Famous Costa Rican Leaders

Óscar Arias Sánchez is a Costa Rican activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his leadership as President of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990 and 2006 to 2010. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for proposing a negotiated solution to the Central American crisis. Arias sought to remove foreign powers from the region, end aid to antigovernment guerrillas, and promote democratic principles. He also received the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and was involved in various peace and security initiatives, including serving on the board of directors for the International Criminal Court's Trust Fund for Victims.

Laura Chinchilla Miranda is a Costa Rican political scientist and politician who served as President of Costa Rica from 2010 to 2014. Prior to her presidency, she held various significant roles in the government, including as Vice-President and Minister of Justice. Chinchilla made history as the first and only woman to become President of Costa Rica and the eighth woman to lead a Latin American country. After her term, she continued her involvement in politics and academia, teaching at Georgetown University and holding leadership positions in prominent organizations.

Carlos Alvarado Quesada is a Costa Rican politician, writer, journalist, and political scientist. He served as the 48th president of Costa Rica from 2018 to 2022, representing the Citizens' Action Party (PAC). Prior to his presidency, Alvarado held the position of Minister of Labor and Social Security during the administration of Luis Guillermo Solís. Notably, he was one of the youngest individuals to assume the role of Costa Rican president, following in the footsteps of Alfredo González Flores.

José Figueres Ferrer served as President of Costa Rica for three terms, during which he implemented significant reforms. He abolished the country's army, nationalized the banking sector, and granted voting rights to women and Afro-Costa Ricans. He also offered Costa Rican nationality to people of African descent. His progressive policies aimed to promote social equality and democracy in Costa Rica. His legacy includes being a key figure in the country's history for his efforts to modernize and reform its political and social structures.

Elizabeth Odio Benito is a prominent lawyer and politician from Costa Rica with a strong background in academic law. She has held various significant positions throughout her career, including serving as President in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and as a Vice-President of the International Criminal Court. Her expertise lies in the administration of justice and human rights, particularly focusing on women's rights. She has also served as a judge on the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and held positions as Justice Minister and Vice-President of Costa Rica.

Doris Yankelewitz Berger was a Costa Rican artist, politician, and political activist who was a member of the National Liberation Party (PLN). She served as the First Lady of Costa Rica from 1982 to 1986 during the presidency of President Luis Alberto Monge. Known for her contributions to the arts and her involvement in politics, she was the nation's first Jewish First Lady, making her a significant figure in Costa Rican history. Berger's professional life was marked by her dedication to public service and advocacy for various causes.

Epsy Campbell Barr is a Costa Rican politician and economist who has made significant contributions in her career. She served as the Vice-president of Costa Rica from 2018 to 2022, being the first woman of African descent to hold such a position in Costa Rica and Latin America. A founding member of the Citizens' Action Party, she ran for president in 2010 and 2014. Campbell also served as a deputy in the Legislative Assembly and held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Currently, she is actively involved in international initiatives focusing on issues of systemic racism and reparations.

Porfirio Ricardo José Luis Daniel Oduber Quirós was a Costa Rican politician, lawyer, philosopher, poet, and essayist. He served as President of Costa Rica from 1974 to 1978. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the Sistema Nacional de Radio y Televisión and the Universidad Estatal a Distancia. Oduber's professional journey included stints as a lawyer, Secretary General of the Second Republic of Costa Rica, Ambassador to Mexico and Europe, and Foreign Minister. As President, he focused on social issues, rural development, environmental conservation, and international relations.

Karen Olsen Beck is a Danish American-Costa Rican diplomat, politician, and social worker. She has served as the First Lady of Costa Rica during the governments of her husband José Figueres Ferrer, as a Legislative Assemblywoman, and as the Ambassador of Costa Rica to Israel. Beck has shown a strong interest in social issues from an early age and has been actively involved in movements promoting solidarity with the needy. She holds a Master of Arts in sociology from Columbia University and has been involved in environmental and climate change initiatives.

Fabricio Alvarado Muñoz is a multifaceted individual with a career in politics, music, and journalism. He has made a name for himself as a Costa Rican politician, gaining recognition for his work in public service and advocacy. In addition to his political endeavors, Alvarado Muñoz is known for his talents as a singer, showcasing his artistic abilities to a wide audience. With a background in journalism, he brings a unique perspective to his various professional roles, contributing to the public discourse through different mediums.

Abel Pacheco de la Espriella is a Costa Rican politician who served as the president of Costa Rica from 2002 to 2006. He represented the Social Christian Unity Party and ran on a platform focused on continuing free market reforms and implementing an austerity program. Pacheco was elected in a second electoral round with 58% of the vote in April 2002. Throughout his professional career, he has been dedicated to public service and political leadership, advocating for economic policies and governmental reforms.

Patricia Mora Castellanos is a Costa Rican sociologist, university professor, and politician. She has been actively involved in various political parties and movements, such as the People's Vanguard, Democratic Force, and Broad Front. Mora has participated in social struggles against issues like ALCOA, the Energy Combo Bill, and free trade agreements with the United States. She served as a deputy for the Broad Front in the 2014 general election and later became the Minister of Women's Affairs in Costa Rica.

Gloria Bejarano Almada is a Mexican-born Costa Rican politician and public figure who served as the First Lady of Costa Rica from 1990 to 1994. She played a key role in establishing the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture, including the Museo de los Niños, National Gallery, and National Auditorium. Bejarano was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica in 2010, representing the 16th district of San Jose. She is a member of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) and served in the Legislative Assembly from 2010 to 2014.

Leticia Herrera Sánchez is a prominent Nicaraguan politician and former guerrilla leader known for her significant role as one of the first women commanders of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). She played a crucial part in leading the FSLN against the dictatorial regime of Anastasio Somoza in Nicaragua from 1974 to 1979. Her leadership and involvement in the guerrilla movement marked her as a key figure in the fight for liberation and social justice in Nicaragua during that tumultuous period.

Rodrigo Carazo Odio was a Costa Rican politician who served as President of Costa Rica from 1978 to 1982. He was known for his dedication to environmental conservation and social justice. Carazo Odio implemented policies to protect Costa Rica's natural resources and promote sustainable development. He also focused on improving education and healthcare for the citizens. During his presidency, he worked towards strengthening democratic institutions and fostering economic growth. Carazo Odio's leadership was marked by a commitment to progressive values and a vision for a better future for Costa Rica.

Marta Eugenia Solano Arias is a Costa Rican politician, lawyer, and political scientist with extensive experience in various roles within the Citizens' Action Party. She has served as president of the party and held positions in the National Assembly, local assembly, Women's Commission, and National Political Commission. Solano's professional background includes work at the Institute for Rural Development of Costa Rica, teaching at the National University, and serving as an anti-sexual harassment prosecutor. She has also worked as an advisor to congresswomen and was a candidate for congress in 2018.

Carmen Muñoz is a Costa Rican politician and activist known for her significant contributions to the Citizens' Action Party. She has held various leadership positions within the party, including district president and parliamentary spokesman. Muñoz is recognized for her advocacy for feminism and the rights of the LGBTIQ community, particularly in promoting recognition of same-sex unions. Her work as a congresswoman has been marked by her dedication to advancing equality and social justice, despite facing opposition from some conservative groups.

Alberto Cañas Escalante was a prominent figure in Costa Rican cultural, political, and social spheres. He held various important positions including Vice Minister of International Relations, ambassador, deputy, and Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports. Cañas was also involved in journalism, editing several newspapers and writing editorials for prominent publications. His significant contributions to Costa Rican society are underscored by the National Library System's recognition of his extensive body of work, totaling over 4,773 publications by 2005.

Victor Morales Mora is a prominent Costa Rican politician and lawyer with an extensive career in public service. He has held key positions in various administrations, serving as a government minister and a deputy. Additionally, Morales Mora has valuable experience as the mayor of Aserrí from 2010 to 2014. With a strong background in law and politics, he has dedicated his professional life to making significant contributions to the governance and development of Costa Rica.