From exploring data institutions to rediscovering cultural roots, GPS students share powerful reflections on their academic delegation trip to Mexico
By Breana Giselle Sigchos Bosquez, MIA ’25 candidate
As I write this, while listening to “Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón,” by Mercedes Sosa, I’m reflecting on the stories my colleagues have shared to document our recent visit to Mexico as a delegation from the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS).
From March 24–29, we visited Mexico City to deepen our understanding of the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship. During our stay, we explored the significance of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as a model for regional integration, attended networking events at prestigious Mexican universities and engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives from both the public and private sectors.
Before anything else, on behalf of the team, I want to extended our sincerest gratitude to Rafael Fernández de Castro, professor and director of the school’s Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies; Ramón González Viramontes, a teaching assistant who also serves as the academic engagement coordinator at the center; Professor Isabel Flores, from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM); and the team led by Andrea Galván Vélez, who is the associate director of academic exchange and continuing education at the University of California’s Alianza MX.
We are very grateful to them because this visit brought to life the theoretical knowledge we had been studying. Although it felt almost magical, in reality, it was the product of a meticulously planned agenda designed to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Mexico. In this spirit, we have encouraged future cohorts to take advantage of this same incredible opportunity.
Here are some snapshots of the people who made up our group and what stood out to them the most.
This visit brought to life the theoretical knowledge we had been studying.
Marlen Díaz
Let me begin with Marlen, a second-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) student specializing in Inequality and Social Policy.
Marlen is a respected colleague and one of the bravest students I know: She took on the full quantitative methods series at GPS. She said that she particularly enjoyed our visit to Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) where we saw how data — on population, territorial resources and the economy — is collected and organized to better understand Mexico’s key characteristics and improve the government’s decision-making. Marlen added that this experience gave her deeper insight into how she might use data analysis more effectively in her future work.
“I grew up in Tijuana but moved to the U.S. during middle school, so I never had a chance to fully learn how the Mexican government functions. This trip filled in so many of those gaps,” she said.
Andrew Zepeda
Andrew is a second-year Master of International Affairs (MIA) student specializing in International Management. For those of us who follow GPS News, we know how important migration issues are to Andrew. He emphasized the work being done by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support migrant communities in Mexico and the diaspora in the U.S.
“While there is still much progress to be made in this area, I left feeling hopeful,” he said. “There are initiatives underway, and it’s clear there is both awareness and room for positive change, especially in these challenging times.”
Xochilt Tlaseca
Also on our trip was Xochilt Tlaseca, a second-year MIA student specializing in International Politics who is detail-oriented and deeply values connecting with others.
“It was refreshing to engage with other students from ITAM, who shared their thoughts and were excited to learn more about GPS,” she said.
If I could have recorded her, I’m sure the Career and Professional Development Center would have named Xochilt a champion for our school, given how passionately she promoted GPS.
She said our visit to the National Museum of Anthropology was a highlight of the trip for her, because, she said, it demonstrated the diversity and complexity of various Indigenous cultures. It was a reminder of how important cultural heritage is in shaping individual and national identities, while allowing people like her to appreciate their own ties to Mexico.
Jackson Dutra
Jackson is a second-year MIA student specializing in International Management. A business-minded colleague with solid expertise in international trade and policy, he emphasized how our visit to Barcel, a multinational company under Grupo Bimbo, allowed us to see the real-world dynamics of trade, production and economic integration.
“These are the kinds of experiences that help build a healthy, productive and enduring professional network, which is just as crucial as what we learn in the classroom,” he said.
Ixtzel Duran
“Latin America feels like my compass, guiding me through a world filled with color, like the paintings of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.”
Breana Giselle Sigchos Bosquez
Ixtzel is a second-year MIA student, specializing in International Politics. I always enjoy listening to her questions at GPS; they’re sharp and insightful. During our visit, I appreciated hearing her conversation with the head of the Mexican Consulate. She says that this dialogue emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s heritage and the many strengths that come with being grounded in Mexican identity.
“I was reminded of the value of cultural preservation and the opportunities that arise from embracing one’s roots—not just in terms of national pride, but as a strategic advantage in an interconnected world,” she said.
Manuel Aguilera-Prieto
Manuel is also a second-year MIA student, specializing in International Economics. He is a colleague I deeply appreciate, as we share leadership responsibilities for Latin American Student Organization (LASO), a student group at the school.
“Being able to share this experience with my classmates was possibly the best part of the trip,” he said.
And I wholeheartedly agree. Manuel went on to add that, interestingly, all of his fellow students on the trip were familiar in one way or another with Latin America, whether through their ethnic background or academic expertise. In this way, as peers, we were able to share valuable insights and learn new things as well.
Breana Giselle Sigchos Bosquez
Last — though I hope not least — is my story.
I’m Breana, a second-year MIA student, specializing in International Politics. I believe this trip helped me rediscover my strength, as my heart is always drawn to Latin America. Why? Because it feels like my compass, guiding me through a world filled with color, like the paintings of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Even amidst political challenges, surrealist art finds me, and invites me to resist, to keep going.
I believe in Latin American unity, and I’ve tried to make that the focus of my leadership within LASO: building lasting relationships that empower our region and nurture a Latin American identity we can proudly carry with us, wherever life takes us.
A heartfelt thank you to Andrew, Ixtzel, Jackson, Manuel, Marlen and Xochilt for making this story possible, and for sharing two transformative years in this wonderful master’s program. I wish each of us beautiful things ahead and hope our paths cross again very soon.