Anabela Santos

Ms. Anabela Santos of Cabo Verde brings years of invaluable experience as a dedicated public servant to the Humphrey Fellowship. Throughout her career, she has held various roles within the Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Culture, advocating for the diaspora and gender equality. In addition to her professional work, Ms. Santos volunteers with the Red Cross, the Food Bank Against Hunger, and Carnival, and is actively involved in efforts to end gender-based violence.

Ms. Santos earned her bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Porto, completed studies in community policy and territorial cooperation at the University of Minho, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in diaspora studies from the University Institute of Lisbon.

Committed to continuing her family’s legacy of public service, Ms. Santos plans to use her time during the Humphrey Fellowship to explore American political science, focusing on the mobilization of women and LGBTQ+ communities, Cabo Verdean cultural preservation, and diaspora studies. Her goal is to strengthen cultural connections and investment opportunities for the Cabo Verdean diaspora, while enhancing her skills in strategic planning, negotiation, management, and policy development.