The Rise of PASMAA: Empowering Mexican Business Leaders in Texas

In October 2021, a handful of graduates from IPADE Business School had an idea that would soon transform into a significant network — PASMAA. Initially, it was just a thought shared among these individuals who had taken the bold step to establish their businesses in Texas. Despite their entrepreneurial spirit, they faced a common challenge: the lack of a cohesive platform to convene, learn from one another, and amplify their distinct voices in the business ecosystem.

Today, PASMAA has blossomed into a vibrant community of nearly 600 alumni spread across Mexico, the USA, and Canada. This network is not just a collection of names; it comprises founders, CEOs, general directors, and investors, all striving to foster a collaborative environment. Maintaining a strong institutional relationship with IPADE, PASMAA carries the legacy of the case-method approach and the alumni spirit into the American market, offering members a unique blend of educational and professional opportunities.

Members of PASMAA gather monthly, and the association hosts two master sessions annually alongside numerous networking events. These gatherings are designed to foster connections, share knowledge, and support each other as they navigate the complexities of doing business across borders. The organization counts on strategic partnerships with the Mexican General Consulate in Houston, the Small Business Development Center, the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, and various regional chambers of commerce. Through these collaborations, PASMAA members engage directly with consular officials, small business advisors, chamber leaders, and prominent policy researchers in the region.

One of the highlights of their annual calendar is the fall master session scheduled for October 20. This event is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for PASMAA, featuring speakers like Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism from 2015 to 2018 and a former director of Bancomext. Alongside him will be Dr. John Min, chief economist at Monex USA, whose insights on currency risk and the American economy are highly valued.

Jorge Arellano, the chair of PASMAA's board, encapsulates the necessity of such a network. “Many of us arrived in Texas knowing how to run a business but without connections. PASMAA emerged to address that gap among us. The reason for its growth is simple; people support each other, month after month.”

The upcoming master session underscores the potential of this network, significantly backed by Prosperity Immigration Law alongside sponsors such as AOG Living, ERC, Ernest Cohen Rothschild, Monex USA, and The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership.

Looking ahead, PASMAA is committed to executing ambitious plans — including establishing mentorship programs for executives new to the USA, collaborating in peer working groups rooted in the IPADE case-method, and increasing the visibility of Mexican business leaders from Austin to Washington. The vision is clear and deliberate: by 2036, PASMAA aspires to become the most influential Mexican business network in the United States.

Through its dedication to connection and collaboration, PASMAA is not just a network; it is a movement that empowers Mexican entrepreneurs and leaders to amplify their voices in the bustling business landscape of Texas.