What do you do currently?
I currently have the opportunity of serving as Science and Innovation Assistant for the Newton Fund at the British Embassy in Mexico City, where we focus on delivering the UK assistance for development in Mexico to promote socioeconomic development through science and innovation. Additionally, I work as a lecturer for undergraduate students in project management at Universidad del Valle de Mexico.

How and when did you get involved with the Mexican entrepreneurial ecosystem?
For me, this experience started in 2016 when I had the privilege of being selected by Stanford University and ITAM to participate in the fourth edition of the bilateral forum US-MEX FoCUS. We liaised with key actors in the field of entrepreneurship and I ultimately had the opportunity of presenting a project pitch in Palo Alto, CA.

How would you describe the ecosystem in Mexico?
In capacity terms, Mexico is a titan. There is so much potential, good will, resources and expertise in the country. As a society, we are constantly faced with internal—and most recently—external challenges. In reality, a great part of society is moving towards ground-breaking innovations in many fields and is striving to excel wherever they can.

I believe we all witnessed the overwhelming capacity and resilience of the Mexican people during and after the 19S tragic events. The youth will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in pushing forward new agendas and approaches to change the lives of our people and the closer young leaders take part in public issues, whatever they are, the better things will turn for the country.

What do you expect in the next 12 months?
From NAFTA negotiations to presidential elections in Mexico and many other Latin American countries, this will be a special year not only for Mexico but for the whole region. We must not forget how relevant Mexico is for the region and that thanks to new technologies the whole world is watching us! They watch when we fail and when we succeed. They watch when we remain silent and when we unite and shout out loud. Every Mexican citizen should ask themselves, how do I want to be perceived by the world?

I truly hope to see real, substantial debates on the pressing issues that Mexico faces, and see the country as a leader to boost dialogue and holistic approaches to shared issues.

What are the main challenges?
In my view, one of the biggest threats is the feeling of apathy that is sometimes generally felt towards politics in Mexico. This lack of interest in public issues, mainly because of the way our democracy has been managed until today and the way media is used, endangers progress in the country and hinders the few spaces of intervention where changes can be made.

What change or result would bring the greatest benefits for the ecosystem?
I strongly believe in the transformative power of ICTs in all aspects of the public life. Whether we talk about peace building, civic engagement, education or health, ICTs can bring about real change and is a force to be reckoned with.

ICTs, youth engagement and a tiny spark of passion, are capable of turning politics into a place by everyone, for everyone.

Describe your typical day
I wake up at 6 am and I go straight to University to give my first lecture of the day. Then I take a daunting two-hour drive trip to Mexico City to start my day at the embassy. When I’m done at the embassy I go back to University to give my last lecture of the day. When I don’t have lectures, I go back home and do some reading and try spending time with my family.

Who is your favorite entrepreneur?
Elon Musk. We share a fascination/fear of what AI and disruptive technologies may become sooner than we expect.

A recent book do you recommend?
I would recommend Origin by Dan Brown. A mixture of good old mystery contextualized in an ever-changing society.

A movie?
Battle for Sevastopol by Sergey Mokritskiy.

Smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop?
Smartphone! I love carrying my books everywhere.

iOS or Android?
iOS.

Favorite App?
Coursera!

Favorite social network?
Facebook by far!

Ideal vacation?
A trip to Moscow would do, as well as a nice politics discussion with my dear Russian friends from MGIMO.

What are your goals for the next 12 months?
I hope to do some travelling during this year! There are so many places and forums I would like to attend. I also want to do some writing on an International Relations topic, and hopefully, have it published!

One word that describes you?
Foodie.

Previous interview: Julian Balderas