CubaOne Foundation

CubaOne Foundation, also known as CubaOne, is a Miami-based not-for-profit organization that offers free 7-day trips to Cuba to young Cuban Americans. It was founded by Daniel Jimenez, Giancarlo Sopo, Cherie Cancio, and Andrew Jimenez. According to the organization, the purpose of the trips is to help young Cuban Americans explore their culture and build relationships with the people of Cuba. The trips are scheduled to begin in June 2016.

History

CubaOne Foundation was launched in 2016. It is modeled loosely after Birthright Israel, the Jewish organization that offers young Jews free trips to Israel. The concept was born after one of CubaOne’s founders, Giancarlo Sopo, visited Cuba in the summer of 2015 to visit relatives in Havana. While on the island, Sopo realized that there was a need for other young Cuban Americans to visit Cuba and engage the Cuban people, especially young Cubans. When he returned to Miami, Giancarlo began researching existing programs and sharing ideas with friends. One of his first calls was to Cherie Cancio, a City Year alum and community relations professional whom he previously knew. Another young Cuban American was having similar thoughts. Daniel Jimenez (34) had recently moved back to Miami after working as a consultant and editor-in-chief at McKinsey & Company in New York City. A Jewish friend of Daniel asked him Cubans had something like Birthright Israel, to which Daniel said no. Daniel consulted with his cousin, Andrew Jimenez, an attorney who had also been to the island. He then reached out to Giancarlo, whom he knew professionally, to see if he would be interested in working with him on the initiative. The two decided to join efforts.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be 22-35 year-old Cuban Americans who have not been to the island recently.

Funding

CubaOne Foundation is privately financed by its founders.

Reception

Since its launch, CubaOne Foundation has been called “a groundbreaking organization” by Vivala and “a wonderful initiative” by NBC Miami. A New York Times opinion editorial said that the program is an idea that Cuban American politicians “should ponder.”