Gabriela Fernández Álvarez, known for her role as host and writer for Cuba's pro-government TV show Con Filo, has embarked on a new academic journey. She has been accepted into the Master's program in Human Rights at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP) in Mexico, where she is currently residing. This information was confirmed by multiple sources to CiberCuba.
The UASLP Human Rights Master's program released its admission results for the 2026-2028 cohort on July 2, listing "Fernández Alvarez Gabriela" among the 30 accepted candidates at number 14.
Sources have verified Fernández's presence in San Luis Potosí, noting her attendance at a performance by Cuban troubadour Frank Delgado in a local venue.
A Shift from "Con Filo" to Human Rights Education
Fernández's choice to pursue this academic path is intriguing given her history with Con Filo, a state-run Cuban television program launched in 2021. The show has gained notoriety as a mouthpiece for the Cuban regime, frequently defending the government's stance and discrediting dissenters, activists, independent journalists, and exiled individuals.
As host, Fernández has participated in segments that attack critics of the regime, challenge reports of political repression, and ridicule opposition efforts. In April, she and Michel Torres Corona mocked the formation of opposition political groups outside Cuba in a video feature.
An Academic Program Focused on Human Rights Advocacy
Fernández's enrollment in a program dedicated to the advocacy and defense of human rights presents a stark contrast to her previous endeavors. UASLP's Master's in Human Rights spans four semesters, aiming to equip professionals with the skills to analyze social and legal conflicts through a human rights lens.
The curriculum emphasizes research, critical analysis, and the development of proposals to promote, respect, and defend human rights, including seminars and activities aligned with these goals.
This academic pursuit stands in contrast to the Cuban context, where national and international organizations have long documented political detentions, restrictions on free expression and association, and persecution of opponents and independent journalists.
Fernández's Defense of "Con Filo"
Fernández has been a prominent figure on Con Filo. During a 2025 tour in Spain, she openly defended the show against accusations of being a political propaganda tool, stating, "It’s a program you may agree or disagree with because it's about opinion and political analysis, but we have never lied."
Her statements were recorded by CiberCuba amid protests from Cuban exiles across various Spanish cities, who criticized Cuba's political prisoners and rejected the narrative pushed by state media.
The Role of "Con Filo" in Cuban State Television
Launched shortly after the July 11, 2021, protests—the largest anti-government demonstrations in Cuba in decades—Con Filo has maintained a distinctly political role, ardently defending official government positions and frequently targeting opposition figures and independent media.
Alongside Michel Torres Corona, Fernández became a regular face of the program. Her new academic pursuit in a human rights program marks a significant departure from her involvement in Cuba's state media apparatus.
Currently, Fernández is confirmed to be in San Luis Potosí, coinciding with her admission into the master's program for the 2026-2028 cohort. She has yet to publicly discuss her motivations for choosing this postgraduate path or how she plans to reconcile it with her past role in Con Filo.
Gabriela Fernández's Academic Transition: Key Questions
What is the focus of the Master's program at UASLP?
The program focuses on analyzing social and legal conflicts from a human rights perspective, promoting advocacy, research, and critical analysis.
Why is Gabriela Fernández's enrollment significant?
Her enrollment is noteworthy due to her previous role in a Cuban state television program that often criticized human rights initiatives, presenting a notable contrast to her new academic focus.
How has "Con Filo" been perceived in Cuba?
The program is seen as a key platform for the Cuban government to defend its policies and criticize opponents, often targeting critics and independent media.