Abigail Cordova is an associate professor of global affairs at the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.She is also a faculty fellow and a research affiliate of the Kellogg Institute for International Studies and the Notre Dame Violence and Transitional Justice Lab
But behind her impressive academic credentials and achievements lies a personal story of trauma, resilience, and hope. Cordova was 12 years old when she witnessed one of the most horrific events in the history of El Salvador, her native country.On November 16, 1989, six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper, and her teenage daughter were brutally murdered by a squad of soldiers from the US-backed national army for speaking out against social injustice
The Assassination of the Jesuits and Its Impact on Cordova
The six Jesuits were professors at the University of Central America (UCA), a prestigious institution that advocated for human rights, democracy, and peace in the midst of a brutal civil war that lasted from 1980 to 1992.The priests were also mentors and role models for many students, including young Abigail Cordova, who attended a school run by the UCA
Cordova recalls that the night of the massacre, she heard gunshots and explosions from her home, which was close to the UCA campus. The next morning, she learned that the Jesuits and their employees had been killed in cold blood. She was shocked and devastated by the news, as she had known some of the victims personally.She says that the event marked a turning point in her life, as she realized the extent of the violence and injustice that plagued her country
Cordova decided to dedicate her life to the pursuit of truth, justice, and reconciliation. She says that the Jesuits inspired her to follow their example of courage, compassion, and commitment.She also credits her parents for supporting her education and encouraging her to seek opportunities abroad
Cordova’s Academic and Professional Journey
Cordova left El Salvador in 1997 to pursue her undergraduate studies in political science at the University of Notre Dame, where she received a full scholarship. She graduated with honors in 2001 and then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to continue her graduate studies at Vanderbilt University. There, she earned two master’s degrees and a Ph.D.in political science, specializing in comparative politics, Latin American politics, and political behavior
Cordova’s research focuses on the causes and consequences of political violence, the dynamics of transitional justice, and the role of civil society in promoting democracy and human rights. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in several Latin American countries, such as Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.She has also worked as a lead researcher for the Latin American Public Opinion Project, evaluating the impact of the Central America Regional Security Initiative, a US-funded program to address crime and violence in the region
Cordova joined the faculty of the Keough School of Global Affairs in 2017, where she teaches courses on global politics, conflict resolution, and human rights.She is also involved in several research projects and initiatives related to violence and transitional justice, such as the Notre Dame Violence and Transitional Justice Lab, the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, and the Varieties of Democracy Institute
Cordova’s Legacy and Vision
Cordova is widely recognized as a leading scholar and practitioner in the field of global affairs. She has published numerous articles and book chapters in prestigious academic journals and edited volumes. She has also received several awards and grants for her research and teaching excellence.She is frequently invited to give lectures and presentations at national and international conferences and events
Cordova says that her ultimate goal is to contribute to the advancement of peace, justice, and democracy in the world, especially in her native El Salvador. She says that she hopes to honor the memory and legacy of the Jesuits and their employees, who gave their lives for a noble cause.She also says that she wants to inspire and empower the next generation of global citizens and leaders, who can make a positive difference in their communities and societies
Cordova is a living example of how a tragic event can shape one’s life and career in a positive and meaningful way. She is also a testament to the power of education, research, and action to address the complex and pressing challenges of our time.She is a role model for many students, colleagues, and fellow Salvadorans, who admire her courage, passion, and dedication
Abigail Cordova parents are not only proud of their daughter, but also grateful for the opportunities and support that she has received throughout her journey. They say that they are happy to see her fulfilling her dreams and making an impact in the world.They also say that they are hopeful for the future of El Salvador, where they still live and work.
