Maria de Lourdes Duke
President and Founder
Luly Duke - A life serving others….
The Duke family has a history of philanthropy. Through Fundación Amistad, Mrs. “Luly” Duke continues that tradition and commitment, directing her personal energies and professional expertise toward promoting the well-being of youth, women and their families in Cuba.
Along with serving as the President and Founder of Fundación Amistad, Mrs. Duke is also the Executive Vice President of the Harbor for Boys and Girls, Inc., a multi-service organization for inner-city children in East Harlem, New York. In addition, she is on the Board of Directors for the Child Study Center at New York University, the Cuba Policy Foundation, Americans for Humanitarian Trade with Cuba, Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children. Mrs. Duke also serves on the Advisory Board for MEDICC (Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba), and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations Cuba Task Force, and the International Rescue Committee Cuba Task Force.
“Under the dynamic leadership of its Founder and President, Luly Duke, true to its name, Fundación Amistad has become a key resource for those who work to see friendship ties blossom between the peoples of Cuba and the United States”
- Cristina Eguizabal, Program Officer, The Ford Foundation