Marquis Who's Who Honors Roger de la Torre Casanova for Expertise in Public Policy
Press Release March 13, 2026
Roger de la Torre Casanova is a dedicated leader in public policy and education with a career spanning six decades
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His contributions have been recognized through commendation letters upon retirement from both The Office of the Governor of California and President George W. Bush on behalf of The White House.

SOUTH PASADENA, CA, March 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Roger de la Torre Casanova has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. de la Torre Casanova's distinguished career is marked by decades of leadership, public service and academic achievement. Since 2006, he has served as board director for the Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to research on Cuba's economy and civil society. In this capacity, he has contributed to the organization's mission alongside a diverse membership that includes lawyers affiliated with institutions such as Columbia University and Pennsylvania State University, professionals with experience at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and former government officials and think tank members from Washington, D.C. His two-decade tenure reflects his commitment to advancing scholarship and dialogue on Cuban economic issues.

In 2006, Mr. de la Torre Casanova also assumed the role of chairman at de la Torre Casanova International, where he continues to serve as an independent consultant. His expertise in international relations and Latin American affairs has informed his consulting work, allowing him to provide strategic guidance across sectors.

From 1979 to 2008, Mr. de la Torre Casanova was an educator and adviser in alternative certification, teacher support and development within human resources at the Los Angeles Unified School District. He played a pivotal role in developing bilingual education programs, particularly those designed for individuals transitioning from military service or creative fields such as acting and music into teaching careers. He monitored their progress, ensured practical classroom experience and oversaw certification programs that prepared many to become educators in the Los Angeles Unified School District. This accomplishment stands among his most rewarding achievements, as it directly impacted the quality of bilingual education in California.

Between 1976 and 1979, Mr. de la Torre Casanova worked as a research analyst and project coordinator at the Los Angeles Research Center. During this period, he coordinated programs funded by the United States Department of Labor, collaborating with field centers in Puerto Rico, Utah and New York to conduct studies addressing bilingual issues affecting Mexican and Latin American communities in California and New York. The findings from these projects were published by the Department of Labor and contributed significantly to policy development
Mr. de la Torre Casanova's academic career includes serving as adjunct professor at the Stevens Institute of Technology from 1972 to 1974. Prior to this role, he completed coursework at New York University from 1969 to 1975 while also teaching Spanish language and literature at the junior high school level after earning K-12 teaching certifications for both New York and New Jersey.

Mr. de la Torre Casanova's early professional experience began in the financial sector shortly after graduating from Herricks High School. From 1964 to 1966, he worked as a financial analyst in the credit card division at American Express in Manhattan while attending business administration classes at Saint Peter's College in New Jersey with tuition assistance from his employer. He then joined Diners Club as a financial analyst from 1966 to 1968 at its headquarters at 10 Columbus Circle before moving to Bankers Trust in 1969, where he helped introduce BankAmericard on the East Coast.

His academic credentials include a Master of Arts in Latin American and Caribbean studies from New York University earned in 1974. He previously received a Bachelor of Science in political science from Saint Peter's University in Jersey City in 1969. These academic achievements provided a strong foundation for his expertise in international relations and Latin American affairs. Throughout his career, Mr. de la Torre Casanova has maintained active involvement with professional organizations such as the Latin American Studies Association from 2011 to 2017.

Mr. de la Torre Casanova's civic engagement is extensive. As board director for the Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy since 2006, he has chaired numerous panels, including Human Rights in Cuba at the 20th conference; Cuban Economic Reforms and Party Congresses at the 26th conference; Cuba's Emerging Private Economy at the 25th conference; Special Topics at the 22nd conference; Education and the VI Party Congress in Cuba at the 21st conference; and served as discussant on several occasions.

His contributions have been recognized through commendation letters upon retirement from both The Office of the Governor of California and President George W. Bush on behalf of The White House. Mr. de la Torre Casanova attributes much of his success to the significant influence of his mother as well as guidance from exceptional mentors throughout his journey.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Mr. de la Torre Casanova maintains a passion for sports cultivated during his youth through participation in judo and baseball. His involvement with the Olympic movement began in 1984, fueling his enthusiasm for volunteering with future Olympic events hosted in Los Angeles.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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