Ambassadors - University of California Alianza MX

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SYSTEMWIDE PROGRAM

Climate Ambassadors

Meet our Ambassadors

2023 Cohort
2024 Cohort
2025-26 Cohort

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.

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.

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.

Antonio Alvarez

University of California, San Diego

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Antonio Alvarez is a fourth-year International Business major student at UC San Diego. Early in his college journey, he developed a passion for initiatives focused on the development of minority communities while serving as a language tutor. Antonio has demonstrated a strong commitment to social and climate justice through his active involvement in cultural organizations and sustainable development projects at UCSD, in addition to studying urban and transportation sustainability in Washington, D.C. and Germany. As a Mexican-American, Antonio understands the unique socio-economic and environmental challenges both nations face today. He seeks to actively support and advocate for the design of future communities that are egalitarian, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

Christof Yeram Sánchez Montes

Instituto Politécnico Nacional

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Christof Yeram Sanchez Montes is a 22-year-old college student at the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico. Born in the United States from Mexican parents he is committed to building bridges between both countries to create positive social and environmental impact.
As a Business Engineer in Sustainable Energy the title of a pioneering degree program offered by the institute, he possesses a multidisciplinary background that bring together expertise in economics, renewable energy, public policy, project management, technological innovation, and sustainability analysis. His mission is to advance and implement effective solutions to combat climate change through an integrated approach that combines economic development, social justice, and environmental protection.

Lesly Elizabeth Reyes Reyes

University of California, Berkeley

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Lesly Reyes Reyes is an ambitious first-generation Salvadoran student at UC Berkeley, pursuing Neuroscience and Chicanx Latinx Studies. Her focus is on addressing community health, particularly environmental factors that affect it within her community. Professionally, she possesses strong technical expertise from a two-year Student Internship in Research Pathology at Genentech, where she managed antibodies and utilized PathLims software.
As a proactive leader, Lesly quickly rose to a Board Member role for CAFE (Central American for Empowerment), where she led the development of a successful DeCal course. She further demonstrates her commitment to health equity as an active Board Member for CHE (Comunidad for Health Equity), amplifying the voice of Latine students interested in health careers.

Danna Camila Galindo Muñoz

Tecnológico de Monterrey, Querétaro

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Danna Camila Galindo Muñoz is a Sustainable Development Engineering student at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Her work focuses on environmental public policy, climate justice, clean energy transition, and circular economy, with a strong interest in developing solutions that strengthen social well-being and ensure equitable access to resources for women in community settings.
Her projects have been selected twice to participate in ExpoIngenierías, an event at Tecnológico de Monterrey that showcases the most outstanding engineering initiatives. Her first project involved designing and validating an electromagnetic linear motor based on the Lorentz force, optimizing its performance through key physical variables. She later participated in the design and sizing of a photovoltaic system for Parque Alcanfores Sur in Querétaro, aimed at powering the park entirely with renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil sources; this project was developed in collaboration with the State of Querétaro’s Secretariat of Environment. She also collaborated on the development of an economic activity plan for the protected natural area Peña Colorada, in partnership with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), proposing a model that safeguards local biodiversity while generating income and opportunities for women in the surrounding community.
As a leader, researcher, and climate advocate, she aims to contribute to energy transition policies in Latin America, develop sustainable solutions for cities, and build climate initiatives with real social impact.

Angel Corona

University of California, Riverside

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Angel Corona is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) triple majoring in Latin American Studies, Political Science (International Affairs), and Spanish (Literature). Originally from Moreno Valley, a city located in Southern California, he is a McNair scholar who conducted a research study on the wages and conditions of Mexican and Guatemalan gardeners and day laborers in the Inland Empire. Through his work, he questions how shifts in immigration policy, environmental regulation, and informal labor markets shape everyday working conditions between migrant groups, revealing broader impacts in Southern California’s political economy. Previously, he interned at the Department of State and UFC for Government Relations. He is actively involved on the UCR campus, collaborating with the Latino and Latin American Studies Research Center (Research Assistant), the Academic Resource Center (English and Spanish Tutor), and the Education Abroad Office (Former HAAC Committee Member). He has a strong interest in initiatives to improve U.S. and Latin American relations and has participated in seminars on sustainability in Baja California, Mexico, and food security in Bogota and Cali, Colombia.

Jaydee Cortes Cruz

University of California, Los Angeles

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Jaydee Cortes is a second-year biochemistry major at UCLA. Although her academic focus is not directly on environmental studies, Jaydee has a longstanding interest in climate issues shaped by early exposure to climate change and a formative internship experience in Oaxaca, where she observed the close relationship between communities and nature. These experiences motivated Jaydee to pursue interests in conservation and environmental policy and to support sustainable coexistence between people and the environment. Through the Climate Ambassadors program, Jaydee hopes to gain hands-on experience and contribute to binational collaboration between California and Mexico to address climate challenges that transcend borders.

Brisa Casas Robles

Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México

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Brisa Casas Robles is an International Relations student at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). Throughout her studies, she has been actively involved in student organizations such as El Supuesto (the university’s newspaper), DebateITAM, ITAMMUN, and currently VerdeITAM. Through her work at VerdeITAM, she collaborates in designing and organizing events aimed at strengthening climate justice awareness and advancing efforts to transform the ITAM campus into a more sustainable and environmentally responsible space. Across all these organizations, her constant thread has been fostering dialogue as a tool to address the most pressing challenges of her generation. Her academic interests include development economics, feminism, political philosophy, and climate justice. Beyond academics, she enjoys painting, running, and going to the gym. She also has experience in debate and public speaking, which she integrates into her climate advocacy by promoting informed, accessible, and action-oriented conversations.

Ligia Isabel Mercado Torres

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

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Born 21 years ago, Ligia Mercado is a Physics student at the Faculty of Sciences of the National
Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City. Her academic life has made her deeply committed to physics and climate modeling, leading her to seek solutions that contribute to improving the environmental landscape of our planet. With scientific rigor and social commitment, she is convinced that research is a key tool for building a more sustainable future.

Anahí Carrillo Teniente

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

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Anahí Carrillo Teniente is an Agricultural Engineering student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), specializing in technology applied to the agri-food sector and protected cropping systems. She is passionate about ecosystem conservation, prioritizing practices that promote regenerative agriculture.
She currently works as a research assistant at the Institute for Research in Applied Mathematics and Systems (IIMAS), where she conducts research on the application of artificial intelligence models for the identification and counting of insects that affect citrus crops in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Originally from Querétaro, she is deeply concerned about the environmental and social impacts faced by productive systems in the Bajío region. For this reason, she seeks to transform traditional practices through digital tools, data analysis, and sustainable approaches that can be applied at both national and global levels.
In the future, Anahí aims to contribute to more equitable systems through an approach oriented toward social justice, ensuring people’s right to dignified, sufficient, and nutritious food as the foundation for physical and mental well-being and economic stability.

Jocelyn León

University of California, Merced

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Jocelyn León is a fourth-year student at the University of California, Merced, double majoring in Political Science and Environmental Systems Science. Her work sits at the intersection of environmental law, climate justice, and agricultural innovation, with a particular focus on advancing sustainable and culturally informed solutions that protect and uplift immigrant farmworker communities.
Raised in Lake Elsinore, California, Jocelyn grew up helping her family on a dairy farm. Those early experiences — and the values of resilience, generosity, and hard work that her parents modeled every day — shaped her understanding of the environmental challenges agricultural workers face. She has strengthened this commitment through internships with the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, HDR, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Congressman Adam Gray’s office, where she contributed to projects involving renewable energy planning, climate adaptation, and environmental justice policy.
As a proud first-generation college student, Jocelyn is deeply engaged in campus leadership and advocacy. She serves as a Resident Assistant, a UC Advocacy Network (UCAN) Ambassador, the Director of Student Advocacy for the Associated Students of UC Merced, and the President of the Helping Hands Club. Across these roles, she works to expand student representation, promote resource equity, and create community-centered programming.

Natán Andrés Barrientos Torres

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

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Natan Andrés Barrientos Torres is a recent Earth Sciences graduate from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), specializing in Environmental Sciences. He currently collaborates with the Institute of Ecology at UNAM in Mérida. His research focuses on assessing socio-environmental vulnerability and strengthening community governance in the Yucatán Peninsula. He integrates geospatial analysis and biodiversity monitoring with participatory frameworks to address threats from agroindustry and urbanization in Mayan communities. Committed to climate action, he led the winning team of the 2025 UNAM Climatón with a project dedicated to coastal resilience. He is also actively dedicated to science communication, covering topics related to the environment, climate change, and personal well-being.

Sofía Orduña

University of California, Los Angeles

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Sofía (she/her) is a fourth year International Development Studies and Political Science double major at UCLA originally from the East Bay Area, California. The community she found in these studies while at UCLA extends to her personal and extracurriculars as well. While in college, she has helped organize the Latine Youth Conference for incoming university students and local community members, worked for two years as a Residential Assistant for the Creative Collective LLC, co-founded LULAC de UCLA her sophomore year, and currently serves as the Co-Internal Community Engagement Coordinator for the Afro-Latinx Connection (ALC) of UCLA and as a board member for the UCLA Latinx Success Center. Through connections through the Chancellor’s LINK program, student and worker organizing, and Latine Student Advocacy Day, she is proud to speak up for the needs of different communities across the UC. In these roles she has helped organize talent and culture shows, student outreach programs, and community involvement events aimed at accessibility and welcoming others onto campus. In her free time, Sofía loves going outdoors with her friends and family, perfecting her brownies recipe, and falling off her skateboard.

Ricardo Arevalo

University of California, Merced

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Ricardo Arevalo is an Environmental Engineering student at the University of California, Merced, specializing in water resources and GIS. With a strong foundation in spatial analysis, hydrology, and environmental science, he has contributed to multiple research and applied projects addressing environmental justice, water resources, and international policy.
Ricardo has international experience through his internship with La Comisión Estatal de Agua y Saneamiento del Estado de Puebla (CEASPUE), where he produced over twenty technical, presentation-ready maps and conducted comparative analyses of wastewater treatment standards between Mexico and the United States. His bilingual fluency in English and Spanish enables him to bridge scientific information across communities and support collaborative, cross-cultural environmental solutions.
At UC Merced, Ricardo has worked as a research assistant contributing to agricultural land mapping, water rate analysis, and environmental monitoring projects. He is trained in ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine, QGIS, and field instrumentation, with additional experience in community-based environmental communication and outreach. Ricardo plans to pursue a career in environmental consulting, focusing on international water management, climate adaptation, and science-informed policy development.

Montserrat Álvarez Topete

Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México

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Montserrat Álvarez is a student of Economics and International Relations at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). Her academic interests focus on environmental systems, with particular emphasis on global climate change governance, climate justice, and the design of public policy solutions aimed at protecting ecosystems and advancing the energy transition. She currently serves as a member of the steering committee of Verde ITAM, a student organization dedicated to reducing the environmental footprint of the university campus.

Regina Álvarez Tovar

Tecnológico de Monterrey, México City

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Regina Álvarez Tovar is a Mexican sustainable development engineering student and climate activist inspired by Fridays for Future. Her work began with the frustration of seeing her generation overlook the climate crisis while oceans filled with plastic and ecosystems collapsed. Today, she leads environmental education and water-focused initiatives to make climate action accessible to everyone, not just experts or industry leaders.

Jacob Tadeo Orta

Instituto Politécnico Nacional

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Jacob Tadeo Orta Carreño is a Mexican Industrial Robotics Engineering student at Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). His interest in climate change and renewable energy emerged through his engineering studies, where he learned how technology, automation, and innovation can contribute to energy efficiency and sustainable solutions.
His international experiences have allowed him to understand climate challenges from different perspectives. During a stay in the United States, he observed strong efforts to promote clean energy and youth engagement in climate initiatives, highlighting the importance of combining technological development with social action. Later, during his academic exchange in Argentina, he witnessed how different communities adapt their environmental practices and policies to address everyday climate challenges.
As a Climate Ambassador, Jacob aims to connect his engineering background with climate action by promoting responsible technology use, environmental awareness, and innovative ideas that support a more sustainable future.

Vanessa Valencia Miranda

Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City

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Vanessa Valencia, 22, is a sixth semester Economics student at Universidad Iberoamericana. She is part of the Student Society of her career, which has allowed her to get involved in different projects and activities within the academic community. She lives in Mexico City and enjoys reading, playing tennis, and cycling in her free time. Throughout her studies, Vanessa has developed a strong interest in environmental economics and sustainability. She is motivated by the idea of transforming how societies interact with the ecosystem and promoting economic growth models that are more responsible and sustainable.

Dana Borunda

University of California, Santa Cruz

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Dana Borunda is a student at the University of California, Santa Cruz majoring in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and Ethnic Studies. Dana furthered her interest in environmental justice upon studying communities of color and the magnified results of climate change they tend to experience. She is also interested in pursuing health justice and narrative medicine. As a California native and having grown up with a trans-border experience (B.C., MX and San Diego, CA, U.S.), Dana is excited to work with and learn from her fellow Climate Ambassadors to find transnational solutions and initiatives to problems like climate change. Outside of schooling, Dana enjoys dancing, creative writing and reading, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.

Frida Moreno González

Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana

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Frida Moreno González is a law student from Mexico City with an interest in International Public Law, Governance, and diplomacy. Her interest in climate action comes from her belief that global challenges are better addressed through cooperation between countries and good public policy. She has participated as a Youth Counselor in Mexico–United States initiatives in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, where she learned the importance of youth participation and international dialogue. Frida sees this initiative as a space to learn, share ideas, and connect with an international community interested in climate solutions.