The Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom

Last week, the Adam Smith Center hosted an extraordinary lineup of events. In addition to our annual Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration, we welcomed leaders from across the Americas for the 4th Latin Consumer Summit, two days of conversations shaping the future of business, innovation, and consumer markets across the region. 🌎 The Summit brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives for visionary keynotes and dynamic panels exploring AI-driven commerce, digital innovation, emerging market trends, and cross-border collaboration. A special highlight was a fireside chat on The Future of the Americas moderated by our Founding Director, Carlos Díaz-Rosillo, featuring former Interim President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Miami for an unforgettable Summit!

Over the weekend at our Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration, we recognized seven extraordinary individuals who lead with principle, courage, and conviction in the pursuit of a freer future for all.  As we reflect on a night filled with inspiration, we are reminded that these ideas are not confined to history books; they are alive in every leader who chooses integrity, every student who dares to think freely, and every voice that stands for freedom. The evening may have ended, but the impact of these ideas continues.  #AdamSmithCenter #ChampionofFreedom

It was an honor to recognize leaders from across Latin America, Europe, and the United States who have championed the values of economic freedom and democratic leadership: 🏅 Champion of Freedom — Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic 🏅 Titan of Freedom — Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA 🏅 Light of Congress — Bernie Moreno, U.S. Senator 🏅 Vox Libertatis — Enrique Acevedo, Journalist and News Anchor, Televisa 🏅 Beacon of Freedom — Yotuel Romero, Singer and Songwriter 🏅 Flare of Freedom — Maris Franca Llorens-Antognolli, Businesswoman and Philanthropist 🏅 International Business Leader — Antonio Huertas, Group Executive Chairman of MAPFRE As our Founding Director Carlos Díaz-Rosillo said: "They have defended and promoted the cause of freedom at the highest levels of government, business, sports, journalism, and the arts." Read the full coverage in @infobae: infobae.com/fotos/2026/05/…

What an extraordinary Saturday night celebrating freedom, leadership, and the ideas that have shaped the course of history! The 3rd Annual Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration brought together distinguished leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world, united by a shared belief in the power of economic and individual freedom. In a year that marks the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations, we are reminded of the enduring principles that continue to guide societies, expand opportunity, and shape a more prosperous future. This night of meaningful conversations and powerful moments could not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, supporters, and guests who believe in our mission and our work. Thank you for joining us!  #AdamSmithCenter #ChampionofFreedom

Pamela Silva, award-winning anchor and correspondent for TelevisaUnivision, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 2026 Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration. Join us for an unforgettable evening on May 16. Limited seating remains—secure your tickets before they sell out: freedom.fiu.edu/champion-of-fr…

We are thrilled to announce Yotuel Romero as our Beacon of Freedom Awardee at the 2026 Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration! Through his artistry and voice, he continues to inspire millions and champion freedom worldwide. Don’t miss it! May 16 in Miami. Limited seating available. Purchase tickets: freedom.fiu.edu/champion-of-fr… #AdamSmithCenter #ChampionofFreedom

Announcing Antonio Huertas, President and CEO of Mapfre, as our International Business Leader Awardee at the 2026 Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration!   Be part of the celebration on May 16th! Tickets available at the following link: freedom.fiu.edu/champion-of-fr…

What are the defining security challenges of the Western Hemisphere today, and are we prepared to meet them?   At the Hemispheric Security Conference, our Founding Director Carlos Díaz-Rosillo joined U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald D. Johnson (@USAmbMex) for a fireside chat exploring cartel dynamics, migration, China’s influence, and the evolving U.S.–Mexico partnership.   We were delighted to partner with the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy in convening these critical conversations on security, strategy, and leadership.    #HSC2026 #AdamSmithCenter #AmbassadorDay

It is an honor to recognize distinguished businesswoman and philanthropist Maris Franca Llorens-Antognoli as the Flare of Freedom Awardee at the 2026 Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration. Join us on May 16 in Miami for an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership and impact. Limited seating is available. Secure your tickets today: freedom.fiu.edu/champion-of-fr… #AdamSmithCenter #ChampionofFreedom

Journalist and News Anchor Enrique Acevedo joins this year’s honorees at the Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration. Join us for this special evening. Purchase tickets at the link in bio. freedom.fiu.edu/champion-of-fr… #AdamSmithCenter #ChampionofFreedom

Throughout the Spring semester, Maria Luisa Hayem, Minister of Economy of El Salvador, led our students through the mechanics of innovation in public administration. By analyzing El Salvador’s specific strategies for attracting international investment and building global partnerships, students learned how policy can be used as a direct tool for economic growth.   #AdamSmithCenter #Leadership

Big announcement: Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, joins us as a Titan of Freedom Awardee at the Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration on May 16. Seats are limited. Purchase your tickets today before they sell out: freedom.fiu.edu/champion-of-fr… #AdamSmithCenter #ChampionofFreedom

Join us tomorrow for a timely conversation on rebuilding Venezuela, from dictatorial trauma to institutional trust, with clinical psychologist Manuel Llorens. 📍 FIU StartUP, MARC 335 🕓 4:30–6:00 PM 🔗 Register now: freedom.fiu.edu/events

This semester, Senior Leadership Fellow Gabriela Cuevas gave our students a behind-the-scenes look at high-level leadership. From practicing "political compassion" to navigating intensive media training, students learned exactly what it takes to communicate on a global stage. Gabriela’s work on the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the "Mundial Social" showed us how sports and culture can be powerful tools for national impact.   #AdamSmithCenter #Leadership

We are thrilled to recognize Senator Bernie Moreno (@berniemoreno) as the Light of Congress Awardee at the 2026 Champion of Freedom Dinner & Celebration. 🎟️ Join us in Miami. Tickets available via the following link: freedom.fiu.edu/champion-of-fr….

That's a wrap on the Mayors of the Americas Summit! Over two days, mayors and senior municipal and industry leaders came together in Miami for meaningful, results-driven conversations that propel cities forward. We are already looking forward to what comes next. #MayorsSummit2026 #AdamSmithCenter

The discussions on the second day of the Mayors of the Americas Summit remain as substantive as ever. Today's focus: urban planning, public-private partnerships, smart city governance, and the role of tourism in driving economic growth. The cities of the Americas are building something here!   #MayorsSummit2026 #AdamSmithCenter

Day 1 of the Mayors of the Americas Summit delivered exactly what we set out to create: practical, high-level conversations among the people who are actually governing the cities of this hemisphere. More to come tomorrow.  #MayorsSummit2026 #AdamSmithCenter

The Mayors of the Americas Summit is officially underway. Almost 100 city leaders from across the hemisphere have gathered in Miami to discuss what it takes to build competitive, investable, and resilient cities.  #MayorsSummit2026 #AdamSmithCenter