Alex Arriaga

Maria Alexandra “Alex” Arriaga is a nationally recognized strategist, advocate, and organizational leader with more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of human rights, public policy, and strategic communications. As Founder and Partner at Strategy for Humanity, Alex co-leads a dynamic, woman- and minority-owned consulting firm that has advised over 100 mission-driven organizations—including nonprofits, foundations, academic institutions, and governments—on strategy development, advocacy campaigns, policy advancement, and program design.

Alex has a demonstrated ability to catalyze collaborative action across sectors and ideologies, particularly on issues affecting historically marginalized communities. Her expertise spans global and domestic human rights, inclusive education, disability rights, and the prevention of gender-based violence. She brings a strong track record of achieving policy change—co-creating strategies that helped pass major U.S. legislation, including the Detainee Treatment Act, the Women, Peace, and Security Act, and the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act.

Previously, Alex served as Managing Director of Government Relations at Amnesty International USA, and held senior roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Department of State, and The White House. Her contributions include launching the White House Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award and shaping U.S. human rights diplomacy in the Americas and globally.

A bilingual (English/Spanish) communicator and published author, Alex’s work has been featured in major media outlets and cited in numerous policy publications. She is Chair of the Women’s Refugee Commission, President of the Strategy for Humanity Education Fund, and holds leadership roles with The Jefferson Trust, World Learning, and other organizations.

Alex earned her B.A. from the University of Virginia and is a Distinguished Alumna Award recipient. She resides in the Washington, DC area and draws from her Chilean and Spanish heritage to inform her inclusive, cross-cultural approach to leadership and advocacy.