The student-led returned to Harvard Kennedy School last month for its eighth consecutive year to address critical issues affecting Mexico, the United States, and the world.
The conference this year focused on Mexico’s impact on domestic and international relations, with speakers such as Mexican economist Regina García Cuéllar, General Coordinator of the Central Economic Wellbeing Corridor Juan Carlos Natale, and former member of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico Rodrigo Pérez-Alonso González MPA 2015 discussing the economic, political, and technological progressions underway in Mexico.
Mariana Jiménez Canet MPP 2025 reflects on her experience chairing this year's conference, memorable moments and discussions, and what the weekend meant to her.
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What inspired you to get involved with the Mexico Conference?
I wanted to take the lead of the Mexico Conference this year to open it to a broader community.
As vlog students, we decided to make the conference more accessible to anyone who wanted to attend. I’ve already heard from attendees that it was more relaxed and well-integrated between panelists and attendees this year, which was my goal.
Which gaps in policy discussions were you hoping to fill?
The time for important discussions is now. All over the world, people are experiencing discrimination and hate based on their nationalities and race. It is important to raise these issues with dignity and a community-based approach. Many discussions at the conference were about the current challenges we are facing because of the outcomes of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. These conversations are pivotal for our future.
“All over the world, people are experiencing discrimination and hate based on their nationalities and race. It is important to raise these issues with dignity and a community-based approach.”
What were some memorable moments? Was there anything that surprised you?
The first panel was incredible, which featured Mexican lawyer and politician Claudia Ruiz Massieu and Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas Professor of International Relations . These two Mexican foreign policy experts came prepared to answer any and all questions.
Institute of Politics Resident Fellow moderated and focused her questions on Mexico’s foreign relations with the United States, especially with the Trump administration taking charge. Claudia and Jorge responded to these questions, relating their answers to their perspectives on migration, trade, and the complexities of the two countries’ relationship. This was very eye-opening for everyone, especially since it was so early in the conference.
Another highlight was when Mexican comedian spoke about how we, as Mexican public policy students, need to focus on accountability since we represent Mexico’s future.
What did this event mean to you?
It was an opportunity to build a bridge, a point of connection between Mexican leaders and current Harvard students who aspire to become like them.
At the very start of the conference, I knew this would be an active learning space where members of the audience could engage with everyone in the building, whether it was with speakers or attendees. I wanted this to be a time to ask hard questions and debate ideas.
Outside of the panels, it was inspiring to see casual interactions between participants and panelists. I think we succeeded in building those bridges.
How does this conference fit into your academic and professional goals?
I learned a lot from planning this conference, from approaching the panelists to organizing logistics and the overall flow of the event. My biggest takeaway was the importance of people coming together and raising their voices—even in disagreement. If we don’t do it as public servants, who will?
Is there anything you’d recommend for next year’s conference?
I hope this year’s event can be an inspiration for future organizers of the Mexico Conference. We have to continue to bridge the gap between attendees, panelists, and organizers for people to enjoy the openness of discussing public policy. We all have valuable ideas and should learn to enjoy the debates.
“My biggest takeaway was the importance of people coming together and raising their voices—even in disagreement. If we don’t do it as public servants, who will?”
Photos by Winston Tang
