Panel Discussion: The Fight for Freedom in Venezuela: First-Hand Experiences and their Relevance for the U.S.

Thu, Oct 24 2019, 6 - 7pm

Jacobs Science Building 321

Join the Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise for the panel discussion "The Fight for Freedom in Venezuela: First-Hand Experiences and their Relevance for the U.S." on October 24^th, 2019.

The panel discussion will feature Venezuela natives Francisco Marquez, former political prisoner and Harvard fellow; Daniel Di Martino, freedom activist and economist; and Carlos Ponce, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation Senior Fellow. Panelists will share how their country got to where it is today, what is happening now in the socialist-ruled nation, and the path forward for freedom and prosperity. Murray Bessette, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation Director of Academic Programs, will serve as the moderator.

The event is free and open to the public. Please join us in Jacobs Science Building Room 321 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. Pizza and refreshments will be served at the end of the event.

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Speakers

Francisco Marquez Former Political Prisoner, Harvard Fellow

Francisco Márquez was born in Venezuela and spent his childhood in both Venezuela and the U.S. He studied political science and law in Venezuela and earned his MBA in the United States. After receiving his MBA, Francisco returned to Venezuela. Under the authoritarian Nicolás Maduro regime, Francisco was arrested as a political prisoner and spent time in a Venezuelan prison. Eventually, Francisco was released and is now a political rights activist.

Daniel Di Martino Freedom Activist, Economist

Daniel Di Martino is an economist and freedom activist. Born and raised in Venezuela, Daniel experienced the terrible consequences of socialism first-hand. After leaving Venezuela for the United States in 2016, he dedicated himself to explaining how socialism destroyed his homeland, advocating for its freedom, and stopping this ideology from ever being implemented in America and elsewhere. Daniel is currently studying Quantitative Economics at Indiana University in Indianapolis.

Carlos Ponce Senior Fellow, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

Dr. Carlos Ponce is the Latin America Director and Senior Fellow at Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC), Senior Lecturer at Columbia University and lecturer at Northeastern University, where he developed the curriculum and taught courses for the Global Studies and International Relations Master of Science Program. Dr. Ponce was also a lecturer at Tufts University, Venezuelan Central University, and Andres Bello Catholic University. Dr. Ponce earned a Doctorate in Law and Policy from Northeastern University, a Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University, a Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School and a JD/Lawyer from the Universidad Catolica Andres Bello.

Murray Bessette Director of Academic Programs, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

Dr. Murray Bessette is the Director of Academic Programs at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. Before joining the Foundation, Bessette was an Associate Professor of Government at Morehead State University. He taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students, coordinated the undergraduate government program, and led the development and implementation of a new MA in government, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates in intelligence studies. Dr. Bessette received his PhD in political science from the Claremont Graduate University, and is the editor of two books and author of numerous articles and book chapters.