Pushed out for speaking out

“The people, the food, and great coffee – that’s what I miss most about Cuba!”

Life before Cara

Back home, Elena was Director of a research centre, Vice-Dean of her university, and a Professor in Cuba. Her personal research focused on intellectual networking, collaborating with local governments on the social use of urban spaces to support disadvantaged and marginalised communities.

Leaving home

After 15 years of political, economic and social crisis in Cuba, in 2021 everything came to a head. People took to the streets in the biggest anti-government protest in 50 years.

What followed was a period of uncertainty, insecurity and violence. Elena bravely spoke out against the resulting government crackdown, something that turned out to be incompatible with the university’s communist-leaning leadership.

Elena was slowly pushed out of her role at the university. Her courses were cancelled, her postgraduate students were asked to resign from her supervision, and responsibilities were removed from her role until there was no work left for her to do.

“I started looking for jobs at other universities, but soon realised why wasn’t being successful in any applications. I was on a government list of ‘politically dangerous academics’. I knew then I had to leave Cuba.”

A new future

After a straightforward application process and an online interview with the team at Manchester, Elena was accepted for a Cara Fellowship, and immediately felt at ease.

“They were so warm. At the end of the interview, they just said, “welcome”, which was lovely.”

Elena had never been to the UK before: for years, Cubans were not permitted to leave the country. So, when she arrived in Manchester, she had no idea what to expect.

“I came here expecting a harsh academic environment. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Everyone has been extremely friendly, and surprisingly open. I thought it was going to be hard, but it wasn’t.”

Next steps

During her two-year Cara Fellowship at Manchester, Elena pursued her research on intellectual networking. Since then, she has secured a Global Talent Visa and is utilising her leadership skills as a Co-Director of a research centre in the UK.

“Legally, I could go back to Cuba, but until there’s some sort of major political change there, I wouldn’t be able to work. I feel sad, for me, and for my co-workers who are unable to speak freely. But at the same time, I’m so grateful for this opportunity. For now, this is home."