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Manuel Alfredo Espina Pinto is an international diplomat and strategist with over two decades of experience in U.S.-Central America relations, specializing in diplomacy, government affairs, international trade, and public-private partnerships. He was awarded the Order of the Quetzal, Guatemala's highest national honor, in recognition of his distinguished service and contributions to the country's international relations.
Manuel served as Ambassador of Guatemala to the United States (2017-2020), leading one of the most active periods in the bilateral relationship. During his tenure, he strengthened cooperation in security, investment, migration, energy, and economic development, while building strong ties with the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and the private sector.
He is also the Founder of Guatemala Próspera (GP), a leadership and civic transformation platform that has trained more than 3,000,000 people in Guatemala completely free of charge. More than 650,000 children from public schools in Guatemala are trained every year through GP programs based on the leadership principles of Jesus of Nazareth, focused on character, service, identity, and purpose.
Manuel is the organizer of the National Prayer Breakfast movement in Guatemala and El Salvador and is leading its expansion to Honduras and more countries across Latin America, bringing together presidents, political leaders, business executives, and civil society around principles of unity, faith, and service.
Throughout his career, he has coordinated multiple U.S. Congressional delegation visits to Central America, facilitating high-level engagements with presidents, cabinet members, CEOs, and civic leaders. He has lived in the Washington, D.C. area for over ten years and is married to Lisa, with whom he has two children, Juan Manuel (18) and Anika (14).
Accolades
Ambassador of Guatemala to the United States (2017-2020), awarded the Order of the Quetzal, Guatemala's highest national honor
Founder of Guatemala Próspera, a civic transformation platform that has trained more than 3,000,000 people free of charge
Organizer of the National Prayer Breakfast movement in Guatemala and El Salvador, expanding across Latin America
Regional Leader and Senior Advisor advising governments, corporations, and trade associations on U.S. policy, market access, and investment strategy