Felix Maradiaga is an academic, human rights defender, and a former presidential candidate. In June 2021, he was arrested and detained in a maximum-security prison in Nicaragua by Daniel Ortega’s regime, subsequently being sentenced to 13 years of imprisonment for the alleged crime of "conspiracy to undermine national integrity." The trial against him was denounced as an arbitrary arrest by the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organization of American States. Through international efforts, Felix regained his freedom in February 2023 but was compelled into exile in the United States, as the Ortega regime also stripped him of his citizenship. Felix endures as a preeminent advocate for human rights in Latin America. In March 2023, a global coalition of 28 human rights organizations awarded Felix the esteemed 'Geneva Summit Courage Award,' recognizing his invaluable contributions to the realm of nonviolence. Before his involvement in politics, Felix served as a strategist and consultant to both public and private entities across Central America and the Caribbean. In 2015, Forbes acclaimed him as one of the 25 most influential figures in the region due to his impact on civil society. Additionally, he formerly held the position of Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense. A recognized international expert in civil society and leadership development, he strives to elevate international awareness of what he perceives as Latin America's deteriorating political climate and human rights violations, while aiding in the provision of resources to crucial human rights and pro-democracy organizations. Felix is a Young Global Leader (alumnus) at the World Economic Forum and in 2010 was inducted into the Aspen Global Leadership Network. In 2015, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs honored him with the prestigious Gus Hart Fellowship.