Wilson Center Names Lila Abed Mexico Institute Director

WASHINGTON–The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars has named Lila Abed as the new Director of the Mexico Institute. Abed has served as the Acting Director since April 3, 2024, and was previously the institute’s Deputy Director.

“The Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute occupies a unique place in Washington’s foreign policy landscape,” said Wilson Center President and CEO Ambassador (ret.) Mark A. Green. “Lila has a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in international relations and policy analysis. She will continue to ensure that policymakers and the public appreciate the importance of Mexico and its bilateral relationship with the US.”

Before joining the Mexico Institute, Abed was a White House correspondent for the international news channel NTN24. Abed is also a recognized international analyst, contributing her expertise to various media networks. She is a permanent collaborator at Radio Fórmula, and a columnist for both Letras Libres and Opinión51.

“I am delighted and deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute at such a critical juncture for US-Mexico relations,” said Abed. “The bilateral relationship has never been more important.  Deepening cooperation to advance mutual interests and confront shared challenges, including trade, migration, and security, is crucial for the future of both nations and for strengthening the prosperity, competitiveness and security of North America.”

Abed also served as a public policy advisor for Latin America for the law firm of Covington & Burling, and as an international affairs advisor for the Mexican Chamber of Deputies’ Foreign Relations Committee. Her extensive experience in public service includes positions at the Mexican Embassies in Canada and the United Kingdom, and significant roles at Mexico’s Office of the Attorney General, where she was the general director for international cooperation, international affairs advisor, and chief of staff for the Attorney General. 

Abed holds a master’s degree in Latin American studies and government from Georgetown University and graduated magna cum laude with a major in International Studies and Hispanic Studies, and a minor in Chinese from Boston College.