The Team

The FHRC leverages a vast network of volunteers, interns and other organizations’ shared resources with the common goals stated in our Vision (both locally and within Cuba).  Enjoying the expertise and reach of the individuals working together, the FHRC is able to effectively carry out its Mission and create positive change within Cuba and in the international community.  With the most important member of our team being individuals like you who move beyond a passive role and actively support our efforts.

Tony Costa, President

Tony brings his vibrant passion and wealth of experience in both the private and public sector. He is the President and Owner of Costa Nursery Farms, taking it from a small entrepreneurial operation in 1968 to today’s industry leader in indoor houseplants and bedding plants. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the First National Bank of South Florida since 1979. Mr. Costa has also contributed to the nonprofit world by serving as President of the Florida Foliage Foundation, as Trustee of the United Way of Miami-Dade County, and on the Board of Directors of the Resource Foundation. His passion for Cuba has also led him to serve as a Board Member on the Advisory Board for Cuba Broadcasting (1985-1996) and on the Board of Directors of the Cuban American National Foundation since its inception in 1981.

Jorge Alvarez, Executive Director

Jorge comes to us with extensive experience leading teams in the private sector.  While in New York he started his career in Investment Banking, after which he became a Senior Vice President for a multinational financial services firm headquartered in Florida.  He has participated in various management consulting engagements in addition to leading separate entrepreneurial efforts.  Jorge has Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering, graduating Magna Cum Laude.     

Danny Lafuente, Analyst & Program Manager

Danny comes to us after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. He majored in International Relations with a concentration in US-Cuba relations, in which he wrote his thesis on Cuban-American Transnational Politics. In 2008, while in Prague, Czech Republic, he studied post-transitional law and focused on the rise of human rights in former soviet bloc countries. Danny also founded the University Council of the Cuban American National Foundation (UC-CANF) as an undergraduate in 2006.