PASMAA's Evolution: Empowering Mexican Business Leaders in Texas
PASMAA's Journey: Connecting Mexican Leaders in Texas
In October 2021, a group of graduates from IPADE Business School had a vision: to create a platform where Mexican business leaders could unite, exchange ideas, and cultivate a supportive environment amid the bustling economic landscape of Texas. This vision culminated in the birth of the Pan American Senior Management Alumni Association (PASMAA).
Initially, PASMAA was merely a concept, but today, it represents a thriving community of nearly 600 IPADE alumni spread across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Members consist of founders, CEO's, managing directors, and investors who are committed to driving economic growth and supporting each other in their respective endeavors. The association closely collaborates with IPADE, upholding the school's distinguished case-method tradition and fostering its alumni spirit in the U.S. market.
A hallmark of PASMAA's success is its regular gatherings, with members convening monthly to discuss pressing issues, celebrate success stories, and network. Additionally, PASMAA organizes two significant Magisterial Sessions annually, providing members with access to influential speakers and thought leaders. These sessions serve not only as learning opportunities but also as platforms for collaboration and innovation.
The network has strategically partnered with vital institutions such as the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, the Small Business Development Center, Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, and various regional chambers of commerce. This has been instrumental in providing members access to diverse resources, including consular services, small business advisement, and in-depth insights from leading policy researchers.
On October 20, PASMAA will host its most significant Magisterial Session to date, featuring keynotes from Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, former Secretary of Tourism, and Dr. John Min, Chief Economist at Monex USA. Their expertise promises to enrich the conversations surrounding economic trends and opportunities for Mexican businesses in the U.S., particularly in adapting to the shifting global landscape.
Jorge Arellano, president of PASMAA's board, reflects on the association's growth: "Many of us came to Texas knowing how to run a business but not knowing anyone. PASMAA started as a way to fix that for each other. What keeps it growing is simple: people show up for one another, month after month.”
The organization aims to further bolster its initiatives by establishing mentorship programs for executives recently relocated to the U.S., creating peer boards that harness IPADE's renowned case method, and amplifying the voice of Mexican business leaders from Austin to Washington. The ambitious roadmap laid out by PASMAA seeks to build the most influential network of Mexican business within the United States by 2036.
To facilitate these endeavors, PASMAA has garnered support from various sponsors, including Prosperity Immigration Law, AOG Living, ERC, and others, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines this network.
In summary, PASMAA not only represents a platform for professional growth and networking but serves as a critical voice for Mexican entrepreneurs looking to thrive in the competitive Texas market. The journey of PASMAA epitomizes what can be achieved when visionary leaders join forces to create supportive infrastructures, paving the way for future generations of business innovators.