ACYPL

Last week, our 1st #USMexico360 delegation of '26 traveled to CDMX, in partnership w/ @USMexicoFound. They met with government leaders, discussed trade, local economic development, & regional security, & more! See the full list of delegates: acypl.org/mexicospring26/

#USMexico360 | We ended the program on a very light topic… just to keep things relaxed. 😅 Our final conversation took place at White & Case, where the team shared insights on complex issues including money laundering, terrorism, and the role of cartels in the broader regional landscape.

#USMexico360 | We met with Claudia Jañez from ConMéxico, who shared the consumer products industry’s perspective on the current situation in Mexico, including the USMCA, domestic regulations, and the opportunities ahead. And of course, we got to try many of their snacks—Mexico definitely knows how to snack! 😄

Great to host the @USMexicoFound /@ACYPL delegation at @GEP_Consultoria and discuss the current political landscape shaping the bilateral relationship. Strengthening dialogue and mutual understanding is key for the 🇲🇽-🇺🇸 alliance. #USMexico360

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx @Anpact @FdzWaldo @AlexGonzor @mxpe__ @UPMexico @crisspr @FaridHannan @SRE_mx #USMexico360 | We continued our meetings with @gustavoalmarazp and @marianaraphael_ at @GEP_Consultoria, where we learned about the lobbying ecosystem in Mexico and how it differs from the one in the United States. 🤝 @ACYPL

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx @Anpact @FdzWaldo @AlexGonzor @mxpe__ @UPMexico @crisspr @FaridHannan @SRE_mx #USMexico360 | This morning we began our meetings with Juan Mauricio Mora from InStrag, who gave us an overview of how the Government of Mexico is structured and how political parties are currently working together—or not. 🤝 @ACYPL

#USMexico360 | We wrapped up Day 2 with a very engaging conversation with Cristina Planter (@crisspr) and @FaridHannan from @SRE_mx. They walked us through the Mexican government’s ongoing conversations with the U.S. government and shared their perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx @Anpact @FdzWaldo @AlexGonzor @mxpe__ #USMexico360 | The group had the opportunity to tour Universidad Panamericana, and wow—its stunning hacienda-style architecture truly blew us away. We also had a great conversation about the university’s future plans and its international exchange programs. 🤝 @ACYPL

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx @Anpact @FdzWaldo @AlexGonzor @mxpe__ #USMexico360 | We met with Ana María Aguilar, director of the Mexican Business Council (CMN), along with members of her team. They shared the business community’s perspective on the upcoming USMCA review, the state of the bilateral relationship, and the key industries shaping it.

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx @Anpact @FdzWaldo @AlexGonzor @mxpe__ #USMexico360 | The group also enjoyed a private tour of the Palacio de Bellas Artes, where we learned about Diego Rivera’s famous mural originally commissioned for Rockefeller Center—and the story of how it ultimately ended up recreated on the walls of this iconic building.

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx @Anpact @FdzWaldo #USMexico360 | Day 2 started with a fascinating conversation with Alex González @AlexGonzor from The Mexican Political Economist @mxpe__ about media and journalism, and how perceptions in both countries often shape narratives that don’t always reflect the full reality 🤝 @ACYPL

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx @Anpact #USMexico360 | We were excited to speak with Senator Waldo Fernández, who chairs the USMCA Commission. He shared the Senate’s perspective on the bilateral relationship, the upcoming USMCA review, and the opportunities he sees to strengthen ties between the two countries.

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx #USMexico360 | Our next meeting was with Rogelio Arzate from @Anpact, who walked us through the current landscape of the heavy-duty automotive industry, highlighting key challenges—particularly tariffs—as well as the opportunities the sector sees moving forward. 🤝 @ACYPL

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL @imcomx #USMexico360 | The group had the chance to visit the Anthropology Museum and learned about the Aztec Empire. 🤝 @ACYPL

@KenSmithramos @ACYPL #USMexico360 | Following that, we met with Fernanda García, Oscar Ocampo, and Isabel Madrazo from @imcomx, who shared insights into the organization’s work measuring economic development across Mexico—at the federal, regional, and state levels. 🤝 @ACYPL

#USMexico360 | To kick off our trip we had the pleasure of meeting with @KenSmithramos, who gave us an overview on the NAFTA-USMCA and its review this summer. With such diverse topics, understanding how it works and affects industries is vital. 🤝@ACYPL

#USMexico360 | We’re excited to welcome our first group of 2026 with @ACYPL this week! A delegation will be in Mexico City engaging with key stakeholders and exploring the deep ties that shape the U.S.-Mexico relationship. 🇲🇽🇺🇸 Follow this 🧵for all the details

Ashley Spicola, Managing Partner at @ContStratFL, first traveled on an exchange to New Zealand in 2022, before hosting delegations from North Macedonia and South Asia in Florida and escorting a trip to Argentina in 2024. We're excited to welcome Ashley!

Justin Rodriguez, Bexar, TX County Commissioner, traveled on an exchange to Hungary & Croatia in 2013 and has nominated great Texans for participation since he traveled. Welcome aboard, Justin!

Thrilled to welcome 4 committed alumni to our Board of Trustees! Monica Combest, Director of Political Engagement, Government and Public Affairs, at @Enterprise, has traveled on 3 exchanges to Argentina, China & Taiwan, and our 40th anniversary China trip in 2019.