Fellows continue to focus on food security in Mexico via impact investing

CELAYA, GUANAJUATO, MEXICO, and JACKSONVILLE, FLA. (August 8, 2023) – The Kirchner Impact Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of fellows for the 5th cohort of its Kirchner Fellowship Mexico Program. The Program aims to develop skilled capital allocators with the ability to invest in high-impact companies related to food security in Mexico. The three fellows were carefully chosen from a pool of exceptional applicants, and it is anticipated that they will continue the Program’s tradition of excellence and innovation.

“As we start the 5th year of the Program in Mexico, we are pleased to see how the quality and quantity of applicant candidates increase every year,” mentioned Adrian García, Lead Director of the Kirchner Fellowship Mexico Program. “The best part of my job as lead director is to witness the profound impact our alumni are creating in the region and how the Program has equipped them to have a much deeper influence in Mexico’s investment and entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The 2023-24 Kirchner Fellowship Program is made possible thanks to the support of Kirchner Group and the collaboration between the Kirchner Impact Foundation, the Office of Economic Development of the Municipality of Celaya, Guanajuato, and the Institute of Innovation, Science, and Entrepreneurship for Competitiveness for the State of Guanajuato (IDEA GTO). “We recognize the immense value of having and supporting the Kirchner Fellowship Program in our state,” said Antonio Reus, General Director of IDEA-GTO. “There is no other initiative like this one in our region, and the quality of the directors and Program enriches the knowledge pool in our regional investment ecosystem.”

The 2023-24 Kirchner Mexico Fellows are:

Arturo Macias Ortiz

Arturo is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Engineering at Instituto Tecnológico de Celaya, and gearing up to commence a Master’s degree in Project Management at Summa University in Florida this fall. Arturo’s ambition and commitment to shaping a better future make him a perfect fit for the Program. “Kirchner is a turning point in my career, and in fact, it is the moment where all my beliefs and expectations could start to turn into reality. I am excited to embark on this new journey.” added Arturo.

Jose Luis Quintana Carrillo

Jose Luis is pursuing a Master’s degree in innovation for enterprise development. With a strong background as a biotechnology engineer from Tecnologico de Monterrey, Jose Luis has demonstrated leadership and expertise in various biotechnology fields. His role as a production engineer in infant formula formulation and drying process at Reckitt Benckiser, as well as his involvement in the development of vertical farming at Desierto Verde, reflect his dedication to advancing food security.

Lilí Marlene Pérez López

Lilí is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Global Business at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Lilí’s passion for social activism and her successful track record of leading impactful projects drove her to found the IKNELIA Foundation, an NGO aimed at empowering vulnerable populations. As a philanthropic entrepreneur, Lilí envisions using impact investments to drive transformative social change. “I am very grateful and excited to be part of this project where my two great passions, social activism and conscious investment, intertwine to generate true and lasting change in society.” commented Lilí.

The Kirchner Fellowship Mexico Program has graduated 14 remarkable fellows who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion in addressing the challenges of food security. This year’s cohort promises to maintain the high standard set by their predecessors. The Program’s collaborative efforts between the Kirchner Impact Foundation and their local partners have created a platform for cultivating future leaders who can drive real change in Mexico’s food security landscape.