Hi all, I can’t believe that at the time of writing over 3 weeks have passed since I have completed my Leadership in Action project in Mexico City! Having this time to fully process this amazing experience has allowed me to reflect on the project, my favourite parts… my not so favourite, and ultimately, I wanted to write this summary so I could see my growth from this period.

One of my most favourite opportunities of this trip was the chance to engage both socially and culturally within Mexico City. Between the street food, museums and parks the city was  brimming with culture! Watching a folklore themed ballet within the famous Palacio de Bellas Artes was personally the best experience. From the building to the dancing, seeing such a strong appreciation for the arts, and especially traditional music and dance was so beautiful to see. Engaging in this artistic mode of storytelling was great. From stories of the Aztecs and hunting and foraging to modern day love stories, despite not understanding the music it felt familiar and fun! If any of you happen to go to Mexico, I would highly recommend this experience! Truly a highlight of the trip!

Through these 6 weeks I have begun to examine my own weaknesses, most specifically how I handle collaboration. As a quite headstrong person, I normally prefer structure and specific ways of tackling issues. However, through our training e.g. FPIC (Free, Prior, Informed, Consent) and team building exercises I began to let go of that way of doing things. Specifically, what spurred this mentality change was one of our mentor classes on FPIC. In the Context of supporting indigenous voices Carlos Madrigal said, "we do not need saving, we need to be listened to”, helped me truly understand the most beneficial thing I can do during these 6 weeks would be to amplify people's voices rather than speak for people. Having this more laid back and pragmatic role of supporting, rather than leading and doing what I want to do, is one of the most important things I've learned. I believe that traditionally we have this concept that leadership has to be ultra hand-on but instead true leadership is more supportive and flexible, rather than aggressive actionable outputs. This mentality is something I aim to take on during my future roles What I would like to continue to improve is my ability to maintain spontaneity and flexibility whilst also being prepared and professional. Our biggest issue we faced was a lack of volunteer engagement, overall, we only had 6 volunteers engaged meaning we had a 27% retention rate. We tried daily engagement and polls, as well as aligning each volunteer with their chosen interest. However, many were not engaged. But, when I would try to engage volunteers through pre-write as many polls and texts as possible to maintain daily engagement and interest within the project, interest was low, but when I would be more lackadaisical, interest would do the same! As a result, I would like to find the sweet spot between preparation and flexibility and implement this in my future projects. But as this was one of my first times working with volunteers as the ‘team lead’, I believe I can improve next time!

My ideal next step for the coming weeks is to apply to be a Sustainability Architect at the University of Leeds, where if accepted, I can work on climate related projects. More specifically working on the logistical sustainability of the food prepared and consumed in Leeds’ cafeterias. I want to utilize my new skills in design thinking so I can emphasise the importance of non-linear project management when there are setbacks. Moreover, I would like to employ more collaborative thinking through the engagement of stakeholders, focus g groups and preliminary research etc to produce more nuanced and sustainable solutions.

Finally, I want to say a massive thank you to all of the Make_Sense Americas team for creating this programme and fostering this kind, collaborative and supportive environment for the six weeks! Brenda Sañudo, Davizz Pablos, Regina Paredes Gorostieta, Triana Gil Medina, you all made this experience so amazing and truly unforgettable. If you ever come to England, I would love to show you around. Moreover I would like to say thank you to Cacalli for letting my colleagues; Leo Doherty and Andrew Kung and I for letting us collaborate with you, sharing your knowledge and letting us work with you in Cacalli's initial journey. All those in Mexico City please go and support them and their amazing cause! Finally, I would like to say thank you to the University of Leeds and our amazing supervisor Beccy Shaw for providing support during the risk assessment and visa process to checking in with our pastoral care! Although they were all individuals at different stages of the process, without one or the other not one of the Scholars could of been able to engage in this amazing experience. 

Thank you all and to the next journey!