U.S.- México 360 August 26-30th, 2019
México City
usmexicofound.org
U.S.- México 360
INDEX
1. Brief context of México 1.1 New government 2 1.2 AMLO’s short bio 5
2. U.S.–México 360 5
3. Agenda 6
4. Bios 11 4.1 Delegation members 11 4.2 Staff 16
5. Day by day: Mexican counterparts and institutions 17 5.2 Tuesday, August 27th 17 5.3 Wednesday, August 28th 21 5.4 Thursday, August 29th 26 5.5 Friday, August 30th 28
6. Useful information 29 6.1 Hotel Info 29 6.2 Weather 30 6.3 Contacts 30
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1. Brief context of México1
1.1 New government
2018 elections Andrés Manuel López Obrador, popularly known as AMLO, won the presidential elections in July 2018 with 53% of the vote, defeating his closest rival by 30 points. His message was immensely popular with Mexican voters, who handed him and gave his party, the National Regeneration Movement (Morena), a majority in both chambers of Congress. On campaign, AMLO promised a revolution that he called the “fourth transformation”, in which he argued that the political system needed renewal, not technocratic tweaks.
New government’s priorities As AMLO sworn in, he promised he would curb corruption, end impunity, strengthen the economy, pacify the country, level out inequality and empower the disenfranchised.
A year in office Since taking office, AMLO has given daily 7:00 am press conferences that allow him to set the day’s news cycle and to address whatever issue he is asked about. AMLO began his government by delivering on his promises through an array of social welfare and development programs, including increasing pensions and other benefits for the elderly, expanding student scholarship programs for the impoverished and promoting job-creation initiatives for young people. Additionally, he has paid special attention to austerity policies, relevant infrastructure projects and championing the fight against corruption.
Infrastructure One of the first executive moves from López Obrador came before he even took office. In October 2018 he announced that he intended to cancel the construction of a new partially built airport. He said the $13 billion project was wasteful and plagued with suspicions of corruption. After this decision, many view economic policy as a weak spot because cancelling the construction was not only costly but has made investors and businessmen cautious. Nevertheless, López Obrador has said “there is confidence among foreign and Mexican investors.” The government is still wrestling with investors over the terms of a construction bond buyback.
1 Information from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, USA Today and USMF360’s own analysis.
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For this and other public policy projects, López Obrador has called for public referendums in order to get the people involved in decision making. Nevertheless, less than 2 percent of the nation’s voters participated in the new airport referendum and decided about the country’s most important and ambitious infrastructure project. Among other initiatives, AMLO’s major infrastructure and public works projects include a new oil refinery (against experts advise and international trends), roads, an airport expansion and a rail line (Tren Maya) that would stretch through several southern states and -according to him- would create 300,000 jobs during the construction phase.
Austerity López Obrador rallied against what he called wasteful government spending and calls for austerity: he intends to sell the presidential airplane and takes commercial flights, has auctioned a fleet of armored vehicles and is chauffeured in a Volkswagen Jetta. He championed a new law to cut the highest government salaries and raise the lowest ones, and proposed the expansion of social programs benefiting the poor and marginalized. AMLO has taken a 40 percent pay cut – meaning he earns $108,000 pesos per month ($5,300 a month). The new law includes that no public servant can earn more than him, which is being contested by the judicial branch.
Reducing crime and violence In order to fight crime, the new president has been able to implement major policy reforms on security issues like the creation of a new security force that integrates military officers and civilian police: the National Guard, which will be in charge of the nation’s public security. This initiative has been highly contested by civil society, as it warns about a potential militarization of the country. López Obrador has also highlighted his government’s push to combat fuel theft, which, he said, has led to “good results”, including cutting the monthly volume of stolen fuel from 81,000 barrels in November to the current rate of 15,000 barrels. This strategy generated a shortage of gasoline in 9 states and was criticized for the lack of planning, shifting fuel transportation from frequently tapped pipelines to tankers and trains.
Underserved population AMLO has repeatedly vowed to look out for all citizens, with special attention given to the poor. His administration’s proposed budget seemed to deliver in part on this promise, and includes increases in social security spending for the elderly, an expansion of scholarship initiatives for students, and billions of dollars to fund job-training and other programs for unemployed youth. This was followed by the announcement of a 16 percent minimum wage increase across the country.
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López Obrador has also promised to focus attention on the impoverished southern states of Mexico, proposing to step up development in the region, including a train project connecting the Yucatán Peninsula to the state of Chiapas that he says will spur employment and tourism, but that lacks environmental assessments. Moreover, to fund his new flagship programs, he has been widely criticized for defunding childcare programs, conditional cash transfers to mothers, shelters for women victims of violence and community kitchens, among other programs that supported entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises.
U.S. - Mexico bilateral relationship Just after the first 100 days in office, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador celebrated what he called a “cordial” relations with the United States. He noted publicly that the United States has committed to investing $2.5 billion in Central America and $4.8 billion in Mexico, to help create jobs. There is tension around the “wall” discourse, immigration policy with Central American migrant caravans making their way through Mexico to the U.S., and with the unilateral decision from the United States for Mexico to become a “Safe-Third Country” for Asylum seekers, as well as with the ratification of the USMCA Trade Treaty.
What’s next? One of AMLO’s biggest challenges will be to deliver on the expectations that won him the election. His current popularity rate is around 70%.2
2 Approval Tracker: Mexico’s President AMLO, https://www.as-coa.org/articles/approval-tracker-mexicos- president-amlo
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Andrés Manuel López Obrador @lopezobrador_
Three-times presidential candidate, Andrés Manuel López Obrador is the 2018 elected President. AMLO or El Peje, as he is popularly known, was the Democratic Revolution Party’s (PRD) presidential candidate in 2006 and 2012. In 2006, he lost the election with a difference of less than 250,000 votes and claimed election fraud. After resigning to the PRD, he founded Morena, originally a civil association, later transformed into a political party.
Lopez Obrador was Mexico City’s Major from 2000 to 2006. In his last year in office, the Congress decided to invalidate his judicial immunity (fuero) and tried to avoid his candidacy for the 2006 presidential elections.
Between 1996 and 1999 he was the national PRD president. In 1994 he ran as the party’s candidate for the government of his home state Tabasco but lost against PRI’s candidate Roberto Madrazo. In the late 1980’s he was part of the Democratic faction of PRI that resigned to their party to create PRD.
2. U.S.-México 360
In partnership with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), the U.S.-Mexico 360 public diplomacy initiative will provide the opportunity for 11 U.S. leaders from federal, state, and local governments; business; think tanks and other research institutions; advocacy organizations; and NGOs to meet counterparts on a professional study tour in Mexico City from August 26-30th, 2019. Participants represent a diverse set of institutions and many aspects of U.S.-Mexico policy, including politics and government, economics and trade, industry, education, media and communications, and research and advocacy.
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3. Agenda
Monday, August 26th, 2019
09:15 AM Drop off luggage at ACYPL Office 1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 580 West. Washington, DC 20005
09:30 AM Depart for ACYPL Briefing
10:00 AM Meeting with Libby Rosenbaum, ACYPL CEO Skadden- 1440 New York Avenue NW
11:00AM Lunch meeting with Christopher Wilson, Deputy Director-Mexico Institute, Wilson Center
12:00 PM Commute to Mexican Embassy
12:30 PM Meeting with Amb. Martha Bárcena, Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. 1911 Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC 20006. 8th Floor.
01:30 PM Commute to ACYPL Office 1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 580 West. Washington, DC 20005
02:00 PM Load luggage Bus
02:30 PM Bus departs to Dulles Airport
05:25 PM Flying to Mexico City Flight United Airlines 1566
09:05 PM Group pick-up at airport Terminal 1
09:30 PM Group Dinner at El Califa (Tacos) Av. Paseo de la Reforma 382, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX
10:30 PM Check-in Hotel Marquis Av. Paseo de la Reforma 465, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 Suggested dress code: Formal
08:30 AM Breakfast with US Embassy Staff (Brian Brisson/ FCS, Chad Wesen/POL, Jim Wolfe/PAS, Ramon Escobar/ECON) Hotel Marquis. La Cuchara de San Sebastián, Private Room. Av. Paseo de la Reforma 465, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX
09:45 AM Commute to Walmart
10:30 AM Store tour and meeting with Government Affairs team & Javier Mancera, External Advisor, Walmart Stores, Inc. Periférico Boulevard. Manuel Ávila Camacho Número 491, Colonia Periodista,Código Postal 11220, Miguel Hidalgo, CDMX
11:45 AM Commute to MMyT
12:30 PM Lunch at Museo Memoria y Tolerancia Av. Juárez 20, Colonia Centro, Centro, 06010 Cuauhtemoc, CDMX
01:45 PM Walking to SRE
02:00 PM Meeting with Julian Escutia, Chief of Staff, Undersecretary for North America & Mario Chacon, General Director for North America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Av. Juárez 20, Colonia Centro, Centro, 06010 Cuauhtemoc, CDMX. Sala Francisco Madero. Piso 1.
03:15 PM Commute to Bar Julie’s
04:00 PM Meeting with Emilio Cadena, CEO of Prodensa Bar Julie’s. Monte Cáucaso 915. Lomas de Chapultepec.
05:00 PM Tequila Tasting Bar Julie’s. Monte Cáucaso 915. Lomas de Chapultepec.
05:50 PM Walking to Juan Gallardo’s office
06:00 PM Meeting with Juan Gallardo, Mexican Businessmen Monte Caúcaso 915, Piso 4, Lomas de Chapultepec
07:00 PM Walking to Loma Linda
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07:15 PM Group Dinner Loma Linda, Av. Paseo de la Reforma 1105, Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000 CDMX
08:30 PM Departure to Hotel
Wednesday, August 28th, 2019 Suggested dress code: Formal
08:00 AM Breakfast at Hotel with American Chamber of Commerce Mexico Associates (Gustavo Almaraz, GEP; Jana Nieto, 3M; Ana López Mestre, AmCham; Israel Hernández, AmCham). Private Sector Overview. Hotel Marquis. La Cuchara de San Sebastián, Private Room. Av. Paseo de la Reforma 465, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX
09:15 AM Departure from Hotel Av. Paseo de la Reforma 465, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX
10:00 AM Tour of National Palace Plaza de la Constitución S/N, Centro, col. Cuauhtémoc.
11:15 AM Commute to next meeting
11:45 AM Meeting with Ken Smith, Lead Technical Negotiator Mexico USMCA The Room. Homero S/N. Int. 3, Mezzanine 5. Col, Polanco, Polanco I Secc, 11510 Ciudad de México.
01:00 PM Commute to lunch
01:30 PM Lunch with Mitchel Nader, Hans Goebel, Julián Garza and Alejandro Mendiola, Partners at Nader, Hayaux & Goebel (Law Firm)- Men must wear tie Club de Industriales. Andres Bello 29, Col. Polanco CP 11560 Salón Jaime Saldivar
03:00 PM Commute to HolaCode
03:30 PM Meeting with Marcela Torres, CEO & Leni Alvarez, Recruitment Director HolaCode (NGO). Immigration, DREAMers & Youth Empowerment. Toledo 39, Col. Juárez.
04:45 PM Commute to CMN
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05:00 PM Meeting with the Mexican Business Council (CMN) Paseo de la Reforma 365. Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX. Auditorio.
06:15 PM Commute to cocktail
07:00 PM Cocktail with Jana Nelson, External Affairs Director for Latin America, Bacardi Lope de Vega 324, Dpto. 19. Col Polanco.
09:00 PM Departure to Hotel
Thursday, August 29th, 2019 Suggested dress code: Business Casual. Comfortable shoes for Chinampas Tour.
08:00 AM Breakfast at Hotel with Amy Glover, CEO at Speyside Mexico. Corporate Relations, Investment and Policy. Hotel Marquis. La cuchara de San Sebastián, Private Room. Av. Paseo de la Reforma 465, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX
09:00 AM Time adjustment prior to Departing to Iztapalapa
09:10 AM Departing to Iztapalapa Av. Paseo de la Reforma 465, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX
10:00 AM Meeting with Mario Najera, Founder of Laboratorio Social and Daniel Velazquez, Founder of Colectivo Rey Calavera. Community Grassroots. (Simultaneous Translation) Iztapalapa
11:45 AM Commute to Embarcadero de Cuemanco
12:30 PM Brunch with Antonio Murad CEO at Yolcan, Chinampa Agricultural System. Entrepreneurship & Gastronomic Experience. Embarcadero de Cuemanco
03:30 PM Commute to Meade’s Office
04:30 PM Meeting with Jose Antonio Meade, Former Presidential Candidate (TBC) Tecoyotitla 412, Torre Valore, Piso 3, Col. Chimalistac.
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05:30 PM Commute to dinner
06:30 PM Dinner & Meeting with Dan DeFossey, CEO at El Pinche Gringo. Entrepreneurship. El Pinche Gringo BBQ. Lago Iseo 296, col. Anáhuac.
08:30 PM Departure to Hotel
Friday, August 30th, 2019 Suggested dress code: casual
07:00 AM Breakfast at Hotel Hotel Marquis. La cuchara de San Sebastián, Buffet. Av. Paseo de la Reforma 465, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX
07:45 AM Departure to Basilica Lady of Guadalupe
08:30 AM Guided Visit to the Basilica Lady of Guadalupe and Teotihuacan pyramids.
12:00 PM Commute to Coyoacan
01:00 PM Lunch at Los Danzantes Parque Centenario 12, Coyoacán TNT, Coyoacán, 04000 Ciudad de México, CDMX
03:00 PM Commute to Frida Kahlo’s Blue House
03:30 PM Visit to Frida Kahlo’s Blue House Londres 247, Del Carmen, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX
05:30 PM Free time for tourism / dinner
07:30 PM Departure to Hotel Meeting point: In front of Coyocacan’s main church, Downtown Coyoacan.
Saturday, August 31st, 2019
06:30 am Group Transportation from Hotel to Airport
09:45am Fly out Flight United 1567
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4. Bios
4.1 Delegation members
Mr. Raul Alvillar Senior Strategist and Consultant Former National Political Director, Democratic National Committee Democrat
Raul is a political consultant, strategist, and commentator. Formerly the National Political Director at the Democratic National Committee, Raul now serves as a legislative and public affairs expert.
Previously, Raul served as the Senior Advisor to Secretary Shaun Donovan in the Office of Public Engagement and Public Affairs in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he advised senior officials on issues related to housing, sustainable communities, and promise zones. Prior to his position at HUD, Raul was active in the Obama Administration as Associate Director of the White House’s Office of Public Engagement, serving as a liaison to the LGBTQ community. He also worked on then-Senator Kerry’s political action committee and as the Political Director and Regional Field Director on Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign.
Raul attended the University of New Mexico and can frequently be seen as a guest commentator on Fox News, CNN, and CNN en Español.
Mr. Stoney Burke Senior Manager, Public Policy and Government Affairs Amazon Web Services Independent
As Senior Manager of Public Policy and Government Affairs for Amazon Web Services, Stoney creates legislative, regulatory, and strategic communications campaigns in the areas of energy, infrastructure, technology, trade, immigration, and national security policy.
Previously, Stoney served as Chief of Staff for US Representative Will Hurd where he played a critical role in advising on the issues important to the US-Mexico relationship, such as immigration,
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border security, and NAFTA. Additionally, Stoney previously worked in the private sector as Director of External Affairs at Southern Company and as a Legislative Assistant for former Representative Chet Edwards working on energy, agriculture, natural resources, and trade issues.
Stoney attended Texas A&M University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a graduate certificate in advanced international affairs from The Bush School of Government and Public Service. He also serves on the U.S.-Mexico Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Ms. Angela Cooper Senior Director, Global Public Policy and Government Affairs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Republican
Angela is the Senior Director for Global Public Policy and Government Affairs for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. In this position, she is responsible for Wal-Mart’s legislative strategy, political development, and advocacy for the company.
Angela has spent her career with Wal-Mart and first joined the company as a merchandiser buying assistant. She moved to the government relations team and was Senior Manager for Public Affairs and Government Relations for Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, and later for Northern California, Hawaii, and Alaska. Angela’s most recent position within Wal-Mart was Senior Director for Public Affairs and Government Relations in state and local policy.
Angela received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University. She also serves on the ACYPL Board of Trustees.
Ms. Valerie Dowling Director, Women’s Democracy Network International Republican Institute Republican
Valerie joined the International Republican Institute (IRI) as the Director of the Women’s Democracy Network in 2015 and her work is focused on increasing women’s political participation, leadership, and representation in elected office globally.
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Prior to joining IRI, Valerie worked at the Republican National Committee as the Director of Women's Programs where she focused on creating programming to engage more women in the Republican Party. Previously, she served as the Pennsylvania Coalitions Director with the Romney for President Campaign, the Political Director for the National Federation of Republican Women, and in the Bush Administration in the First Lady’s Projects and Policy Office, Presidential and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Valerie received her bachelor’s degree in politics and history from Converse College.
Mr. Chris Garcia President and CEO Vicar Financial Republican
Chris is Chief Executive Officer of Vicar Financial, Inc. and Managing Partner of Greater America Strategies, a full-service firm engaged in government affairs, public relations, and corporate business development. Chris draws from his experience as a senior-executive- service U.S. government official, investment banker, and communications expert to assist clients in navigating complex domestic and international policy arenas.
Chris most recently served as National Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce and Acting National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency as a principal advisor to the Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, and chief authority on business policy and national initiatives affecting minority businesses. As an advisor to President Trump and the Executive Office of the President, Chris worked with economic policy to ensure America’s businesses were positioned for growth and global competitiveness.
Chris has been featured in a variety of national and international media outlets including FOX News, FOX Business, Bloomberg, CNBC, and CNN. He earned his B.A. in Economics as a Bill Gates Millennium Scholar at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.
Ms. Donnica Hawes Saunders Manager, Alcohol Policy and Public Affairs Heineken USA Democrat
Donnica is the Manager of Alcohol Policy and Public Affairs for Heineken USA. In this role she executes the company’s government affairs agenda through fostering positive relationships with federal and state officials, trade associations, and business stakeholders.
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Previously, Donnica worked as a Senior Policy Advisor for US Representative Joyce Beatty, as well as a Legal Aid to US Representative John Larson. Before taking her first job on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Aide to the Committee on Homeland Security, Donnica clerked in Dayton, Ohio for the US District Court and in Houston, Texas for the 165th Civil District Court.
Donnica received a bachelor’s degree from Spellman College where she played varsity tennis, receiving the National Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship. She received a law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law.
Mr. Erik Heilman Director, Global Government Relations Honeywell Republican
Erik is the Director of Global Government Relations at Honeywell and is responsible for promoting the organization’s policy solutions and legislative strategies.
Previously, he served as Director of Government Affairs for the American Forest and Paper Association. At the association, Erik worked on climate change, tax, and trade policy issues. Erik has also served in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Commerce, and on Capitol Hill working on transportation and appropriations issues.
Erik earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Ms. Rachel Hoff Policy Director Ronald Reagan Institute Republican
Rachel serves as the Policy Director for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation and Institute working on the defense, freedom, and democracy portfolios for the Institute.
Prior to joining the Institute, Rachel served as Communications Director and Policy Advisor for former U.S. Senator John McCain at the Senate Armed Services Committee. She has also conducted research and outreach for a number of think tanks in Washington, DC, including the American Enterprise Institute, the American Action Forum, and the Foreign Policy Initiative, an organization she helped found in 2009. Prior to that, she worked as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Representative Mac Thornberry. Rachel has represented Washington, DC twice as a delegate to the Republican National Convention and served on the 2016 GOP Platform Committee.
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Rachel received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Tufts University and a master’s degree in global policy studies from the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Mr. Scott Mulhauser Founding Partner Aperture Strategies Democrat
Scott is the Founding Partner of Aperture Strategies, a strategic advisory firm working with nonprofits, coalitions, corporations, and associations to navigate public affairs, policy, and management challenges and advise them on developments in Washington, DC and across the globe.
Previously, Scott served as the Chief of Staff at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, in which he led trade missions, spoke regularly on behalf of the U.S. government, helped run a Mission with more than 2,000 employees, and worked closely with senior leaders in the public and private sectors across the Asia-Pacific. Prior to his time in Beijing, Scott was the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff of The Export-Import Bank and spent the 2012 election as Vice President Joe Biden’s Deputy Chief of Staff. Before his more recent work, Scott spent more than a dozen years on Capitol Hill and played leadership roles in numerous landmark legislative battles as he helped run the Senate Finance Committee and served as a Senior Advisor to former U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg and John Breaux.
Scott is a Professor at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Georgetown University Law Center.
Ms. Jessica Post President Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Democrat
Jessica is the President of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), a grassroots organization committed to aggressively pursuing victories in state capitals and building Democratic legislative infrastructure and campaigns.
Previously, Jessica served as the Senior Director of FOCUS 2020, the EMILY’s List initiative to elect more pro-choice Democratic women to key state legislatures. In addition, Jessica served as the EMILY’s List Political Advisor for the Midwest. Before she joined EMILY’s List, Jessica served as National Field Director and Political Director at the DLCC where she counseled state legislative
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leaders on running efficient campaigns. Jessica has also served as the Statewide Field Director for both the Minnesota campaign for Senator Al Franken and the Democratic Farmer Labor Party.
Jessica received bachelor’s degrees from Truman State University in political science and journalism.
Mr. José Luis Sánchez Senior Director, Governmental Affairs Southwest Airlines Democrat
As Senior Director of Government Affairs for Southwest Airlines, José Luis works with elected and appointed officials at the federal and local levels to promote business development across the country. He also works with numerous national business organizations, including the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group in San Jose, and the Association of Commerce and Industry in New Mexico.
Previously, José Luis served as the Chairman of the State and Local Affairs Committee of the Air Transport Association in Washington, DC. Before his time at Southwest, José Luis also worked as a senior legislative aide for two members of Congress.
José Luis obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.
4.2 STAFF
Ms. Cameron Schupp Development & Special Projects Director American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL)
Cameron is the Development & Special Projects Director at the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) where she is responsible for managing fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, corporate partnerships, and events, including the US Department of State’s biannual Professional Fellow Congress.
Before joining ACYPL in 2015 as Development Manager, Cameron worked for the International Executive Service Corp and as a Program Assistant with Just Associates, a women’s rights organization based in Washington, DC. Cameron received a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University with a double major in global affairs and conflict analysis and resolution.
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Ms. Laura Pinto Logistics Coordinator USMF 360
Laura is responsible for logistics for the USMF 360 public diplomacy program in Mexico. She is the founder and General Director of Silver Travel, a travel agency with over 20 years of experience customizing cultural, recreational and educational programs in Mexico and abroad. With a Bachelor in Industrial Relations and a Masters in Human Development from ITESO, she has specialized in human resources and groups management, focusing on delivering unique and unforgettable experiences to thousands of travelers.
5. Day by day: Counterparts and institutions
5.2 Tuesday, August 27th, 2019
Brian C. Brisson Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs Embassy of the United States of America - Mexico
Brian Brisson is the Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Mr. Brisson’s primary role is coordinating broad commercial engagement to advance U.S. policy, advocacy, and trade promotion goals, as well as supporting U.S. firms operating in Mexico and Mexican firms investing in the United States. Mr. Brisson also directs the operations of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service’s three offices in Mexico: the U.S. Trade Center in Mexico City and the Commercial Offices at the U.S. Consulates General in Guadalajara and Monterrey. Previously, Mr. Brisson served as the Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Brasília, Brazil from 2011 to 2015, and the Regional Director for the Western Hemisphere in the U.S. Commercial Service in Washington from 2008-2011.
His other diplomatic assignments have included serving as the Regional Commercial Counselor for Argentina and Uruguay at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires (2004-2008), the Director of the U.S. Commercial Center in São Paulo, Brazil (1999 to 2004), the Regional Commercial Attaché for Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador (1994-1999), and Assistant Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City (1989-1994) where he focused on the establishment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Brian Brisson began his public service career in 1987
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as an International Economist in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Latin America and the Caribbean. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and has a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Mr. Brisson speaks fluent Spanish and Portuguese.
Chad Wesen
Chad Wesen is a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Department of State. He is the security unit chief in the Political Section at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Previously, he served as Political/Economic Officer at the Consulate in Nuevo Laredo, the Human Rights Officer in South Africa, the Consular Chief in the Republic of Djibouti and as a Political Officer in the Office of Russian Affairs in Washington, D.C. A native of Washington State, Wesen attended Franklin University in Lugano, Switzerland and graduated in 2004 with degrees in International Relations and International Economics. From 2004 to 2006, Wesen served in the Peace Corps as an agri-business volunteer in the Republic of Moldova. He continued to work for Peace Corps as a recruiter in Seattle until 2007, when he took a job in Washington D.C. at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. At USDA, Wesen managed agricultural development projects in Rwanda, Congo, and Serbia, and organized agri-business trade missions to Central America and the Philippines. Wesen joined the Department of State in 2009.
James Wolfe
Jim Wolfe began his current assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City in July 2017. He completed a three-year assignment as Deputy Public Affairs Officer and Spokesperson at the U.S. Mission to the European Union in 2016. Previously he served as Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv (2010-13) and Cultural Attaché and Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw (2005-09). Prior to switching to Public Diplomacy, he was a State Department economic officer and trade negotiator, serving in the Western Hemisphere Affairs bureau and on a detail to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (working on CAFTA-DR and FTAs with Chile and Panama). He has also served as the economic officer on the Cuba desk. Previous tours include as head of the U.S. Embassy to Bosnia and Herzegovina branch office in Mostar (1997-1999), as well as Bonn, Berlin, and Warsaw. He has an M.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and a B.A. from the College of William and Mary. Jim also studied at UCLA. He speaks Polish, German, Ukrainian, and Spanish. Mr. Wolfe is married to Gosia Wolfe and has a son and a daughter.
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Ramon Escobar
Ramon Escobar is responsible for supporting U.S. investors and companies in the Mexican energy sector, helping them to navigate the regulatory, policy, and local business environments. He is also responsible for engaging Mexican energy officials on policy areas relevant to U.S. national interests.
Javier Mancera External Advisor to Walmart Stores, Inc.
Director and Founding Partner at De la Calle, Madrazo, Mancera, S.C. where he offers consulting in strategic planning, commercial intelligence, and government affairs. Prior to working in the private sector, he was a high-level public official. Between 1992-2002 he acted as Minister for Commercial Affairs and NAFTA at the Mexican Embassy in the United States. He has been a Professor of Political Philosophy in Georgetown. He has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from UNAM, a Master’s in Georgetown where he is also a PhD candidate in Government.
Julian Escutia Chief of Staff, Undersecretary for North America Secretariat of Foreign Affairs
Julian Escutia-Rodriguez is a career diplomat since 2005. He is currently the Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary for North America. He is in charge of the strategic planning and operation of five units at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City with a staff of over 300 people, and the two Embassies and 55 Consulates of Mexico in North America. From 2010 to 2016, he was Head of the Consular Coordination and Hispanic Affairs Section at the Mexican Embassy in Washington, DC, where he was responsible for migration issues and policy coordination between the Embassy and the Mexican consular network (50 consulates) in the United States. He was also in charge of national diaspora engagement policies and the relation of the Embassy with Latino organizations. He has been posted to the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, where he was the Consul for Community and Economic Affairs, and to the Embassy of Mexico in New Zealand. He has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from El Colegio de México, and a master’s degree in public policy from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
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Grupo Prodensa
Grupo Prodensa has more than 30 years of experience and has been involved in the start-up of over 600 projects. With a team of 700 associates, we support companies from all types of industries such as Metal Mechanics, Automotive, Home Appliances, Oil & Gas, Aerospace and Alternative Energies in Mexico, the US and Europe.
Emilio Cadena @Emilio_Cadena_R
He is a Mechanical Engineer Administrator from the Tecnológico de Monterrey and holds an MBA from the University of Hartford. Mr. Cadena has more than 20 years of experience in attracting foreign investment and in the implementation of manufacturing projects in Mexico. Before his current position as General Director & CEO of Prodensa Group he was President of INDEX in Nuevo León between 2010 and 2011. Later on 2014 and 2015 he was President of INDEX at the national level. He is a member of the National INDEX Council since 2000 and during his career he has been part of the attraction of more than 300 manufacturing projects in Mexico.
Volcán de mi Tierra, Tequila Tasting
For two and a half years Moët Hennessy worked on developing their first- ever tequila. An organization that counts some of the world's most prestigious alcohol brands in its roster—Ruinart, Glenmorangie, Belvedere and more—partnered with Mexico’s Gallardo family and began developing a joint venture: Volcán De Mi Tierra tequila. A facility was built and Maestra de Tequila Anna Maria Romero Mena was brought in to develop a limited amount of two distinct expressions—a zesty, vibrant Blanco and a creamy Cristalino—to become available only at premier US and Mexico City venues.
Juan Gallardo Thurlow Chairman of Grupo Embotelladoras Unidas
Gallardo Thurlow is chairman of Grupo Embotelladoras Unidas (bottling), chairman of Mexico Fund Inc. (mutual fund), and vice chairman of Home Mart de México (retail trade). He is the former chairman and CEO of Grupo Azucarero México (sugar mills). Other directorships he has held: Caterpillar Inc.; NADRO, Grupo México (mining) and Lafarge (construction). In the 1990s, Gallardo Thurlow was well known in Washington, D.C., for his role as chief NAFTA negotiator on behalf of Mexico's business sector.
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5.3 Wednesday August 28th, 2019
American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham)
Established in 1917, the mission of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico is to promote bilateral trade and investment between Mexico and the United States. Representing 85 percent of U.S. private investment in Mexico, the Chamber actively advocates corporate issues and concerns before the U.S. and Mexican public and private sectors as well as multilateral organizations. AmCham Mexico corporate membership allows executives the ability to network and stay informed through the Chamber’s committee systems in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, and through approximately 40 public events per year. Members can also access trade, economic, and business information through more than 30 annual publications. The Chamber maintains additional branches in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Ana López Mestre Vice President and General Director, AmCham
Ana is an attorney at law, having graduated with a degree in jurisprudence from the Universidad Iberoamericana. She holds an additional degree in Political Communication from the Institute for Social Research at UNAMand has undertaken postgraduate studies at the Oxford Leadership Academy and ILGO in Costa Rica. She also received a certificate in Business Organization Management Skills from OIT and the Institute of Business Development Anáhuac. Between 2007 and 2015, she held various positions at the Business Coordinating Council (Consejo Coordinador Empresarial) such as Technical Director and Institutional Relations Director, and was responsible for coordinating Work Groups with affiliates as well as serving as a liaison to government agencies and private sector organizations. Ana is bilingual and an active member of various institutions dedicated to social responsibility and to supporting forums for youth development. Since May 2015, she has served as Vice President and General Director of American Chamber of Commerce Mexico, an organization that represents more than 1,400 businesses in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey in promoting a better business environment, the Rule of Law, formal employment and social responsibility.
Israel Hernández
Israel Hernández Seguin is the National Director of External Relations and Committees of AMERICAN CHAMBER / MEXICO. Previously, he served as Deputy Director of the Mexican Council of International Affairs (COMEXI) and was a member of the Expert Panel on High Impact Projects at the National Institute of the Entrepreneur (INADEM). Israel has served as a Senior Consultant on issues of market expansion strategies and global market trends for companies such as Grupo Bimbo and Olympus. He has served as public policy innovation consultant for
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organizations such as the Alternative Justice Center and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In addition, he has been an analyst for international magazines such as Chicago Policy Review and Global Politics Magazine (United Kingdom), as well as for several media in Mexico. He has been invited to participate in global leadership initiatives at the University of Lehigh (USA), the Getulio Vergas Foundation (Brazil) and for the People's Republic of China. He has served as a visiting professor at the Universidad Iberoamericana. Israel holds a degree in International Relations and Political Sciences from CIDE and a master's degree in Finance from EGADE Business School, Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Gustavo Almaraz GEP Executive Director
BA in Law with specialization in corporations from Universidad Panamericana (Mexico). Recently participated on the Stanford Business Graduate School Program: Strategy Beyond Markets, specialized in Public Affairs. In 2002, he joined Grupo Estrategia Política (GEP) a 20-year-old Mexican firm that was the first firm to specialize in political consulting and lobbying in Mexico, to help clients positioning and promoting their interests at the Executive and Legislative branches, both at the federal and local levels. As Executive Director of GEP, he advises national and international companies and organizations on public policy in industries such as food and beverage industry, insurance, financial, pharmaceutical, aviation, railway, among others sectors, always focusing on transparency and compliance in the different decisions that are made regarding public affairs. He is also President for the Committee of Public Strategy and Communication for the Mexican Employer Confederation (COPARMEX), and Vice President of the National Association of Lobbying Professionals (PROCAB). Recently was named President of the Committee of Legality and Rule of Law for American Chamber Mexico.
Jana Nieto Karam Head of Government Affairs Latin America, 3M
Jana Nieto holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa, Canada. In 2012, Jana joined 3M as Government Affairs manager, focusing on Public Policy matters impacting 3M business in Mexico: industry, electronics, consumer, healthcare, safety and security. She is responsible of connecting 3M with Key Government Stakeholders, Trade Associations, Chambers and NGOs. Jana currently serves as President of the Innovation Committee of AmCham and is an active member of the NAFTA Task force of AmCham. Jana serves as a member of United Way – Fondo Unido Strategic Programs Committee. As of 2014, she heads Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy for 3M Mexico “3MGives”, responsible of yearly Pledge Campaign, In-kind and in-Cash donations, Volunteer Days. For the 2016-2017 school cycle, she successfully implemented the first pilot 3M STEM program in Mexico and raises money both in Mexico and USA, the STEM program has grown to 30 public schools. In June 2019, she was named Director of Government Affairs and Sustainability for 3M Latin America. Prior to joining 3M, Ms Nieto served as Director of Technology, at the Secretary of Economy of Mexico at the Federal level, implementing public policy for innovation and technology. And she managed the federal fund for innovation and technology: “Fondo de Innovación SE-CONACYT”
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the first government fund created to support SMEs innovation projects and companies. She also coordinated with the Mexican Stock Exchange Market and other 4 private entities the most important Corporate Governance program for SMEs in Mexico. She was responsible in creating TechBA the Mexican international business accelerator with more than 5 offices including in North American and Europe. In addition to her Degree in Economic, Jana became the 1st Latin American woman to join the Kauffman Fellow Program at the Center for Venture Education, Palo Alto, California.
National Palace
Inside this grandiose colonial palace you'll see Diego Rivera murals (painted between 1929 and 1951) that depict Mexican civilization from the arrival of Quetzalcóatl (the Aztec plumed serpent god) to the post-revolutionary period. The nine murals covering the north and east walls of the first level above the patio chronicle indigenous life before the Spanish conquest. The Palacio Nacional is also home to the offices of the president of Mexico and the Federal Treasury.
Ken Smith Ramos @KenSmithRamos
Mr. Kenneth Smith Ramos is currently the Head of the Trade and NAFTA Office of the Ministry of the Economy of Mexico, in Washington, DC. Prior to serving in his current post, Mr. Smith was Coordinator General for International Affairs at the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), where he was responsible for agricultural trade negotiations and international cooperation. He managed six Foreign Agricultural Offices of Mexico, that play a key role in the promotion of Mexican agricultural exports through the participation in international trade shows, and trade missions. Mr. Smith has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs from Georgetown University, and a Master’s Degree in International Economy from Johns Hopkins University.
Mitchell Nader Partner - Nader, Hayer & Goebel
He has been involved in a wide variety of matters in the finance and M&A sectors. His background includes many of the largest and most complex transactions ever done in Mexico and the development of products and structures for clients which have had significant impacts in the banking, real estate, capital markets and M&A industries, including the creation of the money transfer system for remittances from the U.S. to Mexico in 1996. He received is LLM in Comparative Law from Georgetown University, having graduated as an attorney (summa cum lauda) from Universidad Iberoamericana
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Alejandro Mendiola Partner - Nader, Hayer & Goebel
He is an antitrust specialist with 20 years of experience advising a range of companies in antitrust matters. He has repeatedly advised clients involved in merger control clearances and investigations and abuse of dominance and cartels, and has acted as a legal consultant. Alejandro obtained his law degree from Universidad Latinoamericana and his LLM in International Business Law from University of London, Queen Mary School.
Julian Garza Partner - Nader, Hayer & Goebel
His practice areas include banking, finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, telecom, and structured finance. Julian has worked in some of the largest structured finance and capital markets transactions, representing both sponsors and financial intermediaries. His most recent cases include securitisation deals related to infrastructure projects, and local and cross-border issuances of securities, including FIBRAs and CKDs. Julian has a bachelor’s degree in law from Universidad Panamericana. He has a master’s degree in Law from the University of Texas at Austin.
Hans Goebl Partner - Nader, Hayer & Goebel
His main areas of practice are banking & finance, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, private equity, real estate, foreign investment, and general corporate and commercial law. He has acted as director, board secretary and committee member of various financial and non-financial institutions.
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HolaCode HolaCode is a 5-month software engineering boot camp focused on integrating returned or deported migrants and refugees in Mexico. Through a people-centered approach, they transform individuals into software engineers. By doing so, they tap into Mexico’s growing tech sector and the global demand for bilingual, bicultural engineers.
Marcela Torres CEO
A researcher in social sciences disillusioned with international development and keen to facilitate social change in her home country, Marcela set about identifying a solution to help DREAMers and returned immigrants build a new life.CEO & FounderHolaCode, a 5-month software engineering boot camp focused on integrating returned or deported migrants and refugees in Mexico. Through a people-centered approach, they transform individuals into software engineers. By doing so, they tap into Mexico’s growing tech sector and the global demand for bilingual, bicultural engineers. Finalist at Cartier 2019 Women’s Initiative.
Leni Álvarez Recruitment Director
Leni lived in the United States until she had to leave the country. After overcoming many obstacles, she has been able to empower herself through education. Through her life experience and education she wants to help empower her community of people coming back to Mexico.
Jana Nelson External Affairs Director for Latin America at Bacardi
She was the Vice-President for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean for Speyside Corporate Relations. From 2010-2015, she was the Brazil Desk Officer at the United States Department of State. For the U.S. government, she also worked in the U.S. Senate and at the Pentagon. Jana received her M.A. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and her B.A. in International Relations from University of Brasilia. Jana is a native speaker of English and Portuguese and is fluent in Spanish and French. In Latin America, Jana has lived and worked in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.
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5.4 Thursday August 29th, 2019
Amy Glover CEO at Speyside Group
Amy Glover has over twenty years of public affairs and business experience regionally, and joined Speyside from the Washington, D.C. based consultancy McLarty Associates where she developed and led the Mexico practice. Prior to this, Amy lived in Mexico City for over a decade where she worked as a risk manager for Citibank, a public affairs consultant for multinational companies and most recently as the Director of External Affairs at the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico. She has a BA in political science from Georgetown University and a master’s degree in economics and Latin American studies from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Laboratorio Social
Organization that promotes programs of social empowerment in violent communities in Mexico. Through their entrepreneurship program they generate new industries, sources of employment and development opportunities for young people at risk.
Mario Nájera @marionajera_ Founder of Laboratorio Social
Mario Nájera is the Founder of Laboratorio Social MX, an organization that promotes employment and local economic reactivation through the teaching of inclusive entrepreneurship in urban neighborhoods affected by violence in Mexico City. In 2016, he was elected by President Obama as one of the 250 young leaders who are transforming Latin America.
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Daniel Velázquez Colectivo Rey Calavera
Daniel Velázquez is an urban artist from Mexico City. Founder of Colectivo Rey Calavera; collective of artists dedicated to moving youngsters away from violence through graphic arts. Their products are currently sold in different parts of the Caribbean, Latin America and the USA.
Colectivo Rey Calavera has been recognized by the main media, both Mexican and foreign, as well as by Mexican government institutions.
Chinampas Yolcan
The chinampas agricultural system is an articulated set of artificial floating islands. Traditionally built based on oral wisdom transmitted since the time of the Aztecs. The chinampas located in Xochimilco, Tláhuac and Milpa Alta comprise more than two thousand hectares in which about 12 thousand people work mainly cultivating vegetables and flowers, including 51 domesticated agricultural species and 131 species of ornamental plants.
Antonio Murad CEO and CoFounder of Chinampas Yolcan
Born Feb 5, 1986. Studied Actuarial Science and in College and then did a Masters Degree in Marketing. Founded Yolcan with Lucio Usobiaga in 2011 with the objective of preserving chinampas as agricultural units. Yolcan is a startup that celebrates cultural heritage by connecting the farmers of the Xochimilco chinampas with the premier restaurants in Mexico City.
José Antonio Meade Kuribreña @JoseAMeadeK Former Minister of Finance & Presidential Candidate
Meade served as Minister five times: Minister of Finance (twice), Social Development, Foreign Affairs and Energy during Felipe Calderón (PAN) and Enrique Peña Nieto’s (PRI) presidencies, without being a militant of either party. He was appointed by president Peña as PRI’s presidential
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candidate, a “clean” and “citizen” candidate without party affiliation and with technical training and expertise; he came in third place with 16% of the vote. Prior to his appointments as Minister, during Calderón’s mandate, Meade was Undersecretary of Revenue and Undersecretary of Finance. He was chief of staff of Agustin Carstens (then Minister of Finance and later Governor of Mexican Central Bank, Banxico). Meade also served in other federal institutions such as the National Retirement Commission (CONSAR), Bank Saving Protection Institute (IPAB) and Rural Financing Bank (Banrural). “Pepe” Meade is an economist and holds a PhD in Public Finance from Yale University.
Pinche Gringo BBQ
Pinche Gringo was founded in 2014 by native New Yorker Dan DeFossey after getting a firsthand intro to barbecue and the nation south of the border while teaching high school in Texas. Pinche Gringo’s 50-person staff now boasts seven workers who were either deported back to Mexico, or repatriated for personal reasons.
Dan Defossey @dandefossey Founder of Pinche Gringo BBQ
With an MPA in management and a deep knowledge of the US and Latin American markets, he has helped companies engineer processes, develop more efficient organizational structures, and discover new opportunities for companies to expand to new markets. For the past 13 years Dan has found myself in unique positions to inspire, whether its helping consumers realize their potential when using Apple products to convince his students that they have the ability to learn. He has built leading-edge programs such as Apple Distinguished Educators and Campus Reps that have proven to be efficient and scalable and have empowered people to advocate for an idea or brand.
5.5 Friday, August 30th, 2019
Basilica Lady of Guadalupe
The Basilica of Guadalupe is one of the most visited Catholic Shrines in the world and it is the National Shrine of Mexico. Located in the north of Mexico City it is considered the second Catholic Shrine in importance after Vatican City.
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Teotihuacan Pyramids
Teotihuacan is an ancient Mesoamerican city located 30 miles (50 km) northeast of modern-day Mexico City. The city, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, was settled as early as 400 B.C. and became the most powerful and influential city in the region by 400 A.D. By the time the Aztecs found the city in the 1400s and named it Teotihuacan (meaning “the place where the gods were created”), the city had been abandoned for centuries. Teotihuacan’s origins, history, and culture largely remain a mystery.
Frida Kahlo’s Blue House
Frida Kahlo’s creative universe is to be found in the Blue House, the place where she was born and where she died. Following her marriage to Diego Rivera, Frida lived in different places in Mexico City and abroad, but she always returned to her family home in Coyoacán. Located in one of the oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods in Mexico City, the Blue House was made into a museum in 1958, four years after the death of the painter. Today it is one of the most popular museums in the Mexican capital. Popularly known as the Casa Azul (the ‘Blue House’), the Museo Frida Kahlo preserves the personal objects that reveal the private universe of Latin America’s most celebrated woman artist. The Blue House also contains some of the painter’s most important works: Long Live Life (1954), Frida and the Caesarian Operation (1931), and Portrait of My Father Wilhelm Kahlo (1952), among others.
6. Useful information
6.1 Hotel info
Hotel Marquis Reforma Location: Av. Paseo de la Reforma 465, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México Phone: 01 55 5229 1200 Webpage: https://www.marquisreforma.com/default-en.html
We recommend you to look at the interactive map on the website to locate city landmarks and attractions near the hotel.
Continental breakfast included, starting at 6:30am through 10:30am
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6.2 Weather
Source: AccuWeather
6.3 Contacts
Program Arrangements and Implementation
Ms. Cameron Schupp, ACYPL Tel. (+1) 5712424210, E-mail: [email protected]
In Mexico City
● Mr. Enrique Perret, Director, US Mexico Foundation Tel: (+1) 202 549-6227, E-mail: [email protected] ● Mrs. Laura Pinto, Logistics Coordinator, USMF360 Tel: (+521) 33 38 09 53 586; E-mail: [email protected]
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