unprecedented expansion and growth for over three years. 

Prior to this position, she served as Director for the Americas, in the Office of Global Health Affairs, for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  In this position, Diaz represented the Department to other governments, Federal Departments and agencies, as well as international organizations on Western Hemisphere affairs related to health.  Previously, she was also a Senior Associate at HMA Associates, Inc. in Washington, D.C.

Prior to her D.C. posts, Diaz served with distinction for five years as Director of New Jersey's Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development in the New Jersey State Department of Community Affairs.

Diaz is fluent in English, Spanish and French and well versed in international health matters as well as domestic issues. Her knowledge transcends cultural, ethnic and political issues affecting health in the U.S. She understands well the intricacies of local, state and federal governments and international agencies.

She has been honored as the “Woman of Inspiration” by the Trenton YWCA and twice recognized by Hispanic Business magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics in the U.S.”  Diaz is also a board member of the American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division, served as member of Fleet’s In-City Advisory Board and serves as Chairwoman of  the National Latina Health Network Board, a national health women's non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C.   She is also a much sought-after public speaker whose thought provoking ideas and captivating style keep her speaking engagements in high demand.

Born in Cuba, Diaz graduated from Rutgers University with a master’s degree in psychology and French. She also attended the Universite Francois Rabelais in Tours, France.