A Master Class in Mexican Diplomacy

I have had the unique opportunity to travel, study, work, and live abroad for more than half of my adult life. I highly recommend the experience to anyone who is curious about the world ... and a bit adventurous.

I have also had the unique opportunity to be mentored by former world leaders. In this second newsletter on Cross-Cultural Conversations, I wish to introduce you to a very special mentor of mine, Aurora Ruvalcaba Gutiérrez.

Licenciada Aurora Ruvalcaba Gutiérrez embarked on her political career after having first been a school teacher in the Escuela Normal del Estado, the President of the Women's Union, Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (SNTE), a Senator representing the lush tropical state of Colima, Vice President and President of the Congreso del Trabajo, and the Secretary of Education. In a historical achievement, Ruvalcaba made history by becoming the first woman to be elected as the President of the Mexican Senate in 1972. This groundbreaking achievement shattered gender barriers and paved the way for greater female representation in Mexican politics.

Throughout her career, Aurora Ruvalcaba prioritized social justice issues, advocating for policies that aimed to uplift marginalized communities and address inequality. As President of the Senate, Aurora played a key role in shaping legislative reforms. She worked towards strengthening democratic institutions, promoting human rights, and advancing gender equality in Mexico.

Lic. Auorora Ruvalcaba actively engaged in international diplomacy, representing Mexico on various platforms and forging relationships with leaders from around the world. She was especially fond of former Queen Elizabeth II of England, who during an official visit, gave Aurora a golden pendant, which she gave to me, and which I have since given to my daughter.

Aurora's global presence and commitment to cooperation were integral to her diplomatic endeavors. Beyond her political achievements, Aurora was an advocate of mentorship and empowerment. She became my mentor during my early days representing the state of Campeche, Mexico. Aurora inspired me with her dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowering women. Her insights continue to have a lasting impact on me as a business leader. Her trailblazing role and commitment to social justice demonstrated to me the importance of fostering inclusivity and building bridges across societal and international divides. During our early morning walks in the Parque Nacional Bosque del Pedregal in Mexico City, we often spoke about the many challenges facing the world community and the importance of seeking common ground. She said that more often than not, it is the stakeholders with whom we have the most different opinions who ultimately promote the right types of dialogue that can lead to mutually beneficial solutions. Like many of her sage lessons on diplomacy and life, I am still learning to master what seemed to come to her so easily, as I endeavor to foster transparency, accountability, and a commitment to human rights.

Mexican diplomacy, Aurora explained, has a long rich history with several notable examples that highlight Mexico's distinctive approach and principles. Here are a few she shared with me:

1. The Estrada Doctrine: In the 1930s, Mexican diplomat Genaro Estrada formulated the Estrada Doctrine, which emphasized non-intervention and respect for sovereignty in international relations. This doctrine guided Mexican diplomacy and promoted peaceful coexistence and non-interference in the affairs of other nations.
2. The Good Neighbor Policy: During the presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas in the 1930s and 1940s, Mexico actively pursued the Good Neighbor Policy towards the United States. This policy aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster cooperation between the two nations, promoting mutual respect and collaboration in various areas, including trade, security, and cultural exchange.
3. Mediation in Central American Conflicts: Mexico has played a significant role in mediating conflicts in Central America. For instance, in the 1980s, Mexico facilitated peace negotiations between the Salvadoran government and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN), contributing to the resolution of the long-standing civil war in El Salvador.
4. Promotion of Regional Integration: Mexico has been a proponent of regional integration in Latin America. It played a crucial role in the establishment of organizations such as the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI). These initiatives aimed to foster economic cooperation and integration among Latin American countries.
5. Multilateral Engagement: Mexico actively participates in multilateral organizations, including the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS). It has contributed to various peacekeeping missions, advocated for human rights, and championed causes such as nuclear disarmament and sustainable development on the international stage.

These examples highlight some key moments in Mexican diplomacy for the rest of the world, but in my world, Aurora personifies them.

Professor and Lic. Aurora Ruvalcaba Gutiérrez, Curriculum Vitae:

• Aurora was born in a house located at 177 Constitución Street in the city of Colima.
• Aurora attended Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz primary school, receiving two first-place diplomas presented at the Hidalgo Theater by the governor at that time. She maintained an average grade of ten. She expresses eternal gratitude to her distinguished teachers in Colima.
• Aurora is a founding member of the Popular University of Colima, where she graduated as a primary education teacher.
• Aurora worked as a teacher at José María Morelos and Basilio Vadillo schools.
• A year later, Aurora moved with her family to Mexico City, where she simultaneously worked as a teacher and pursued her desire for self-improvement by studying at the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences at UNAM.
• Throughout her career, Aurora reaffirmed the wisdom of Epictetus, the Greek philosopher of the first century AD, who stated that "the wise person should not refrain from participating in the government of the state, for it is a crime to refuse to be useful to the needy and cowardly to yield to the unworthy."
• Aurora had the honor of receiving the first-place diploma from Dr. Nabor Carrillo Flores, the rector of UNAM. Due to her outstanding grades, Dr. Daniel Cosío Villegas, Director of El Colegio de México, offered her a scholarship to pursue a doctoral degree in a foreign country.
• As her university career was predominantly political, Aurora became an active member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
• The practices Aurora engaged in during her studies included tasks related to the political life of the PRI, such as campaigning, conducting surveys, monitoring and managing voting at polling stations, participating in university elections, and more.
• In 1959, Aurora accepted the honorable invitation extended to her by the Undersecretary of Public Education, Dr. Manuel Sandoval Vallarta, Dr. Nabor Carrillo Flores, and Lic. José María Ortiz Tirado to establish the Department of International Affairs of the National Commission of Nuclear Energy.
• In 1965, as a primary school director, Aurora was elected by her fellow directors to represent them as the head of the 112th district delegation of teachers in Mexico City. This marked the beginning of her ascent to various positions, including President of Acción Femenil of Section IX of the Teachers' Union of Mexico City and President of Acción Femenil of SNTE in 1966. In 1968, she became the National Director of Acción Femenil of the Federation of Unions of State Workers (FSTSE), where she founded the newspaper "Voz Femenil" to publicize activities throughout the country.
• Oratory contests were organized for the leaders of the 41 federated unions, and classes on party instruction, political participation, and the political history of the country were taught. Additionally, courses on electoral action were provided to organized bureaucracy.
• In 1969, Aurora participated in the Congress of Labor, first as Vice President of the Women's Subcommission and later as its President.
• As an active member of the PRI since 1953, Aurora was appointed as the Coordinator of Electoral Action for the party in relation to the Women's Sector of the FSTSE.
• Aurora served as a speaker at national and international political forums.
• Aurora was part of the group of speakers at the national seminar on political training for revolutionary youth.
• Aurora was the female delegate of the PRI for the presidential campaign of President Echeverría in the state of Puebla in 1969.
• As the first woman from Colima, Aurora became a Senator of the Republic for her home state during the 1970-1976 term.
• Aurora became the President of the Second Committee on Foreign Affairs for six years.
• Aurora served as Vice President of the Senate of the Republic in 1970.
• Aurora was a member of the Second Committee on Consular Diplomatic Service.
• Aurora was a member of the First Section of Legislative Studies.
• Aurora was a member of the Second Committee on Public Education.
• Aurora became the first woman to hold the Presidency of the Senate of the Republic in September 1972.
• Aurora was a member of the Consultative Commission for Social Action of the PRI.
• Aurora served as Vice President of the Seventh National Commission of the Conference of the Basic Government Plan, with the theme "Demographic Aspects: Population, Growth, Distribution, and Social Development. Reality and Future" in 1972.
• Aurora was a founding member of the Association of University Women of the State of Colima.
• Aurora was a member of the Parliamentary Delegation for the first Mexico-Canada meeting.
• Aurora was the first woman to preside over the Administration Committee of the Honorable Chamber of Senators from 1973 to 1974.
• Aurora was a special delegate of the PRI in the State of Mexico in 1973.
• Aurora served as a councilor for female promotion in the Professional and Technical Action of the National Confederation of Popular Organizations (CNOP) in 1974.
• Recognizing that society was governed by the 1928 Civil Code, Aurora actively participated in transforming it with regard to women's rights.
• Aurora was a member of the delegation that attended the second Mexico-USSR parliamentary meeting in 1975.
• Aurora was a member of the interparliamentary delegations from the twelfth to the fifteenth Mexico-USA meetings.
• Aurora represented the Senate of the Republic at the United Nations World Conference on Human Settlements held in Vancouver, Canada, in 1976.
• Aurora served as the Undersecretary for Social Action of the National Executive Committee of the PRI in 1977.
• Aurora became the President of the National Association of University Women in 1975.
• Aurora led the University Women's Mission organized by the University of Beijing in China.
• Aurora was the General Delegate of Organization of the National Executive Committee of the PRI in the municipality of Naucalpan de Juárez, State of Mexico, in 1977.
• Aurora was the founder of the General Delegation of the Ministry of Public Education (later the Ministry of Education) in the state of Colima, in accordance with the Government Program of Administrative Decentralization in 1978.
• Aurora was the General Delegate of the PRI in the state of Campeche for the presidential campaign of Lic. Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado in 1981.
• Aurora served as the Assistant Secretary to the President of the National Executive Committee of the PRI in 1982.