The Spanish Public Policy Network (SPPN) was born out of a shared vision in May 2022. Juan Luis Manfredi, then Chair of the Prince of Asturias Chair at Georgetown University, and Lidia Guzmán, a student in Georgetown’s Master in Public Policy program, identified a gap: while nationals from other countries had established strong networks in the United States to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange in public policy, the Spanish community lacked a similar structure. Spanish talent was present in every top-tier university in the U.S., in major global institutions, and in influential transatlantic spaces – yet it lacked a community, a place to connect and grow together.
Motivated by this need, Lidia spent the summer of 2022 reaching out to Spanish talent based in the U.S. – young professionals and graduate students – who would soon form the foundation of this emerging community. She connected with peers at institutions such as Tufts, Columbia, the University of Chicago, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown, as well as with professionals working at the Spanish Embassy, the World Bank, the IMF and the UN.
The first in-person gathering took place in Washington, D.C., during the first weekend of November 2022. Participants visited multilateral institutions, engaged in private roundtables with senior Spanish officials, and took part in academic discussions at Georgetown University. It was during this event that a group of talented and enthusiastic young acquaintances became friends – laying the foundation for what would become a priceless and enduring network.
Since its founding, SPPN has continued to grow – because it follows where its talented members lead. Today, we are present in Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, and Madrid.
We have organized three annual gatherings, continuing the tradition that began in 2022. Each year, members come together in Washington, D.C. to explore the latest developments in public policy, global challenges, and politics – driven by a shared passion for understanding the root causes of the most complex policy challenges and offering ideas to shape the future.
Beyond our flagship events, we’ve hosted dozens of sessions with experts from both the public and private sectors, Spanish and international alike. We’ve connected, debated, and shared laughter at countless happy hours. Along the way, we’ve built strong partnerships with like-minded organizations such as ECUSA, USEC, the Association of Spaniards at the World Bank and IMF, and Fundación Consejo España. We’ve also welcomed many new members into our growing community.
Today, SPPN continues to thrive as a vibrant space for connection, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among Spanish professionals in public policy—on both sides of the Atlantic.
Join us.
A special thank you to the first talented and passionate individuals who helped bring SPPN to life: Leandro Urbano, Javier López, Borja Prado, Mateo García, Rosario Vázquez, Gloria Sicilia, and Lidia Guzmán.