Connecting Changemakers in Mexico City
On July 29, Miller Center for Global Impact joined forces with Impact Hub Mexico City to host a vibrant evening of networking, storytelling, and community-building in the heart of Mexico City.
Even the rain and the thunder could not keep 50 social entrepreneurs, investors, and partners from attending. The event served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when changemakers come together to connect across borders and sectors.
Student Fellows Driving Impact
A highlight of the evening was hearing from the Miller Center Fellows about their summer research collaborations with three remarkable Mexican social enterprises. Santa Clara University students Orion Cook, Charly Aylward, and Grace Falci talked about working with Grupo Promesa to develop cohesive branding for their multiple recycling and education programs. Ethan Yeh and Mary Clare Broyles are conducting research surveys with Tala clients, which will strengthen the company’s ability to use data-driven decisions to better connect with unbanked communities across Mexico. Shivani Glynn spoke of her research, along with teammate Emma Hardy, to evaluate and create actionable recommendations for Ruto Academia, which prepares Indigenous and rural communities in Mexico to provide travel experiences through Rutopía.
These presentations underscored how student talent, when embedded within purpose-driven ventures, can unlock new insights and accelerate impact on the ground.
An Entrepreneur’s Journey with Miller Center
We were especially honored when Julio Álvarez from Grupo Promesa spoke to the audience, sharing his powerful journey with Miller Center. He described how the accelerator program arrived at just the right time to help him overcome growth challenges and how working with our mentors was transformative. At the Entrepreneur Summit in Nairobi, he appreciated connecting with leaders who, despite working in different geographies and sectors, faced surprisingly similar obstacles, providing opportunities to learn from each other. A Miller Center Capital loan helped Promesa purchase two new recycling trucks to reach more schools, and he called the three student fellows working with his team this summer simply “the best!”
“Miller Center gives you a unique strength. As they say, it really does become a family. And at the same time, it’s a global community,” shared Julio. “I am extremely grateful for this experience. It’s truly worthwhile.” His story inspired many in the room — showing how long-term engagement, beyond a single program, can shape a social entrepreneur’s path and ripple out into entire communities.
Building a Stronger Impact Community
This event wasn’t just about showcasing talent — it was about deepening relationships among leaders. The impact community in Mexico City can lean on one another and offer mutual support. This gathering united an exceptional community, strengthening existing bonds and sparking new collaborations that will continue to grow.
We’re grateful to Impact Hub Mexico City for co-hosting and to every attendee who brought their energy, ideas, and openness to connect.
If you’re a social entrepreneur, investor, or academic interested in partnering with Miller Center in Latin America or beyond, we’d love to hear from you.
