Emily Mendrala's term ended on May 10, 2023.
Currently serves as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs covering Cuba, Central America, and regional migration. Emily was previously the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Center for Democracy in the Americas from 2017-2021. Emily’s prior government service includes serving as a Director for Legislative Affairs in the National Security Council and working at the Department of State as a Special Advisor to the Coordinator for Cuban Affairs and, before that, as an advisor on Central America regional affairs. Before joining the Department, Emily was a Professional Staff Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Emily is from Raleigh, North Carolina. She has an M.A. in International Economics with a concentration in Latin American Studies from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Virginia.