Mexico Day 2

The first official day of mentoring began today with presentations from each mentee on her business overview and short- and long-term challenges she’s hoping to solve. Grace, our MIT engineer turned beekeeper from Jamaica wants to employ 100 people but needs guidance on how to make that happen. Denise, our neuroscientist turned online education platform entrepreneur, is trying to figure out how to market a new 24/7 tutoring feature that could transform academic achievement in the region.

Global Ambassadors each stood up to introduce themselves, and to share the skills and expertise they bring not just to their own mentee but to everyone in the program. Karen Fang of Bank of America Merrill Lynch compared her cross assets solutions and strategies expertise to being a kind of mathematical Navy Seal. All of the mentees in the room who need help with financial management took note.

Global Ambassadors offered to contribute the specific skills and expertise developed as leaders in their industries. But more importantly, they offered their wisdom in navigating often unpredictable business climates while keeping an eye on balance and clarity. Rosa Maria Barreiro summed it up, “We can create more than we expect together. Women need women.”

After one-on-one mentoring sessions continued through the day, the evening closed with a warm reception for Global Ambassadors Program participants by the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Earl Anthony Wayne at his residence. It was an International Women’s Day celebration, highlighting the importance of women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, and also featuring four Mexican nominees for the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award.

Photo at top: Celia Duron presents her eco-friendly craft and gift business.

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Watch the program’s YouTube playlist.

Read the Global Ambassadors page at Bank of America.