As a Venezuelan, watching my country suffer under Nicolás Maduro’s dictatorship feels like an endless nightmare. Every day, we hear stories of corruption, repression, and manipulation. But despite all of this, there’s one person who has stood tall, refusing to back down: María Corina Machado. She is more than just a politician—she is the voice of hope for millions of Venezuelans who are tired of living in fear, and she represents everything we’re fighting for.
This past summer, Venezuela’s struggle for democracy reached a critical point. Maduro once again tried to rig the system to stay in power, thinking he could silence us with fraud. But this time, the democratic movement exposed him for what he is. The evidence was clear: Edmundo González Urrutia won the presidential election with nearly 70% of the vote.
Recently, I came across an article in the Stanford University newspaper about María Corina Machado. On Monday, November 18, she will address the Stanford community, sharing her experiences and perspectives on sustaining democratic resilience in the face of authoritarianism. Moderated by Larry Diamond, the discussion will explore Venezuela’s political challenges, the critical role of civic engagement, and strategies for fostering democratic transitions in restrictive environments. This event is an incredible opportunity to hear directly from one of the most courageous voices in the fight for Venezuelan democracy. It will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with her and gain deeper insights into her journey and vision.
María Corina Machado is more than a politician—she’s a symbol of everything Venezuela can be. Her courage, determination, and unwavering belief in our country’s potential are exactly what we need in these dark times.
This fight is far from over, and the road ahead won’t be easy. But if María Corina has taught us anything, it’s that we have to keep going. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and the generations to come to keep fighting for a Venezuela where freedom and democracy are not just dreams but reality.