Paola Ibarra Deschamps

Paola Ibarra Deschamps is Assistant Director of Programs at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies (DRCLAS) at Harvard University. She directs programmatic activities in Cambridge, overseeing a team of program leaders working on the Andes and Southern Cone, Brazil, Central America and the Caribbean, Cuba, Latinx, Mexico, plus Arts, Film and Culture. She has a leading role in the definition and implementation of thematic initiatives that inform the Center’s priorities in addressing relevant issues for the region and globally.

Paola holds an ALM in English from Harvard and completed a thesis on limitations as aesthetic key in Raymond Carver’s work. She also holds an MSc Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Paola is co-owner and director of Barra, 2023 Boston Best Mexican restaurant, and 2022 Eater Best bar. She participates as a consultant in independent writing, art, and cultural projects.