Victor Manuel Martinez Cisneros

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

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Victor Martínez, a 22-year-old student, is currently pursuing a degree in Chemistry and Materials Engineering at the School of Chemistry at UNAM. His primary interests lie in the design and performance of cutting-edge materials, focusing on their applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology. Victor has a passion for learning languages and enjoys traveling, driven by a perpetual curiosity to acquire new knowledge and experiences.

Jorge Eduardo García Bolaños

Universidad Panamericana

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Jorge Eduardo García Bolaños, born in Mexico City in 2003, hails from a family with parents Sandra and Ivan, and an older sister. Having attended Colegio Cedros Norte from primary school through 12th grade, he actively engaged in various extracurricular projects, volunteered, participated in sports, and earned a scholarship for his academic achievements.

During high school, Jorge developed a growing concern for climate change, prompting him to share his perspective through social media videos. This concern catalyzed a shift towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, including a year of veganism and nearly another year as a vegetarian, as well as adopting recycling practices.

In his final year of high school, Jorge recognized that individual efforts, such as adopting a plant-based diet and advocating for climate action, were insufficient to address the global climate crisis. This realization led him to pursue his current course of study.

Currently enrolled in a government and economics program at Universidad Panamericana, Jorge is the president of ECOUP, a group dedicated to transforming Ciudad UP into an environmentally conscious campus. He actively participates in projects aimed at fostering environmental awareness and is deeply committed to both environmental and social causes.

Jorge’s aspiration is to contribute to Mexico’s efforts in combating climate change within the public sector. His focus lies in understanding the role of the economic system in the climate crisis and advocating for transformative changes that can turn it into a key component of the solution. Through volunteering and active involvement in various social causes, Jorge works towards creating a positive impact and promoting sustainable practices at Ciudad UP and beyond.

Andrea Martínez Macías

Universidad Panamericana Aguascalientes

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Currently enrolled in the 5th semester of the Engineering of Energy Technologies program at Universidad Panamericana in Aguascalientes, Andrea Martínez has acquired a broad spectrum of knowledge encompassing renewable energies, climate change, and innovative technologies fostering sustainable living.

Active engagement in various university projects has enriched their practical experience, particularly in the generation of bioplastics, biochar, and compost. Fueled by a fervor for renewable energies, they completed an introductory course in Geothermal Energy certified by UNAM and successfully implemented a thermic solar system using an outdated solar heater.

With a keen interest in delving deeper into the innovation and application of diverse renewable energies, this individual also keeps a close eye on developments related to the preservation of endemic species in Mexico.

Beyond academics, their hobbies include playing the piano, reading novels and scientific dissemination texts, walking their dog, and indulging in culinary pursuits. On a personal note, they embody empathy and optimism, consistently approaching challenges with a mindset geared towards finding solutions.

Currently enrolled in the 5th semester of the Engineering of Energy Technologies program at Universidad Panamericana in Aguascalientes, Andrea Martínez has acquired a broad spectrum of knowledge encompassing renewable energies, climate change, and innovative technologies fostering sustainable living.

Active engagement in various university projects has enriched their practical experience, particularly in the generation of bioplastics, biochar, and compost. Fueled by a fervor for renewable energies, they completed an introductory course in Geothermal Energy certified by UNAM and successfully implemented a thermic solar system using an outdated solar heater.

With a keen interest in delving deeper into the innovation and application of diverse renewable energies, this individual also keeps a close eye on developments related to the preservation of endemic species in Mexico.

Beyond academics, their hobbies include playing the piano, reading novels and scientific dissemination texts, walking their dog, and indulging in culinary pursuits. On a personal note, they embody empathy and optimism, consistently approaching challenges with a mindset geared towards finding solutions.

Isabel Martin

University of California Berkeley

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Isabel is a fourth year at UC Berkeley majoring in environmental sciences with a minor in food systems. She is passionate about enhancing conservation and helping communities of color connect with nature. Isabel has a background in community engagement, natural resource management, and ecology. With experiences at Parks California and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, she is passionate about furthering environmental justice in public lands.

Denise Ordoñez

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

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Denise is a recent graduate in Renewable Energy Engineering with a major in Bioenergy. She is highly interested in producing clean fuels, particularly hydrogen.
Currently, Denise is working on her bachelor’s thesis, which is focused on how storage affects hydrogen production from winery wastewater. She is deeply concerned about the impact of waste on climate change and other issues such as biodiversity loss, and water insecurity. Her goal is to contribute to projects focused on reusing waste as a valuable source of energy. Denise is a cheerful person who enjoys contributing to projects related to the environment and social equality.

Cindy Gonzalez

University of California San Diego

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Cindy Gonzalez is a UC San Diego student majoring in International Business and minoring in Technology, Innovation, and Supply Chain. She is the President of the UC San Diego Student Foundation and has a passion for helping others and giving back to her community. Cindy wants to work for a company focused on sustainability and green energy in the future. In her fourth year of college, she wants to contribute to Alianza MX to support her Mexican and San Diego communities by promoting innovative strategies that mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Hennesy Martinez

University of California Los Angeles

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Hennessy is in her fourth year at UC Los Angeles, majoring in Environmental Science. She has experience in sustainability and conservation research, as well as climate policy at the local level. Her primary interests lie in climate justice and international environmental affairs. Hennessy hopes to pursue a career in climate legislative action in the near future. Outside of school, Hennessy loves to go on hikes, hang out with friends, or read a book.

Nancy Delgado

University of California Irvine

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Nancy (she/her/ella) is a second year Master of Urban and Regional Planning student at the University of California, Irvine and holds a B.A. in Film & Media Studies with a minor in Sociology from Whitman College. She is passionate about all things social and environmental justice related, including topics on climate displacement (domestic and international), equitable access to parks, urban design, and sustainable transit. As Climate Ambassador, she intends to use her interdisciplinary studies, background in entertainment, and research skills to democratize knowledge, especially for vulnerable communities, to help create a more just and sustainable future.

Erick Mauricio Ramírez Arias

Instituto Tecnológico Nacional de México, campus Hermosillo

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Erick Ramírez is a Computer Systems student and a mechatronics technician. Erick has participated in the InnovaTecnm Rally Latinoamericano and Green Hackathon developing projects focusing on sustainable energies, recycling in cafes and researching in researching in the usage of natural components for medicine. He has a certification in the the construction and seetupup of solar systems; through these courses, he has been able to develop solar systems implemented in smart systems for home and industry.

Emilia Noemí Amezcua Bernal

El Colegio de México

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Emilia is an undergraduate student in International Relations at El Colegio de México. Through her studies, she has researched the impacts of climate policy on women, ecofeminism and social justice. She has participated in reforestation programs, as well as reconstruction of natural areas with local communities in México City. She is an active member of the environmental collective at her school and was a panelist at COP28. Her main goal is to find creative solutions that have climate justice for women at the center. She also researches the importance of art when it comes to finding solutions for climate change and women’s rights.

Lia Gabriela Flores Palacios

University of California Berkeley

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Lia Gabriela Flores Palacios, a third-year student originally from Tijuana, Mexico, is currently double majoring in Political Science and Society and Environment, with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. Grounded in strong family values, she comes from a close-knit family of three sisters and one brother.

Lia Gabriela actively engages in climate justice initiatives, collaborating with Frontline Catalyst and Youth on Root to develop a curriculum for at-risk marginalized youth. Her commitment to accessible education was evident during a summer in Brazil, where she taught English, and when she helped Berkeley youth read in Spanish. She is also an active member of various school clubs focused on clean energy, environmentalism, and academic subjects.

As the former Activism Chair at Frontera Berkeley, Lia focused on US-Mexico border issues and advocacy. Additionally, she cherishes her experiences in Tijuana, where she contributed to the campaign to protect the Arroyo Alamar with el Colectivo de Salud y Justicia Ambiental.

Lia’s academic pursuits align with her practical experiences, delving into global environmental politics, just energy transitions, astronomy, and more. Beyond her studies and activism, Lia finds joy in spending time outdoors, working out, reading, and dancing. Lia Gabriela Flores Palacios brings a dedicated and balanced approach to her academic journey, blending a passion for social and environmental issues with a vibrant and diverse range of interests.

Alexa Mariel Magallón Martínez

Universidad Panamericana, Campus Bonaterra

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Alexa Magallón, born on March 22nd in Aguascalientes, Mexico, is passionate about sports and social and environmental commitment. At 20 years old, she is currently in the sixth semester of her bachelor’s degree in engineering in Energy Technologies at Universidad Panamericana, Campus Bonaterra. Since childhood, she has actively participated in activities aimed at improving her environment, both in environmental and social aspects.

Victoria Rosas Rivas

Universidad de las Américas Puebla

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Originally from Acapulco, Gro., Victoria is an undergraduate student of International Relations at the Universidad de las Américas Puebla. She is part of the Honours Programme where she is currently developing a tesis on triangular cooperation for sustainable development projects in Mexico, with a focus on green finances and has assisted on investigations regarding the gender perspective of the climate crisis. In the last couple of years her interest has grown in the intersection of politics and the environment, as well as in the defense of territory by minority groups in Latin America; especially regarding the protection of environmental defenders. Involved in several projects regarding sustainability throughout the years, she is currently active in civil society efforts, as she is part of Escazú Ahora México, a member of the Global Shapers Hub in Puebla, and the movement Fridays for Future, among others.

Aarón Matías Salazar Ríos

El Colegio de México

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Aarón Salazar is a student of International Relations at El Colegio de México, interested in Latin American international law, multilateral forums and the fight against educational inequalities. He hopes that his participation as a Climate Ambassador will allow him to delve deeper into international environmental law and the inequalities generated by climate change.

Iara Renata Hernández Castilla

El Colegio de México

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Renata Hernández is currently pursuing a degree in International Relations at El Colegio de México. Her main interests revolve around climate change and social justice topics. She has focused her school research on global environmental policies and projects to assess their effectiveness and sustainability. She believes it is important to pay attention to multilateral efforts to address climate change in order to achieve the best outcomes possible, without neglecting people and nature’s needs. In addition, she enjoys sports and artistic activities such as cinematography and music.

Mariana Tabares Luna

El Colegio de México

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Mariana is currently in her fourth year of studying for her bachelor’s degree in international relations at El Colegio de México. Throughout her academic journey, she has developed a particular interest in women’s issues and political economy. She aspires to work in the public sector to pursue her interests through research and public policy making. Her interest is focused on the examination of the unequal distribution of risks and benefits across countries, regions, and social groups, notably arising from global phenomena such as climate change. Mariana believes that climate change issues are intricate, as they involve multiple stakeholders and are interconnected with social, economic, and cultural factors. Consequently, addressing these challenges requires cooperation from both public and private sectors, such as governments, business actors, and citizens. As a climate ambassador, her objective is to deepen her understanding of climate change and to become aware of what can be done to achieve climate justice.

Regina Melgarejo Enciso

Universidad Panamericana

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Regina is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering at the Universidad Panamericana. Throughout her education, she has been part of different social projects, cenered in subjects sush as art and culture, to LGBTQ+ and gender activism.

For Regina, engineering and ethics must work together to achieve a technologically advanced and socially fair world. As part of the Climate Ambassadors initiative, Regina hopes to develop this idea further and learn more about the importance of climate culture in engineering.

Gustavo Angel Candia Jaramillo

University of California San Diego

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Gustavo Angel Candia Jaramillo, a senior at the University of California San Diego majoring in International Business with a minor in Real Estate and Development, has a strong background in community engagement. He conducted qualitative research interviews with San Diego’s unhoused population and collaborated with the Community Development Corporation (CDC) in Logan Heights to improve local infrastructure. He presented findings at the Young Researchers’ conference at the Technion Institute of Technology in Israel. In 2023, he participated in the APRU Undergraduate Leaders’ Program for sustainable cities development hosted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Last winter break, he led a group of students in the “Guatemala: Sustainability and Economic Development Alternative Break” program offered at UCSD.

Iliana Indira Beltran Palma

Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa

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Iliana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering with a specialization in Quality and Productivity. She is a results-focused professional who specializes in informed decision-making. Iliana’s achievements include implementing successful strategies at UNHCR.

With a global perspective from a summer research experience at the University of California, Riverside, she actively supported environmental causes as a volunteer at Greenpeace. She is dedicated to driving impactful initiatives and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa.

Beatriz González Hernández

Universidad Panamericana

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Beatriz is studying for a bachelor’s degree in Energy Technology Engineering at Universidad Panamericana. Throughout her university career, she has developed academic projects related to climate change, such as a collaboration in the creation of a new bioplastic. In addition, she oversaw a recycling campaign for inorganic waste at her university and assisted in the university’s data collection to participate in the Green Metrics program. Moreover, she had worked in a recycling company, which allowed her to learn about industrial materials that can be recycled.

Leonardo Daniel Casillas Rodríguez

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

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Leonardo Casillas holds a degree in International Relations from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. As a passionate about international cooperation, he has done academic exchanges and internships in international organizaitons in countries such as Colombia and Germany. Currently, as a young climate activist and human rights defender, he collaborates with youth organizations in the areas of sustainable development, climate change and migration and refugees.

Lauryn Cummins

University of California Santa Barbara

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Originally from Marin California, she is a third-year Environmental Studies major pursuing a BA with minors in Spanish Language, professional writing with a focus on environmental communications, and documentary filmmaking. She plans on pursuing a career in environmental communications, using her writing skills and research background in Environmental Studies to create documentaries that serve to educate the public about difficult concepts. For example, while working with the Coastal Media program, she directed an educational documentary about the harmful effects of this year’s domoic acid event on our marine mammals. Along with several notable international films, her film was selected to be screened in the Nature Track Film Festival in Santa Barbara. She has also had the pleasure of working on the podcast Green Gauchos which investigates and highlights cutting edge research here at University of California Santa Barbara. In the Fall Quarter of 2023, She studied abroad at the University of Barcelona to improve her Spanish. Upon her return to UCSB this winter, she plans to return to honing professional writing skills while also resuming work in Environmental Studies and further developing my filmmaking skills.

María Sofía Lescas Espinosa

Universidad de las Amércias Puebla

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Maria Sofia Lescas Espinosa is a 21-year-old student currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in international relations at the University of the Americas Puebla. Her interests are based on foreign policy and bilateral relations between countries, as well as the creation of treaties and public policies that help and benefit each nation in the world. She has participated in various working groups to create proposals that strengthen the fight against climate change as well as other problems. One of her greatest goals as a young person who wants to fight for a better future for the new generations is to be able to achieve a change in environmental and political issues. It is essential to strengthen public policies and organizations that seek better environmental quality.

Natalie Martinez

University of California Berkeley

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Natalie is currently a senior at the University of California, Berkeley where she is pursuing a degree in Society & Environment with minors in Data Science and Gender & Women’s Studies. With an interest in intersectional environmental justice, she has focused her studies on understanding the gender, racial, and class implications of global climate change.  

Guided by her dedication to intersectionality, she has focused her efforts on reimagining pathways to sustainable change. This includes her past internship with 1% for the Planet, where she played a pivotal role in expanding environmental eligibility guidelines for the international organization. Along with her former presidency of Epsilon Eta, a student organization committed to volunteering and raising funds for local environmental justice organizations in the local Bay Area.

Aanvi Jhaveri

University of California, San Diego

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Aanvi recently graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Urban Studies and Planning. She has experience advocating for climate legislation in California and has been able to learn about political issues and potential solutions to climate change challenges. Her main interests are focused on the consequences of climate change for underserved populations as well as the rise of climate refugees around the world.

Alfonso Ramos

Escuela Libre de Derecho, Ciudad de México

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Alfonso is a graduate of the Escuela Libre de Derecho, with five years of professional practice in ​​energy and environmental law in different offices; having participated in the analysis and implementation of different oceanic and photovoltaic energy projects, as well as electricity generation from waste.

He is a founding associate and current general coordinator of Alianza Juvenil por la Sostenibiliad, A.C., an organization that aims to be a platform for the development of youth initiatives in the field of environmental protection. Since March 2021, it has supported the creation and activities of the #Jóvenes Por Nuestro Futuro Movement, made up of nearly 30 youth organizations and groups, which seeks to promote the just energy transition, through debate, awareness, participation in public activities and even actions legal, such as the amparo lawsuit filed against the reform of the Electricity Industry Law

Alejandro Sánchez Zavala

El Colegio de México, CDMX

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Alejandro is an undergraduate student of Politics and Public Administration at El Colegio de México. He was born and raised in Mexico City. His main interests are mitigation policies, climate governance, and evaluation of climate policies. He is currently working on his thesis focused on the analysis of climate action programs at subnational level in México. As a climate ambassador, he hopes to learn more about different topics, such as: climate change mitigation, environmental technology, circular economies, climate justice, sustainability policies, and urban management of resources. His goal is working in the public sector to help governments to improve their response to climate change through the design of better policies.

Angela Flores

University of California, Merced

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Angela (she/her) is a senior Environmental Engineering student focusing her degree on sustainable energy and air pollution. She is a transfer student from Cerritos and Santa Monica College in Los Angeles where she was born and raised and plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2023 from the University of California Merced. 

Ariadnna Garcia

University of California, San Diego

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Ariadnna Garcia is a first-generation Mexican American student currently enrolled at University of California San Diego. She is a 4th-year student double-majoring in Political Science and Psychology as well as minoring in Korean Studies. Through her majors, she has learned about the urgency that is the climate crisis and find herself passionate about the topic. She looks forward to communicating with people from different backgrounds and finding solutions to mitigate the anthropogenic effects of climate change

Bernardo Luis Mc Kelligan

El Colegio de México, CDMX

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Bernardo is an undergraduate student of Politics and Public Administration at El Colegio de México and an environmentalism advocate. He has had leading roles in national environmentalist campaigns concerning open-pit mining and plastic pollution. Professionally he has worked as a research intern at El Colegio de México and as an administrative assistant of Cinema Planeta’s environmental film festival. He is part of international organizations such as the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and the Break Free From Plastic movement, and of national ones such as #CambiémoslaYa and 11ynosvamos.

Carren Aguirre

University of California, San Diego

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Carren is a Mexican American from California pursuing a Geoscience degree at the University of California, San Diego. Her mission is to provide communities with clean and ecologically intact environments to live and thrive in!

Cassandra Uribe López

El Colegio de México, CDMX

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Cassandra is an undergraduate student of Politics and Public Administration at El Colegio de México. She is deeply interested in studying issues related with climate change and its intersection with social justice. As Climate Ambassador she hopes to contribute to the production of knowledge and to the development of strategic actions to address these problems and, at the same time, promote an agenda that has climate justice at the center of its action.

Cristian Aram Flores Negrete

El Colegio de México, CDMX

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Aram is a master’s degree student in Political Science at El Colegio de México. He is an economist who graduated from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico City and has specialized in international trade negotiations. Before starting his graduate studies, he worked as a Strategic Planning & Public Affairs consultant (2018–2021) for Nestlé Corporation in Mexico & South America. His current research interests include topics of international relations and climate change.

Diego Armando Rodríguez Hdz

El Colegio de México, CDMX

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Formerly a Landscape Architecture student, Diego became more aware of the importance of political coordination, consensus, and rightful implementation of scientific-based policy for achieving a more friendly future. Therefore, he started studying Politics and Public Policy at El Colegio de México where he currently is an undergraduate student. Along with some friends, they have started the student environmentalist collective where he has been participating ever since.

Emilia Hall Fernández

Universidad Anáhuac Norte

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Emilia is studying for a bachelor’s degree in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development from the University of Anahuac Norte. Throughout her life and studies, she has been involved in several projects, activities, and experiences, from artistic, sports, and social, such as competitions, soccer tournaments, United Nations models, volunteering, among other things. A couple of years ago she discovered that what she is most passionate about is the environment and social related causes.

Gabriel Lopez

University of California, Merced

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Gabriel Lopez is a fifth-year student at UC Merced where he is majoring in Philosophy and studied Management as well. Some of his involvement with UC Merced initiatives include taking part in a leadership program developed as a class for Merced County high school students, developing and presenting a recyclables reverse vending machines proposal for UC Merced, having the honor of participating in the interview process to fill vice chancellor positions, and joining a group lunch with UC Regent John Perez. Outside of UC Merced, he works for Calpac Group, a family-owned bi-national corporation that operates in the logistics and waste management industries of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. He manages Calpac Recycling and its operations. Due to his background and environment growing up, he developed an affinity for sustainability and the commercial infrastructure necessary to process and divert commercial, residential, and industrial residues or byproducts.

Gabriela Zapata Caballero

University of Marista, Mérida

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Gabriela Zapata is pursuing a degree on Administration of Natural Resources from the University of Marista, Mérida. She has taken on several courses, the latest being Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience developed by experts from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR). She is currently working on a research article focused on generating a Green Economy Index for México, constructed under the relativization function which estimated at a national, state, and geographic region levels. 

Her focus is to generate impact and changes in the environment, especially on topics of interest like the conservation of the environment, regenerative agriculture, climate change mitigation and social justice issues.

Hanna Velez

University of California, San Diego

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Hanna is a first-generation student at the University of California San Diego, studying Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution with a minor in Environmental Studies. She is one year away from obtaining her bachelor’s degree. Because of the pandemic being involved with campus activities was difficult but it allowed her to work at a pharmaceutical company, where she has been a laboratory technician for almost 2 years. She thoroughly enjoys cooking and trying delicious new foods. If she is not at home, school, or work, you might catch her enjoying her time at the tide pools!

Iyari Balderas Cruz

Universidad Iberoamericana, CDMX

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Iyari Balderas Cruz is currently in the 7th semester of a degree in Environmental Sustainability at IBERO CDMX. He works on making public policies and sustainable projects with a structural-systemic approach and actions from youth and civil society, in collaboration with the private and government sectors in different parts of the country to improve people’s quality of life; taking account; the environment, the climate crisis, the economy, public safety, human health, culture, gender, energy, indigenous communities, and social justice.

As well as traveling the country, from the ejidos, indigenous communities, rural and urban areas to learn about their problems.

He is now the Coordinator of the Volum Chiapas youth group, a part of the Climate Change Youth Division, the Leñateros Workshop, Cambio Colectivo Mx, REACCIONA and Artemisa Initiative.

Jessica Pérez Novelo

Universidad Marista, Mérida

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Jessica is a third-semester student studying for a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Natural Resources at the University Marista of Mérida. She is currently twenty years old and has worked regularly in a Kumon center as a math, English and reading teacher. In her spare time, she is also a private math tutor and participates in volunteering. She has also worked in the United States as a counselor in a summer camp. One of her main interests is education in general, environmental education and restoration projects.

Juan Manuel Aguirre Luna

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

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Juan Manuel Aguirre Luna completed his high school studies at the College of Sciences and Humanities, Campus Azcapotzalco of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Subsequently, studied Political Science and Public Administration at the UNAM Faculty of Political and Social Sciences. He is currently undergoing his social service in the UNAM Climate Change Research Program. He topics of interest are focused on: climate policy, public policies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change, monitoring and evaluation of public policies, decision making around climate change.

Kali Krishnan

University of California, Riverside

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Kali graduated with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics in Environmental Science and a minor in Public Policy from UC Riverside this past spring, having gained a valuable background in both the sciences and policies related to climate change. She is inspired by what nature has to offer and by our ever-changing world and wishes to partake in alleviating some of the stressors man-made climate change has placed on both our environment and the living beings inhabiting it.

She is interested in entering the career field of science-based policy to create environmental change on a statewide to an international level and is very excited to be given the opportunity to participate in and broaden her view of climate action through this program!

Laila García

El Colegio de México, CDMX

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Laila is pursuing her undergraduate degree in International Relations at El Colegio de México. Throughout her studies, she has prioritized research on environmental issues and their relationship with social sciences. She co-founded the first environmentalist student group of the institution, a space dedicated to the research and discussion of political ecology. Her main interests are the study of climate governance, climate justice, and forestry. Other than school, she enjoys cooking, horseback riding and spending time with her dog.

Maria Cortes

University of California, Merced

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Maria is an upcoming fourth-year student studying Environmental Systems Science at the University of California, Merced. She is currently an intern for the Office of Sustainability and CITRIS and the Banatao Institute working with faculty members/staff and researchers to inform about sustainable practices. Thus, as a CITRIS intern she works on research related to atmospheric chemistry.

In the future, she plans to become an environmental scientist, climate scientist, or air quality researcher. Her focus is on reducing environmental issues and working towards tackling climate change in the Central Valley. Also, she will be pursuing graduate school to earn a master’s or Ph.D. degree in the related field. She intends to assist low-income individuals to acquire environmental justice through innovation and sustainable advising.

Maria Fernanda Zuñiga Cabrera

Universidad Anáhuac Norte

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Maria is studying for a bachelor’s degree in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development from the University of Anahuac Norte. She is passionate about the environment and human rights. She has participated on multiple volunteer jobs, as well as various hobbies like swimming, gymnastics, and Hawaiian.

Mariana González Aldrete

University of Marista, Mérida

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Mariana has a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Administration from the University of Marista, Mérida. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Law, where she is learning to interpret environmental legislation given it relevant in her line of profession. She began working in the public sector, the Secretary of Sustainable Development of the State of Yucatan as soon as she completed her bachelor’s degree.

She likes to be part of projects that work together with communities located in the surroundings of the city and has participated in environmental education and reforestation activities with the civil association called “Kanan Kab A.C.”, as well as with the “Ecological Reserve of Cuxtal” as a community liaison. In the same way, she participated as a volunteer in an environmental education project in the city of Popayán, Colombia.

Natalie Marrewa

University of California, San Diego

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Natalie is an undergraduate student at the University of California, San Diego pursuing a major in Political Science- Public Policy and a minor in Climate Change Studies. She discovered a passion for Environmental Science and Climate Change solutions after taking an Oceanography class at UCSD in her first year. In her free time, she likes to read, play with her dogs, go for runs, and cook for friends and family. She is excited to participate in the launch group for this program, and looking forward to contributing to creating solutions to climate change that can be facilitated to the public!

Ricardo Hernandez

University of California, San Diego

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Ricardo Hernandez is a first-generation student attending UC San Diego majoring in Microbiology. He is also currently pursuing a double major in Public Law in hopes of getting a better grasp on how to effectively implement change through political institutions. During his free time, he enjoys creating a dialogue with fellow like-minded peers on various issues circling the news and bouncing ideas on either solutions or explanations of the mechanisms that led to the problem at hand. He absolutely loves to learn a new skill whenever possible whether it’s something active like roller skating or something more mellow like crocheting. His goal for this binational program is to learn as much as he can from diverse perspectives on how to tackle climate change. Most importantly he wished to contribute to the foundation of this program for future generations to share their views and solutions.v

Rogelio Barrios Rosas

Programa de Investigación en Cambio Climático, UNAM

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Rogelio Barrios Rosas is a young Mexican who since 2018 has been dedicated to climate activism and for the sustainability from the perspective of youth and reduction of inequalities in Mexico. He has a degree in biomedical physics by the Faculty of Sciences of the UNAM.

From civil society and universities, he has worked to promote empowerment and training for climate activism from youth in Mexico, interorganizational teamwork and interdisciplinary, collaboration with agents of the academia, government and international entities for decision-making processes and the creation of solutions to the climate emergency, also from the application of science and technology. He is currently president of REACCIONA Climate Action Network A.C., he is also founder of the Student Collective Project EcoCiencias, and founder and member of the Youth Division of Change Climate.

Rubén Darío Martínez Ramírez

Programa de Investigación en Cambio Climático, UNAM

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Rubén Darío has a degree in Communication Sciences from the UAM and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the UNAM and has been collaborating with the UNAM Climate Change Research Program since 2018, mainly in linking with young people, in citizen participation processes, as well as in disseminating the subject. Has been part of working groups such as gender and climate change, climate science and access to youth and children. As of 2019, started coordinating the University Network on Climate Change; and since 2021 became a member of the Founding Committee of the Climate Action Network-REACCIONA as well as co-founder of the self-managed group Tranzenir for queer and subversive studies.

Focusing his line of research on the study of queer theories and philosophy of the 20th and 21st centuries; in addition to issues related to climate change and ecology. Rubén has participated in different congresses, colloquiums and talks addressing various topics; as well as having published various articles in peer-reviewed and popular magazines related to these topics.

Sofía Itzel Texcahua Torres

Programa de Investigación en Cambio Climático, UNAM

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Sofía Texcahua is an undergraduate of International Relations from El Colegio de México. Due to her current research on environmental policy and electric cars in China, Sofia has a keen interest in environmental issues, particularly the overexploitation of natural resources, mitigation and adaptation efforts, and adoption of green technologies. As a Climate Ambassador, she hopes to motivate individual and collective actions to prevent further environmental degradation.

Teresa de León Escobedo

El Colegio de México, CDMX

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Teresa completed her undergraduate studies in Political Science at UNAM, where she carried out an academic exchange at the Moscow-Lomonosov State University. Subsequently, supported by a Chevening Scholarship, she pursued her master’s degree in Environment, Development and Policy at the University of Sussex. She is currently a doctoral student in Geography at UNAM, where she investigates the processes of production, appropriation, and use of local information on climate change to guide anticipatory policies for this phenomenon.

Her professional and academic interests have allowed her to have experience collaborating on energy and climate policy projects, water management in the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico, and comprehensive management of municipal solid waste in Mexico City. Her academic training has allowed her to become aware of other disciplines and other academic contexts.

Yazmin Franco

University of California, San Diego

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Yazmin is pursuing a Master of International Affairs with a specialization in Latin America at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS). She has worked for the California State Assembly, has interned with local politicians in Riverside County, and currently assists immigrants with their immigration processes as an immigration writer.

As an advocate for undocumented and DACA students, she has fought for increased resources, awareness, and financial aid for this group of students. As a student with disabilities, she is working with GPS on initiatives to help other students with disabilities and create an inclusive campus culture. Her career goal is becoming a public policy analyst focusing on immigration, disability rights, and climate justice. She is thrilled to continue advancing social justice as a Climate Ambassador and looks forward to being a voice for marginalized communities as Alianza MX helps shape the California-Mexico climate strategy.

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