Aristides Baraya

Dr. Aristides R. Baraya is the Director of the Latin American Business and Development Initiative and an instructor in the Department of Management at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he teaches Cross-cultural Business Communication and Latin America Business Development. A native of Colombia, he holds a Doctor of Dentistry from the Universidad de Cartagena and a graduate degree in International Development from Tulane University.

Dr. Baraya has spearheaded numerous programs and initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Panama Bilingual Program, which has helped hundreds of teachers immerse themselves in English and American culture, and the Hispanic Pre-College Preparation and Leadership Program (HPCL), dedicated to developing and empowering Hispanic youth.

His contributions to education, business development, and cross-cultural exchange have earned him multiple distinctions, including the 2002 President’s Award for Excellence in Service from Southeastern, the Honorary Medal for Services Rendered to the Country from the Association of Governors of Colombia, the Award for Business Excellence Best Micro-Enterprise Program from the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica, and recognition as Distinguished Professor in International Business at the University of San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Through more than 25 years of academic and professional work, Dr. Baraya has advanced international collaboration, workforce development, and cultural understanding, establishing himself as a respected scholar, mentor, and leader in Latin American business and cross-cultural education.

Dr. Aristides Baraya's area of expertise includes Cross-cultural Business Communication, Community and Social Development, and Latin America Business Development and Culture.