News

Marcela Miguel Berland, an internationally recognized leader and one of the world’s leading political and corporate strategists, will be joining Lehigh University’s International Advisory Council.

Berland, President & CEO of Latin Insights and a strategic advisor on crisis management and women’s issues, is the newest member of the council, which brings global business leaders to provide strategic guidance and advocacy for Lehigh’s global engagement initiatives.

A prominent expert in crisis management, strategic communications, and public affairs, Berland brings to the council an extensive knowledge of Latin American challenges, regional connections, and insights into effective strategies for engagement.

“Through the International Advisory Council, I think I can help Lehigh develop the right contacts and identify the best programs and strategies to follow in Latin America as the university continues to move forward in that region,” Berland said.

A Fulbright scholar born in Argentina, Berland has a son who graduated from Lehigh University, and previously participated as a guest lecturer for the Global Village program at Lehigh’s Iacocca Institute. She believes her professional experience can help her identify key stakeholders and priorities for the university’s international initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marcela Berland to the International Advisory Council," said Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh. "Her expertise and extensive connections in Latin America will be instrumental in advancing Lehigh’s international initiatives and strengthening our global presence.”

A Distinguished Council

The International Advisory Council will advise key university leaders and bolster Lehigh’s execution of its strategic vision, enhance the university’s community and environment, and reinforce its commitment to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement.

Other council members include Gilles Amadou Acogny ‘85G, co-founder and CEO of Acosphere Ltd.; Ramesh Ananthakrishnan ‘90G, founder of DSM Soft; Wade Cruse ‘92, Managing Partner, Southeast Asia at Bain & Company; J. Penney Frohling ‘85, founder of Ethos Partners; Demetrios Papacostas '77 '77G, former CEO of Hellenic Aerospace Industry; Ashley Pritchard ‘09, who leads a team helping Meta Platforms combat hate speech on Facebook.

"The council brings together a distinguished group of leaders whose expertise and global perspectives will help guide Lehigh’s international strategy," Matherly said. "Their insights and connections will be invaluable as we continue to expand Lehigh’s global engagement and impact."

Berland has been a political strategist for multiple Latin American leaders, including presidents from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, and Ecuador. She has advised such high-profile individuals as former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and former Puerto Rican Governor Rafael Hernandez Colón.

Berland said she is particularly passionate about addressing issues such as the gender gap in leadership roles and helping women advance in professional settings. She is deeply engaged in Latino and Asian American advocacy, particularly in tackling ongoing discrimination and the challenges these communities face. Additionally, she is committed to bringing innovation to underrepresented countries and communities as a pathway to progress.

“It’s not only about diversity, because you can have a diverse workforce, but if you're not listening or not allowing this diverse workforce to progress within the organization—if there's no inclusion and equity—then there's no point in having a diverse group of people,” Berland said. “I think the U.S. is a great country with tremendous opportunities, but I believe much more can still be done.”

Extensive Professional Experience

She started her career in political science and international relations, working initially for companies involved in both corporate and political strategies. She was President of the Latin America division at Penn & Schoen, and held leadership positions at the agencies Edelman Berland and Bozell Sawyer and Miller before starting Latin Insights in 2002.

“I’ve advised governments and corporations on communications strategies, including digital campaigns, privatization initiatives, and other reforms,” she said. “I’m experienced in leveraging technology like A.I., to track and understand public sentiment in real-time. It’s incredible what you can do with the technology available nowadays.”

Berland is an adjunct professor at New York University, teaching graduate students and executives in public relations. She has been a guest speaker at many prestigious events and institutions, and actively supports women’s rights and diversity issues, including positions on boards like Pan-American Development Foundation (PADF) and CNBC Changemakers.

Berland completed an Executive Program at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Survey Research from the University of Connecticut, and holds a Licenciatura Summa Cum Laude in Political Science and International Relations from the Catholic University of Argentina.

She has worked with a broad range of high-profile clients over the course of her career, including AARP, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Disney, Facebook, Harley Davidson, Johnson & Johnson, Novo Nordisk, PepsiCo, Pfizer, and Starbucks. She recently co-authored a book called Public Relations in the Digital Era, which is scheduled for release next year.