US in Cuba
Vol.1, Issue 1 (Summer '13)
Meet Gabrielle (Gabby) Smith, a 4th year PhD student in the Social Psychology program and a first year Master's student in the Department of Gender and Race. During the trip she was most fascinated with Rhumba, and was often seen bursting into song and dance while walking the Malecon. Gabby also took a special interest in the Orisha Yemayá because of her connection to the water and her infectious laughter.
MEET US
Meet Jenna Johnson, a first year Master's Student in the Department of Gender and Race. During the trip, she grew accustomed to serenades on the sidewalk and fell in love with refresco. She most enjoyed exploring Havana with the locals and working to understand sexual politics and the impact of the government on the daily lives of Cubans.
Meet Kiara Tanner Hill, a second year graduate student in the Department of Gender and Race. Kiara could often be found conducting risqué "social experiments" with Jenna. For Kiara engaging in these "experiments" could be considered her favorite part of the trip. During the trip Ms. Hill could often be found trying on new last names as she was proposed to on several occasions. The rest of the group is patiently awaiting for her final decision on a groom and invitations to the nuptials (hopefully it will take place in Cuba!).
Meet Lamea "Elle" Shaaban-Magana, a doctoral student in the Social & Cultural Studies of Education program, with concentrations in gender and race studies, and qualitative research. Elle also serves as the Director of the UA Women's Resource Center. Throughout the journey, Elle had the opportunity to sample her Spanish language skills. She was referred to as a "mom" in the group, and was often ready with an extra tissue or aspirin when needed.

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Meet Vanessa Carter, a second year graduate student in the Department of Human Development & Family Studies and Ronald McNair Fellow. Given the nickname, "the philosopher" on the first day in Cuba, she always managed to make room for discussions on life, love, family, and how they all intersect. Her journey to Cuba was her first trip outside of the country, but it certainly will not be her last. Though she is not sure what other places God will allow her to explore, Havana will always be her first love.
Meet Dorothy (Dot) Franklin. Arguably the most youthful member of the cohort, Dot's quick wit and engaging humor often kept the trip light and fun. Dot was aware of all of the hot spots and fun things to do in Havana. Her knowledge was partially due to it being her second trip to Cuba and partially because of her exploratory nature. The other group members often sought out Dot for ideas for fun and adventure. Because of her prior experience and naturally youthful spirit Dot was always where the fun was.
Meet Dr. Maha Marouan, director of this study abroad in Cuba. she is a professor in the Department of Gender and Race Studies and director of the African American Studies Program at the University of Alabama. On the trip she was known to forget the meal between breakfast and dinner (i.e. lunch) existed during her infamous 10 minute (never actually 10 minute) long walks. Maha's reminders came in the form of half starved graduate students reminiscing about this practice known as "eating lunch". Her excellent leadership skills earned her the nickname Dr. Maha Cleopatra. Maha loves Cuba and has returned there several times to conduct her research on African Diaspora women and religion.
Meet Tomás Fernandez Robaina, more affectionately know as Tomasito across Havana. No matter where he goes in Havana, Tomasito knows everyone. He is a researcher at the Biblioteca Nacionál in Havana, and is an expert on Afro-Cuban culture, with writings on everything from SanterÃa, the state of Cuban hip-hop, and LGBTQ rights in Cuba. In addition to being the expert on all things Cuban, Tomasito has a huge heart and is very passionate about all of his work. Thus, Tomasito could often be found educating us, other U.S. natives and even his fellow Cubans about Cuban history, tradition and culture.
Meet Henry Heredia, the third of our fearless leaders in Cuba. Henry is the liason for international exchange at Instituto de Investigación Cultural Juan Marinello, and he is also one of the co-founders of Proyecto Espiral. Henry was an expert peacekeeper whenever there were disagreements in the group, especially when Maha and Tomasito were trying to choose what food to order. After years of trying, Henry will be visiting several U.S. universities on a speaking tour in the fall.
Meet Kenny Kruse, a second-year graduate student in the MFA in Creative Writing Program in the English Department and the Spanish Program in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures. In Cuba, he loved meeting with community projects, as he is interested in working in community arts education. He also loved learning to Rumba, and felt connected with the orishas Obbatalá, Yemayá, and Babaluaye. He also enjoyed the abundant fruit in Cuba, specifically guava, mango, and papaya.