founders
Christopher J. Cloonan
PRESIDENT HAVANADA CATALYST FUND USA | CUBA POLICY FELLOW | JUST FOREIGN POLICY
Christopher J. Cloonan is an American scholar and practitioner of U.S.–Cuba relations with over a decade of experience fostering educational, cultural, and policy exchange between the two countries. As President of the Havanada Catalyst Fund USA, he leads an initiative connecting American donors with Cuban entrepreneurs through small grants, training, and partnerships that promote sustainable local enterprise and community resilience.
A former academic program leader in Cuba, Christopher has designed and directed university exchanges across multiple disciplines and has been recognized by Cuban institutions for his contributions to bilateral understanding. As Cuba Policy Fellow at Just Foreign Policy, he develops pragmatic approaches to engagement grounded in his philosophy of “markets over missiles, business over bullets, and strategy over sanctions.”
lauren fajardo
vice president HAVANADA CATALYST FUND USA
Lauren Fajardo is the Vice President of the Havanada Catalyst Fund and the co-founder and Creative Director of Dador, a leading Cuban ethical fashion and lifestyle brand known for its women-led leadership, socially conscious practices, and locally made, timeless designs rooted in contemporary Havana culture. A graduate of the Institute of Design in Havana, she began her career as a costume designer, working on film, dance, and documentary productions in Cuba and the United States, including 28 Hotel Rooms, Liars All, and Univision’s Havana Skate Days.
Since launching Dador in 2018, Lauren has become an active voice within Cuba’s emerging private sector, advocating for sustainable local industry and women’s empowerment. She has shared her work and experience at Harvard, USC, MassArt, and in meetings with members of the U.S. Congress to support dialogue and growth for Cuban small businesses.
Gregory Biniowsky
PRESIDENT HAVANADA CATALYST FUND canada
Greg is a Canadian-trained lawyer with more than 30 years of experience working in Cuba as an international development consultant and strategic legal advisor. A fluent Spanish speaker, he has served as a director and officer for numerous international business ventures and non-profit organizations. Greg previously worked with the global law firms Gowling WLG and Heenan Blaikie, and later served as an international development fund manager for the Canadian Embassy in Havana and the United Nations Development Programme in Cuba.
He studied at the University of British Columbia, where he earned his Juris Doctor, and previously at Carleton University and York University, focusing on political science and Latin American studies. He also pursued French language and philosophy studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. In addition to his international work, Greg manages a law firm in British Columbia specializing in refugee law as a public defender and has been invited to give conferences on social entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Advisors
Flory Netsch Hiatrides
Mentor | ENTREPRENEUR | HEALTH COACH
After founding and leading a strategic consulting firm, raising three children, and doing the work to overcome her own life’s challenges, Flory has learned the necessary practices to show up fully in every facet of her life. She believes everyone can be successful while living in joy, alignment and magic.
Flory brings 40 years of experience in professional facilitation and curriculum development as well as 20 years of manifestation work and mentoring, as a foundation for creating AWE. This multidisciplinary approach to maximize success and happiness combines ancient wisdom, modern science and proven business, to change lives.
Flory is a Bronx, New York native and an Iona College alum who continues to give back to the college by serving as a Mentor and awarding a scholarship to students in need in her late father’s name. Committed to helping people realize their potential, Flory is an MBTI Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certified Practitioner for 35+ years. She is currently creating a vortex vocabulary to bridge the gap between management and manifestation, goal setting and granting, algorithm and alchemy. When she’s not creating curriculum to change the world, you can find her waterskiing or boating on the lake.
Ramon Peralta
Ted Speaker | Founder | Brand Launcher | Author
Ramon Peralta is the Founder and Creative Director of Peralta Design, an innovative creative agency specializing in branding, web development, and digital marketing strategies. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bridgeport, Ramon brings a unique blend of artistic vision and business acumen to his work. His professional journey includes a significant role on the original startup team of Priceline.com, where he honed his skills in design and marketing.
As a prominent community leader, Ramon serves as Chief Creative Advisor for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and actively mentors underprivileged youth. His thought leadership extends to public speaking and authorship, with a TEDx talk titled “How To Succeed By Being Yourself” and the book “Launch Your Brand.” His expertise has been featured in major media outlets, including NPR and Forbes, where he explores the intersection of creativity and technology.
Ramon’s multifaceted career exemplifies the power of integrating creative excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and community involvement. Through Peralta Design and his various professional and philanthropic endeavors, he continues to inspire and create meaningful impact.