Cecilia Real is Chief of Party for the USAID/Mexico Por la Protección de los Defensores y Periodistas (Defenders and Journalists Protection) Activity, and a rule of law and human rights expert with over 18 years of experience, including more than seven years working on USAID-funded projects. She brings extensive experience in the areas of freedom of expression, human rights, access to justice for vulnerable populations, private sector alliances, and civil society engagement and strengthening.

Cecilia has well-established experience and strong working relations with leaders in civil society, government, and the private sector. She is a strategic thinker with a rare blend of technical expertise, communication and interpersonal skills and program management acumen. Cecilia enjoys the credibility and respect of stakeholders to build consensus and inspire joint action towards meaningful, systemic change.