Mauricio Funes (b. October 18, 1959) is a Salvadoran journalist-turned-politician and UCA alumnus who served as Presiden... View More

Mauricio Funes (b. October 18, 1959) is a Salvadoran journalist-turned-politician and UCA alumnus who served as President of El Salvador (2009–2014). He studied communications at UCA and then built his reputation as a TV news anchor and reporter known for critical coverage of government and social issues. His presidency broke the long-standing right-wing rule, introducing progressive social programs, conditional cash transfers to poor families, and support for education and health initiatives. Though praised for those policies, his administration later faced accusations of corruption. In 2016 he was granted political asylum in Nicaragua. View Less

María Eugenia Brizuela de Ávila (b. October 31, 1956) is a trailblazing Salvadoran lawyer and diplomat who earned her ... View More

María Eugenia Brizuela de Ávila (b. October 31, 1956) is a trailblazing Salvadoran lawyer and diplomat who earned her law degree at UCA. She made history as El Salvador’s first female Foreign Minister (1999–2004). Afterwards, she became the first Salvadoran woman to lead a private insurance company and later a private bank. With an MBA from INCAE and postgraduate studies at Cambridge, she directed corporate sustainability for HSBC Latin America. Renowned for her leadership, she earned honors such as the Palme d’Or by the Salvadoran Chamber of Commerce. View Less

Francisco Andrés Escobar (1942–2010) was a Salvadoran actor, journalist, and poet who studied Social Work and Politic... View More

Francisco Andrés Escobar (1942–2010) was a Salvadoran actor, journalist, and poet who studied Social Work and Political Science at UCA. He wrote and performed in theater—including his original play Un tal Ignacio (1994), honoring the legacy of Ignacio Ellacuría. As a journalist, he contributed to esteemed outlets like Estudios Centroamericanos, El Mundo, and La Prensa Gráfica. His literary work includes several poetry collections and the acclaimed biography La lira, la cruz y la sombra (2003). In 1995, Escobar received the National Culture Prize and became a member of the Salvadoran Academy of Language. View Less

Irma Marina Dimas (b. August 9, 1986) studied law at UCA before taking a break to pursue pageantry. She won Miss El Salv... View More

Irma Marina Dimas (b. August 9, 1986) studied law at UCA before taking a break to pursue pageantry. She won Miss El Salvador 2005, later competing in Miss Universe and placing top‑16 at Miss Earth 2005—a first for the country. Afterward she modeled and represented brands like AMNET (2007–09), participated in fashion shows, and graced national magazine covers. Transitioning to public service, she now serves within the Christian Democratic Party, contributing to Salvadoran politics. View Less

Sheynnis Alondra Palacios Cornejo (born 2000) is a Nicaraguan model and communications graduate from UCA who rose to glo... View More

Sheynnis Alondra Palacios Cornejo (born 2000) is a Nicaraguan model and communications graduate from UCA who rose to global fame as Miss Universe 2023—the first from Nicaragua to win the crown . Through her platform, she has championed youth empowerment, gender equality, and cultural diplomacy. Since her reign, she’s participated in humanitarian projects across Latin America, leveraging her university training in communications to engage with diverse audiences and media. UCA’s emphasis on social responsibility and eloquent public communication clearly equipped her to navigate the responsibilities of her high-profile role with grace and advocacy. View Less

Zoilamérica Ortega Murillo (born 1967) studied at UCA before becoming a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist and former mem... View More

Zoilamérica Ortega Murillo (born 1967) studied at UCA before becoming a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist and former member of Nicaragua’s National Assembly. Through her legal and communication background, she has fought tirelessly against gender-based violence and championed human rights in a challenging political landscape. Drawing on her education at UCA, she combines legal analysis and grassroots outreach, collaborating with regional organizations to support survivors and promote equality. Her work exemplifies the institution’s mission of socially conscious leadership, mobilizing legal knowledge and public engagement to defend vulnerable communities despite facing strong political opposition. View Less

Nora Josefina Astorga Gadea de Jenkins (1944–1988), a lawyer and revolutionary, earned her degree at UCA before becomi... View More

Nora Josefina Astorga Gadea de Jenkins (1944–1988), a lawyer and revolutionary, earned her degree at UCA before becoming a central figure in the Nicaraguan Revolution, and later served as Ambassador to the UN (1986–1988) . Her university years shaped her as a fearless advocate for change. Fluent in international diplomacy, she used her platform at the UN to speak out on behalf of Nicaraguan self-determination and women’s rights. A powerful orator, Nora’s legacy continues to inspire UCA students in legal and political studies, honoring how legal excellence and social justice combine to effect transformational leadership. View Less

Edmundo Jarquín (born 1946) studied law and economics at UCA, later shaping his career as an economist, diplomat, and p... View More

Edmundo Jarquín (born 1946) studied law and economics at UCA, later shaping his career as an economist, diplomat, and politician. He served as Nicaragua’s foreign policy chief, ambassador to Mexico and Spain, and later as Vice-Presidential candidate in 2006. His post-university work with the Inter-American Development Bank and frequent authorial contributions highlight his analytical strength. Jarquín’s deep understanding of development, honed at UCA, has guided national economic planning, public policy, and civic discourse across Latin America, reflecting the university’s mission to cultivate leaders at the intersection of law, economics, and ethics. View Less

Lottie Cunningham Wren (born 1959) graduated from UCA with a law degree and became a leading Miskito lawyer and Indigeno... View More

Lottie Cunningham Wren (born 1959) graduated from UCA with a law degree and became a leading Miskito lawyer and Indigenous rights activist. Her efforts before international bodies, including the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, defend Indigenous land and cultural sovereignty. Rooted in UCA’s human rights‑focused curriculum, she founded the Center for Justice and Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples of Nicaragua (CEJUDHCAN), setting legal and policy precedents protecting ancestral territories. Lottie’s career is a powerful testament to how UCA’s social-justice orientation empowers marginalized voices and shapes human rights advocacy at a systemic level. View Less

Arturo McFields Yescas (born 1975) earned his communications degree at UCA before becoming a journalist and later a Nica... View More

Arturo McFields Yescas (born 1975) earned his communications degree at UCA before becoming a journalist and later a Nicaraguan ambassador to the OAS. A vocal advocate for democracy, he resigned in 2023 in protest of his government’s political repression. His principled stand catapulted him into international recognition, reinforcing his commitment to freedom of expression—principles rooted in the university’s tradition of forming socially active communicators. Arturo’s journey from media to diplomacy exemplifies UCA’s influence in shaping ethics-driven professionals unafraid to hold power accountable, both at home and abroad. View Less