Summer Lopez

Summer Lopez serves as the Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Program Officer for Free Expression at PEN America, where leadership focuses on the expansion of initiatives to defend free expression both domestically and internationally. Previously, Summer Lopez held the position of Senior Director for Free Expression Programs at USAID, contributing as Deputy Director in the Office of Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance in Zimbabwe. Additional experience includes roles as a Democracy Specialist at the Center of Excellence on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, and various positions in organizations such as Freedom House, HPCR International, and CARE India. Educational qualifications include a BA in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard University and an MPA in International Development from Princeton University.