Since late 2017, Rise Up Together has partnered with local leaders across Mexico to advance gender justice. We are delighted to welcome Erika Noyola as our new Mexico Country Representative, bringing her vision, dedication, and hands-on leadership to guide the next phase of our growth in partnership with our Americas Program Manager, Patzia Martinez Montes de Oca.
“Having supported multiple cohorts across Mexico over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the power and possibility that emerge when local leaders are resourced to drive change in their own communities,” Patzia reflected. “Our presence in Mexico has grown stronger with every cohort, and adding Erika to the team marks an exciting next step in deepening that impact. Her vision and commitment reinforce our long-standing belief that meaningful change is rooted in local leadership – and together, we are poised to reach even more leaders and strengthen gender justice across the country.”
Erika has already made a profound impact – meeting with municipal and state institutions, connecting with civil society organizations, and personally supporting Indigenous participants to complete their applications. Her efforts ensure that the voices of those most often marginalized can apply and be considered for our upcoming cohort. Thanks to her leadership, we’ve received the highest number of leader applications to our fourth cohort in Mexico to date.
“I am inspired every day by the determination of leaders across Mexico who are challenging inequity and building a more just future for their communities,” Erika shared. “Supporting Indigenous applicants and connecting with local institutions has reaffirmed how essential it is to create space where those most often excluded can shape the solutions that affect their lives. The overwhelming response to this cohort shows that people are ready for change – and together, we are ready to meet this moment.”
This year, we are expanding our program to Nuevo León, joining San Luis Potosí and Chihuahua. Nuevo León holds one of Mexico’s largest metropolitan areas and is home to a significant Indigenous population and dynamic economy. While economic opportunities are abundant, women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people often face systemic barriers to leadership, safety, and decision-making power. This strategic expansion allows us to reach leaders tackling critical issues like climate justice and Indigenous peoples’ rights, enriching the expertise and impact of our cohorts while amplifying historically underrepresented voices.
As our work in the region grows, we are strengthened by foundational partners like Juntos, Una Experiencia Compartida A.C., who supports essential in-country operations. Their Director of Operations, Alejandra García Muñiz, a Rise Up Leader from the 2018 Mexico cohort, exemplifies the lasting impact of our network. We are also grateful for the long-standing support of Cummins Inc., whose partnership continues to fuel our reach and impact across the region.
With Erika’s leadership and our expansion into Nuevo León, Rise Up Together is entering a powerful new chapter. With a significant increase in applications from San Luis Potosí and Chihuahua, and an exciting response from Nuevo León as we open our work there, this momentum underscores the demand for leadership opportunities rooted in community expertise, cultural knowledge, and local vision. By deepening our presence in San Luis Potosí and Chihuahua, and building new momentum in Nuevo León, we are widening the reach of our global movement for gender justice and laying the foundation for even greater, more coordinated impact nationwide.
