mxconference2025.com

21,22,23

Feb

Harvard Kennedy School

INTRODUCTION

We are a student-led conference from the Harvard Kennedy School, dedicated to exploring Mexico’s vibrant and complex political, social, economic, and cultural landscape. Since its inception, the Mexico Conference has served as a platform to foster meaningful dialogue, bringing together experts, policymakers, academics, and leaders from various sectors to engage in thoughtful discussions about the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the country.

The 2025 edition marks the eighth year of this impactful tradition, underscoring our commitment to creating spaces for exchange and collaboration. This year, we aim to address a wide array of critical issues, from governance and economic development to social justice, innovation, and cultural expression. Our goal is to inspire actionable insights, generate fresh perspectives, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Mexico.

PANELISTS

Jorge Álvarez Máynez

Claudia Ruiz Massieu

Luis Arturo Villar Sudek

José Manuel Torres

Regina García Cuellar

Víctor González Herrera

Julio Santaella

Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón

Elizabeth Martínez Álvarez

Kenneth Smith

Juan Carlos Natale

Mariana Calderón Aramburu

Mateo Diego-Fernández Andrade

Jorge Schiavon

Minés de la Fuente

Rodrigo Pérez-Alonso González

Martín Vivanco

Eunice Rendón

Carlos Cardini

Silvia Olmedo

Iván Durán

Mónica Lugo

Mauricio Meschoulam

Isaac Kohab

Waldo Fernández González

Héctor Vasconcelos

Renzo Merino

Adriana Llabrés

Rodrigo Martínez Reuter

Manola Zabalza Aldama

Mauricio Doehner

Natalia González Vela

Pável Uranga

José Aguilar

Sofía Sisniega

Jaime Lucero

Mauricio Vila Dosal

Alberto Fierro Garza

Jorge Álvarez Máynez is a prominent politician and member of the Movimiento Ciudadano party. He holds a degree in International Relations from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO) and a Master’s in Public Administration and Public Policy from the Tecnológico de Monterrey. Álvarez Máynez began his political career as a local deputy in the Congress of Zacatecas from 2010 to 2013. He later served as a federal deputy in the LXIII and LXV Legislatures of the Mexican Congress, where he was known for his advocacy on transparency, anti-corruption, and human rights issues. In January 2024, he was nominated as Movimiento Ciudadano’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, positioning himself as a youthful alternative in Mexican politics.

Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salinas, born on July 10, 1972, in Mexico City, is a prominent Mexican lawyer and politician. She earned her law degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana and holds a master’s in comparative politics from FLACSO Mexico. Ruiz Massieu has held significant positions, including serving as Secretary of Tourism from 2012 to 2015 and as Secretary of Foreign Affairs from 2015 to 2017 under President Enrique Peña Nieto. She also served as President of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) from 2018 to 2019. In 2024, she was elected as a federal deputy representing Mexico City for the Movimiento Ciudadano party

Luis Arturo Villar Sudek, better known as Luisito Comunica, is a Mexican content creator, entrepreneur, and traveler born on March 20, 1991, in Puebla, Mexico. He is one of the most popular YouTubers in the Spanish-speaking world, renowned for his travel and lifestyle channel, where he documents cultural and culinary experiences from around the globe. Villar Sudek studied Communication Sciences at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), but his passion for creating content led him to explore the digital world before completing his degree. He began his YouTube journey in 2012 with a channel called “Piano para Gente Cool,” but rose to fame by shifting his focus to travel and global everyday life under the name Luisito Comunica.

In addition to his YouTube success, where he has amassed over 40 million subscribers, Luisito has ventured into various projects. He has published books such as Lugares Asombrosos and Japón con Ji and launched his own clothing brand, “Rey Palomo,” as well as a tequila brand, “Gran Malo.” He has also worked as a voice actor, radio host, and entrepreneur. His authentic, charismatic, and approachable style has made him an influential figure on social media, serving as a bridge between cultures and traditions worldwide.

José Manuel “Chumel” Torres Morales is a prominent Mexican comedian, presenter, and YouTuber. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Chihuahua and worked in project management for eight years before transitioning to media. In 2012, he gained recognition through his satirical commentary on social media, leading to the creation of “El Pulso de la República,” a YouTube channel that critiques political and social issues with humor. The show’s success led to “Chumel con Chumel Torres” on HBO in 2016 and “La Radio de la República” on Radio Fórmula in 2018.

Regina García Cuéllar is a distinguished Mexican economist with over 25 years of experience across sectors such as banking, telecommunications, health, and energy. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) and holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University. Throughout her career, García Cuéllar has held key positions, including roles at IZZI Telecom, Citibanamex, Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), and the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). Notably, in September 2024, she was appointed as the first female Director General of the Mexican Bank Association (ABM), marking a historic milestone since the organization’s founding in 1928

Víctor González Herrera is a prominent Mexican entrepreneur, well-known for his leadership as Executive President of Farmacias Similares, one of the largest and most popular pharmacy chains in Mexico, focused on providing affordable medications. Under his direction, the company has implemented innovative strategies in the healthcare sector, prioritizing accessibility and the well-being of vulnerable communities. His business approach combines social responsibility with commercial efficiency, establishing Farmacias Similares as a benchmark in the industry.

Julio A. Santaella is a prominent Mexican economist with extensive experience in economic research and public service. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from ITAM and a Ph.D. from UCLA. Santaella worked at the Bank of Mexico (Banxico) from 2001 to 2015, serving in key roles such as Executive Coordinator of the Mexican Petroleum Fund and Advisor to the Governing Board. From 2016 to 2021, he was President of Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), overseeing the nation’s statistical and geographic data. He later returned to Banxico as a specialized researcher contributing to economic policy analysis.

Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón, is a distinguished Mexican jurist and magistrate. He holds a law degree from ITAM and completed postgraduate studies at CIDE and the International Institute for the Sociology of Law in Spain. His career includes serving as a magistrate in the Monterrey Regional Chamber of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) from 2013 to 2016 and later as a magistrate of the TEPJF’s Superior Chamber starting in 2016. He presided over the Superior Chamber from 2021 to 2023 and, following a judicial reform, accepted an extension of his term as magistrate until 2027.

Elizabeth Martínez Álvarez is a prominent Mexican politician affiliated with the National Action Party (PAN). With a career focused on defending human rights and promoting public policies for children, she currently chairs the Commission on the Rights of Children and Adolescents in the Chamber of Deputies. She has held various positions throughout her career, such as National Coordinator of the PAN Training System and President of the party’s Municipal Steering Committee in Aguascalientes. Her legislative work is distinguished by initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for children in Mexico.

Kenneth Smith Ramos is a distinguished Mexican economist and trade expert with extensive experience in international negotiations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from Georgetown University and a Master’s in International Economics from Johns Hopkins University. Smith Ramos began his career in 1992 as part of Mexico’s NAFTA negotiating team and later served as Mexico’s Chief Negotiator for the modernization of NAFTA, leading to the signing of the USMCA. His roles have included Director-General for International Affairs at the Mexican Federal Competition Commission and Coordinator General for International Affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture. Currently, he is a partner at AGON, a consulting firm specializing in economics, law, and strategy, where he advises clients on trade and foreign direct investment opportunities.

Juan Carlos Natale is a federal congressman on leave from MORENA who was recently appointed as the General Coordinator of the Economic Corridor of Well-Being for the Central-Gulf of Mexico region (including Mexico City, Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz) at the Secretary of Economy.

Specialist in Electoral Law with experience in democracy, civic participation, and human rights. She has worked in the Judiciary, Public Administration, the Legislative Branch, and as an Electoral Councilor in Mexico City. A member of the Observatory of Political Reforms in Latin America, she is a professor at ITAM and a former vice president of AMCEE. She has collaborated with the OAS and the Carter Center in electoral observation. Currently, she leads the National Strategic Litigation Council, strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

Mateo Diego-Fernández Andrade is a distinguished Mexican lawyer specializing in antitrust, regulation, and international trade law. He holds a law degree from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) and a Master’s in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations. Throughout his career, he has served in significant roles, including General Director of Legal Affairs at Mexico’s Federal Competition Commission from 2008 to 2013, and as a Counselor and later Minister at Mexico’s Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) between 1998 and 2008.

Jorge Alberto Schiavon Uriegas is a renowned Mexican scholar in international relations and political science. He holds a Ph.D. and Master’s in Political Science and International Relations from UCSD and a Bachelor’s in International Relations from El Colegio de México. Currently a professor at Universidad Iberoamericana, he has held notable roles such as Director of the International Studies Division at CIDE, Non-Resident Fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, and Vice President of CESPEM. With over 150 publications and 32 books, his work focuses on Mexico’s foreign policy, migration, and subnational diplomacy, contributing significantly to the field globally.

María Inés de la Fuente Dagdug, is a Mexican politician and lawyer born in 1974 in Huimanguillo, Tabasco. She earned her law degree from the Universidad Olmeca and a master’s in Public Administration from the Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco. De la Fuente has held various public service roles, including Director General of the Civil Registry of Tabasco from 2001 to 2009 and Honorary President of the DIF in Huimanguillo from 2010 to 2012. In May 2024, she was announced as MC’s candidate for the governorship of Tabasco in the 2024 elections

Lawyer (ITAM), Master in Public Policy (University College London), Master in Public Administration (Harvard University). An executive with over two decades of experience managing teams in both the public and private sectors across aviation, telecommunications, economics, and regulation. He currently serves as a partner at Northern Latam, a public affairs and strategic communication consultancy based in Miami, United States, where he advises clients across various Latin American countries.

In 2013, the World Economic Forum selected him as a Young Global Leader. For 14 years, he was a national columnist at Excélsior (Opinión, Dinero) and has contributed to various publications such as Letras Libres and participated in opinion spaces and interviews on Imagen Radio, Excélsior TV, Imagen TV, Reforma, and El Heraldo. Since January 2024, he writes a weekly column for El Economista.

He served as the Director General of the National Air Transport Chamber (CANAERO), a business organization representing national, international, and cargo airlines. He participated in industry negotiations for the construction of Mexico’s New International Airport in Texcoco and the liberalization of the fuel market, among other initiatives.

Previously, he served as a Federal Congressman and held various roles related to infrastructure and regulation in the public sector. In the private sector, he worked as a lawyer at several top-tier firms, as Director of Regulatory Affairs at Televisa Corporation, and as a consultant, advising multiple companies on the legal and regulatory aspects of technology, energy, innovation, and telecommunications.

Martín Vivanco Lira is a Mexican lawyer and politician affiliated with the Movimiento Ciudadano party. He holds a law degree from the Escuela Libre de Derecho, a Master’s in Legal Argumentation from the University of Alicante, and a Master’s in Political Theory from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Vivanco has served in various public roles, including as Federal Delegate for INFONAVIT in Durango, Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary of Public Education, and Political Attaché at the Mexican Embassy in Chile. He has been a candidate for the House of Representatives, both at the federal level in 2015 and for the Durango State legislature in 2018. In September 2024, he was appointed Vice Coordinator of National Deputies for Movimiento Ciudadano

Eunice Rendón is a Mexican sociologist and expert in migration and violence prevention. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Instituto de Estudios Políticos de Lille and the Universidad de las Américas Puebla, and a master’s and doctorate in Political Sociology and Public Policies from the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris. Rendón has served in various governmental roles, including as Executive Secretary Adjunct of the National Public Security System and Director General of International Relations at the Ministry of Health. She is the Executive Director of Agenda Migrante, a coalition advocating for migrant rights, and has been recognized for her commitment to addressing the needs of people seeking safety from violence.

Carlos is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor, dedicated to building purpose-driven tech organizations that challenge the status quo. He has co-founded companies like Konfront, Eko, and Clever Agent, impacting over 6 million users worldwide. Throughout his career, he has advised numerous Fortune 500 CEOs across industries like insurance, healthcare, education, and finance in both Latin America and the United States. As a speaker, Carlos has been invited to present on topics such as innovation, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and disruptive culture at TEDx, Austin Club, and Arizona University, among other international platforms. Carlos holds an MBA with honors from London Business School, a specialization in advanced analytics and a series of executive diplomas on Organizational Scaling from world-class institutions such as Stanford University.

Silvia Olmedo is a renowned psychologist, sexologist, writer, and television presenter, known for her work in raising awareness on topics related to psychology, relationships, and sexuality. She has worked in various countries, including Spain, Mexico, and Australia, and has hosted programs such as Cuentamelove, Sexo Consentido, and Amordidas. She is the author of several books, including Detox emocional and A dos pasos de la locura, which have become bestsellers. Recognized for her impact on mental health, she has received multiple awards and continues to give lectures and collaborate with organizations to promote emotional well-being.

Iván Durán is a machine learning scientist with vast experience in the health care and financial sectors. His research has been published in distinguished journals, presented at several conferences, and submitted to successful patent and grant applications. He is a member of multiple scientific organizations, and was recognized as an Early Career Scholar by the American Aging Association. Iván holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Computer Science from Harvard University.

Mónica Lugo is a prominent Mexican professional with extensive experience in institutional relations and international trade. She currently serves as Director of Institutional Relations at Grupo Prodensa, an industrial consulting firm. Previously, she was a negotiator for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where she played a significant role in incorporating gender equity provisions into the agreement. Her leadership and commitment earned her recognition as one of the 100 most powerful women in Mexico by Forbes magazine.

Mauricio Meschoulam is a distinguished Mexican professor of International Relations, analyst, and international speaker. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace. Since 1993, he has taught at institutions such as Universidad Iberoamericana, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM). Meschoulam’s research focuses on geopolitics, terrorism, and peacebuilding, with his work being widely published and presented both nationally and internationally. He is a columnist for El Universal and contributes to various radio and television networks. As the founder and director of the Mexico Research Center for Peace (CIPMEX), he leads studies on the psychosocial effects of violence in Mexico, the impact of fear, and the role of mass media in shaping perceptions of violence and peace.

Proven founder with two successful exits (2017-2023), international speaker and award winner, including at AWS Summit and events in Hong Kong, Chile, and more. Participant at the G20’s Financial Stability Board (2022) and TEDx speaker. Recognized among Mexico’s top 100 impactful entrepreneurs (2023). Mentor at Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and currently founder & CEO of Nut VC, the world’s first fully digital, AI-driven venture capital firm and startup ecosystem.

Waldo Fernández González is a senator and president of the Commission for the Implementation and Review of the USMCA. With a career in public service and legislative affairs, he has held various positions in the Mexican Congress and the government of Nuevo León. He holds a law degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León and has focused his career on foreign relations, international trade, and public policy.

Héctor Vasconcelos is a distinguished Mexican diplomat and politician with a strong academic background. He holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from Harvard University and a master’s degree in Political History from Cambridge University. Throughout his career, he has held various diplomatic positions, including Ambassador of Mexico to Denmark, Norway, and Iceland, as well as Consul General in Boston. Additionally, he has served as Director General of the Cervantino International Festival and was the first Executive Secretary of the National Fund for Culture and the Arts. In the academic field, he has taught at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and has contributed to various national and international publications. Recently, he was appointed Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations, a position he assumed on January 30, 2024.

Renzo Merino is a Vice-President and Senior Analyst in the Sovereign Risk Group at Moody’s Investors Service, where he has worked since 2011. He serves as the lead analyst for sovereign and supranational ratings in Latin America, covering countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Panama, Uruguay,and The Bahamas. Additionally, he is the primary analyst for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and IDB Invest. Renzo regularly publishes research on credit-relevant issues affecting the Latin American region and participates in external conferences and media engagements to discuss his portfolio and research findings. He holds an MA in Economics from New York University and a BA in Economics with a minor in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

Adriana Llabrés is a Mexican actress and producer recognized for her work in theater and film. He has starred in works in New York, London, Edinburgh, and Mexico, standing out in productions such as Magdalena’s Crossing, A Puerta Cerrada and El Zoo de Cristal. In film, she has participated in The Room, screened in Cannes, and in Todo el Silencio, a film in which she was also a producer and earned her the Ariel Award for Best Actress in 2024. Her versatility and commitment to art have established her as a key figure in the audiovisual industry in Mexico.

Rodrigo Martinez is an award-winning creative leader, marketer, and entrepreneur with global expertise in branding, travel, and events. He has led creative teams at CIC, BCG, and IDEO and is the Founder & CEO of AZUL, a high-end events and experiences company. His work has received numerous accolades, including the COLOR Magazine Leadership Award, Fast Co World Changing Ideas, and a Webby. Featured in major media such as HBO, NYT, and WIRED, he has spoken at TEDx, SXSW, and Exponential Medicine. Rodrigo serves on advisory boards for GBH, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, and Tiempo Company. He was a Bailleres Scholar at ITAM and a World Bank Scholar at Harvard, where he earned an MPA/ID.

Manola Zabalza Aldama is a Mexican economist and politician, a member of the Movimiento Regeneración Nacional (Morena) party. She currently serves as the head of the Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedeco) for Mexico City, where she leads strategies to boost the local economy, promote business competitiveness, and implement inclusive economic policies. Previously, she has held various positions in public service, standing out for her focus on sustainable development and the creation of economic opportunities. Her career combines a solid legal background with notable work in public administration.

Mauricio Doehner is a Mexican economist who has built a distinguished career at CEMEX since 1996. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Enterprise Risk Management, and Social Impact. He holds a degree in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, an MBA from IPADE and IESE Business School. Additionally and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University, he has held positions such as President of the National Cement Chamber (2017-2019) and Vice President of the Chamber of the Transformation Industry.

Natalia González Vela is a prominent professional in the venture capital space and an advocate for educational content on startups and financing. She is the creator of “La Neta del VC” (The Truth About VC), a platform dedicated to demystifying and educating about the venture capital ecosystem in Latin America. Through this project, Natalia shares her expertise and insights to empower entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals interested in understanding how the industry operates. Her focus is on providing practical tools and actionable advice to promote a transparent and accessible understanding of the world of venture capital.

Pável Uranga is the Coordinating Director of CDI’s Immigrant Services Program. Pável is a radio producer, community journalist, and community organizer with more than 20 years of experience working with unions, students, campesinos, and human rights organizations in several Latin American countries and the United States. His experience has allowed him to carry out individual and collective social justice initiatives, including immigrants’ rights, community radio, qualitative/participatory research processes, case studies, training for leadership development and collaborative union efforts, labor, and grassroots movements. In addition, he is passionate about spending time with his family and enjoys living by the sea. Pável has a master’s degree in forensic anthropology

José Aguilar is a prominent community leader and global Mexican executive with extensive experience in international marketing. He currently serves as the Director of the Fuerza Migrante Foundation, where he collaborates with corporations, non-profit organizations, and other entities to raise funds supporting the movement’s efforts, particularly in educational programs, scholarships for migrants, and social projects aimed at creating jobs in communities of origin in Mexico. He has worked with renowned brands in more than 60 countries and lived in Latin America, North America, and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has led global transformations at companies like Bausch & Lomb, Abbott, and Nestlé, developing innovations in child nutrition and wellness products. Additionally, he has founded tech companies focused on providing healthcare services to underserved and migrant communities.José Aguilar is a prominent community leader and global Mexican executive with extensive experience in international marketing. He currently serves as the Director of the Fuerza Migrante Foundation, where he collaborates with corporations, non-profit organizations, and other entities to raise funds supporting the movement’s efforts, particularly in educational programs, scholarships for migrants, and social projects aimed at creating jobs in communities of origin in Mexico. He has worked with renowned brands in more than 60 countries and lived in Latin America, North America, and the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has led global transformations at companies like Bausch & Lomb, Abbott, and Nestlé, developing innovations in child nutrition and wellness products. Additionally, he has founded tech companies focused on providing healthcare services to underserved and migrant communities.

Sofía Sisniega is a renowned Mexican actress and activist known for her commitment to animal protection, environmental conservation, and human rights. Throughout her career, she has used her influence to raise awareness about the importance of responsible adoption and animal welfare, as well as to promote sustainable practices to combat climate change. In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded PETA’s Best Latin Activist Award, a distinction that celebrates her dedication to fighting animal cruelty and advocating for animal rights.

Jaime Lucero is a businessman and community leader with a distinguished career in promoting the development and empowerment of the Mexican migrant community in the United States. As the founder of Fuerza Migrante, he has worked to strengthen civic, educational, and economic participation among Mexicans abroad. His leadership has been instrumental in creating initiatives that foster integration and access to opportunities for the Mexican diaspora, establishing him as a key figure in the binational relationship between Mexico and the United States. Through his efforts, he has driven projects that aim to improve living conditions and recognize migrants as essential contributors to the development of both nations.

Mauricio Vila Dosal, former governor of Yucatán and current Vice President of the Senate of Mexico, implemented public security policies during his tenure, such as the Yucatán Seguro program, while also promoting economic and tourism development in the state. He advanced infrastructure projects, attracted national and international investments, and prioritized sustainability as a key component of his policies, positioning Yucatán as a model for regional development.

Alberto Fierro Garza is a Mexican diplomat with a distinguished career since 1993. He currently serves as the Consul General of Mexico in Boston. Previously, he was the Minister for Culture and Education at the Mexican Embassy in the United States and Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Institute. He has held positions such as Director General for Educational and Cultural Cooperation and Deputy Director General for North America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has also served as Consul in Orlando, Florida, and in St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Universidad Iberoamericana and a master’s degree in Latin American History from Georgetown University.