On February 24, 2026, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies held a meeting with Central American alumni Debora Ávila (Guatemala), Miriam Villalobos (Honduras), and Fabricio Soto (Honduras), while an additional 29 alumni from several countries across the region joined virtually via Zoom. The meeting focused on two alumni-led initiatives that strengthen the Center’s hemispheric engagement. Perry Center Director Dr. Paul J. Angelo, Associate Director of Outreach and Admissions Kara O’Ryan, and Alumni Affairs Coordinator Georgina Crovetto welcomed the delegation, demonstrating the alumni community’s growing leadership role in the region.

During the meeting, the Perry Center graduates presented the Perry Center Alumni Decalogue. The Decalogue Commission developed this document within the framework of the second Alumni Leaders’ Summit in 2024 and outlined guiding principles for ethical leadership, institutional responsibility, and hemispheric commitment. The Decalogue consolidates a shared alumni identity grounded in democratic values, professional excellence, and a sustained commitment to regional security and defense cooperation.

The three alums, in addition to some of their colleagues participating virtually, presented the Central American Network of Perry Center Alumni (REDCA) and signed its constitutive declaration, formally establishing the network. Through this declaration, the alumni committed to strengthening academic collaboration, promoting regional cooperation, and advancing professional exchange in security and defense, guided by shared principles and mutual accountability.

Both initiatives demonstrate the proactive leadership of the alumni community and reinforce engagement with our community of practice as a force multiplier for the Perry Center’s mission. The meeting strengthened the enduring ties between the Center and its former students across the hemisphere and advanced collaborative solutions to shared security challenges.