Ford Foundation Welcomes New Regional Director for Mexico and Central America

Ford Foundation Welcomes New Leadership in Mexico and Central America

The Ford Foundation has announced the promotion of Ximena Andión Ibañez as the new Regional Director for Mexico and Central America. This significant appointment follows her predecessor, Helena Hofbauer Balmori, who dedicated her tenure to impactful work over the past six years, especially within the Civic Engagement and Government International program.

Ximena Andión Ibañez is set to carry forward Helena’s legacy, a task that Vice President for International Programs, Martín Abregú, believes she is well-equipped for. Abregú expressed confidence in Andión Ibañez’s ability to continue advancing the foundation’s mission in the region. He stated, "Ximena brings a wealth of experience, profound understanding of the region, and a steadfast commitment to social justice."

Since joining the Ford Foundation in 2019, Andión Ibañez has served as a program officer and deputy regional director. During her tenure, she successfully developed an innovative framework for programming, integrating the various needs of the local communities with global objectives. Notably, she has been instrumental in establishing strong collaborations across civil society, governments, and philanthropic sectors.

In Ximena's own words, her new role is a prestigious opportunity to lead the foundation's initiatives across Mexico and Central America, stating, "I look forward to continuing to work with our grantees and partners to strategically address urgent challenges, strengthen democracy, and promote accountability, as well as economic and social justice." Her vision is shared by the foundation as they recognize the dynamic and varied challenges faced across these regions.

Ximena Andión Ibañez’s extensive career spans over 25 years and includes significant leadership roles in various human rights and gender equality organizations. Previously, she held the position of executive director at the Instituto de Liderazgo Simone de Beauvoir, an organization known for its feminist approach to leadership and social justice. Earlier in her career, she contributed to the Comisión Mexicana de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos and Grupo de Información en Reproducción Elegida, pioneering efforts that supported reproductive rights.

Moreover, her expertise extends to the international stage, having worked with the United Nations Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico and Guatemala, as well as consulting for various UN agencies and philanthropic organizations. In academia, she imparts her knowledge as a professor of women’s rights at Universidad Iberoamericana and holds a master’s degree in international human rights law from the University of Essex.

Established in 1962, the Ford Foundation's regional office in Mexico and Central America continues to evolve, focusing its efforts on civic engagement, governance, and climate justice initiatives. The foundation remains committed to addressing issues of inequality and actively seeks to support movements championing social change globally.

As Ximena takes on her new responsibilities, her leadership is anticipated to further the foundation's goals in effectively tackling social issues that affect millions, thereby fostering a more just society. The Ford Foundation, characterized by its rich history and substantial endowment of $16 billion, stands as a testament to forward-thinking philanthropic efforts dedicated to driving change and strengthening democratic values worldwide.