Ximena graduated cum laude from Francisco Marroquín University in Guatemala, where she majored in political science with a specialization in public policy. For her capstone project, she studied the reality of public schools in Guatemala and presented a series of recommendations based on research and stakeholders’ perspectives. Ximena also participated in a legislative period as an intern in Guatemala’s National Congress where she presented projects to improve neglected public schools.
Ximena’s passion for youth engagement in politics led her to create Conectados con Guate, a digital platform that informs young citizens about political decisions that influence Guatemala. She gained experience in communication through social platforms as the Communications and Civic Formation Coordinator for Movimiento Cívico Nacional, a Guatemalan nongovernmental organization promoting the values of a democratic republic through civic participation. Ximena is the recipient of a Kellogg Institute Fellowship.