Aspire Institute’s CEO, Meena Sonea, connected with Aspire Leaders Program (ALP) alumni during a special gathering in Mexico City this past December. On December 10th, the community gathered for an inspiring day of learning, connection, and growth. This memorable event, organized by Aspire Leaders Program alums María Abad, Gabriela Echeverría, and Bruno Ramírez, welcomed current and prospective Aspire Leaders Program learners to create meaningful interactions, strengthen their leadership skills, and embrace Aspire Institute’s mission and values of empowering young leaders worldwide.

Cultural Exploration and Community Building at Museo Soumaya

The day began with a visit to the iconic Museo Soumaya, a cultural gem in the heart of Mexico City.
“This unique venue provided the perfect environment for participants to engage in an icebreaker activity, fostering conversations and helping everyone feel at ease,” Bruno Ramírez, event organizer and ALP alumnus, said.
The informal setting allowed an opportunity to exchange insights about their personal journeys, aspirations, and leadership development goals.
Attendees engaged with Meena Sonea, Aspire Institute’s CEO, whose leadership perspective and guidance added depth to the experience. After exploring the stunning exhibits and artistic atmosphere, the community gathered at a nearby cafe. Sonea inspired the group by highlighting the Aspire Leaders Program’s commitment to developing emerging leaders and fostering positive change through leadership and professional development. The future leaders left feeling more motivated and excited about their educational, professional, and personal journey ahead.
Fostering Innovation Through the AspireThon
Aspire Institute hosted a two-hour hackathon as part of the gathering to challenge participants’ problem-solving and teamwork abilities through a hands-on activity, aligning with Aspire’s focus on building leadership capacity through hands-on learning, collaboration, and a bias for action.
“The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the AspireThon,” said Ramírez.

Teams of four worked together to address pressing social challenges, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and utilizing interpersonal skills in a high-pressure yet supportive environment.
Each team showcased remarkable ingenuity during this activity; ultimately, one team earned the coveted prize: two tickets to an upcoming science event. Awarding this prize added an extra layer of excitement and inspired all to continue developing their leadership abilities and embracing opportunities for collaboration.
Creating Lasting Impact in the Community in Mexico City and Beyond

Beyond the structured activities, this gathering strengthened the network of emerging leaders within the Aspire Institute community, serving as a platform for building relationships and strengthening the Aspire Leaders Program network in Mexico specifically.
“Participants left with not only new knowledge and experiences but also a sense of belonging to a community that shares their passion for leadership and social impact,” Ramírez reflected.
The Aspire Leaders Program brings together first-generation university students through its innovative online learning community, with local gatherings like this one helping to deepen connections among members in specific regions.
The December gathering exemplified Aspire Institute’s dedication to developing young leaders and building strong local communities. Aspire looks forward to continuing to expand opportunities to support emerging leaders through continued leadership development, networking opportunities, and professional development in Mexico.