Current position: Consular Affairs Assistant, Embassy of Mexico in Canada
What attracted you to your program of study at the BSIA?
I first came to Canada as a Mitacs Globalink intern, where I worked closely with Dr. Jenna Hennebry and the Gender + Migration Hub. During my research internship, I was able to learn about the BSIA programs directly from staff, professors and students, as well as attending multiple conferences and events. While looking at different options for a Masters program in my home country and others, I knew the BSIA had the most comprehensive offer on migration research. Having worked with Dr. Hennebry and wishing to collaborate further with her led me to decide to enroll on the MIPP.
The program’s stream on global migration, the Migration, Mobilities and Social Politics cluster and the International Migration Research Centre create a unique multidisciplinary and intersectional space where one can learn about key topics on global governance of migration, including gender and migration, food security, and migration technologies, to mention some.
What was the most impactful experience during your Master’s degree?
Being involved with the International Migration Research Centre was very formative in many ways. I had the opportunity to help organize multiple events with civil society organizations dedicated to supporting newcomers in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, as well as to participate in high level academic research and grant writing. It also provided me with the opportunity to sharpen the skills I acquired on the MIPP and develop new ones by collaborating on the internationally funded project “FeMig” led by Dr. Jenna Hennebry , the Gender + Migration Hub and the Migration + Technology Hub.
What are the next steps in your career progression… where do you see yourself going?
In the near future I want to dive deeper into diplomacy and bilateral relations. Later on, I am still debating with myself on either becoming a member of the Foreign Service or pursuing a PhD. I know I’m still very interested in international migration and diaspora support services. Regardless I know I want to pursue a career on the intersection of migration, gender and technology at a global level.
What advice to you have for a potential student looking to complete their master’s degree at the Balsillie School?
Be curious. You don’t need to have all the answers, only the right questions. The Balsillie School is, without a doubt, a great place to start learning why systems and structures work the way they do.
Take advantage of opportunities to connect with professors and cohort peers. The Balsillie School offers a wide range of clusters, activities, conferences, and initiatives that directly respond to students’ interests and needs. One of the things I always found appealing was being able to walk just a few steps and attend high-level lectures by experts and scholars from across Canada and around the world. Both professors and invited lecturers answered my questions, and planted the seeds for new ones.
If there are any international applicants or students who wish to know more about the academic experiences or about living in Waterloo please feel free to reach out via LinkedIn.