Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Morning Session
The Mujeres Líderes Binacionales (MLB) “Leadership Without Borders” Women’s Economic Summit was an example of collaboration and empowerment across the U.S. – Mexico border. Held in the energetic border city of Pharr, Texas, this summit, created by CIL Commodities Integrated Logistics (CIL), brought together over 120 women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies for fostering economic growth and social impact in the binational RioPlex region.
Founded in 2022 by visionary leaders Ingrid Ulloa and Astrid Salazar of CIL, MLB has become ideal for cross-border collaboration and a space for women to connect, learn, and thrive. “Together, you are transforming industries, breaking barriers, and paving the way for new opportunities,” Ulloa shared during her opening remarks. “Your leadership and vision are truly inspiring.”
The morning session began with warm words from Lilvette Santos, Economic Business Development Director at the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, emphasizing Pharr’s commitment to encouraging collaboration across borders. “Together, we’ll continue to break barriers, create solutions, and pave the way for a brighter future for women everywhere,” Santos declared.
The day’s first panel, “Women Transforming U.S.-Mexico Relations,” moderated by Mayra Maldonado of the Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness, provided a space for key players in diplomacy, law, and education to reflect on women’s unique contributions to leadership and economic integration.
“Women think differently; we see opportunities where others see obstacles,” noted Mariana Guedea, an educational consultant and CEO of Meraki. “We are better at executing plans and bringing a unique perspective critical to solving today’s complex problems.”
From the challenges of industrial development to the mental resilience required for leadership, each speaker offered actionable insights:
- Mindfulness and Mental Health: Mariana Guedea emphasized the importance of mindfulness in reducing burnout and fostering focus. “Stress is the number one problem in our society,” she said. “By training our attention, we become sharper decision-makers.”
- Diplomatic Collaboration: Brianna Powers, U.S. Consul General in Matamoros, stressed the significance of regional connectivity. “This region is a hub of energy and potential,” she noted. “We’re building bridges — not just physical ones, but bridges of opportunity and collaboration.”
- Ethics and Best Practices in Cross-Border Transactions: Dania Duncan Moreno, a seasoned attorney in cross-border real estate, highlighted the critical role of women in promoting ethical practices. “Women’s perspectives and leadership bring accountability and innovation to industries,” she said.
Nearshoring and Industrial Growth
The panel explored nearshoring trends, noting that Mexico’s border region is uniquely positioned to benefit from shifts in global supply chains. “Industrial parks, transportation hubs, and housing development will be at the forefront of growth,” said Duncan. “This is an opportunity for women to step into leadership roles and drive innovation.”
Collaboration emerged as a recurring theme throughout the event. “Let’s not compete but collaborate,” Guedea urged. The disposition of partnership resonated with attendees, many of whom sought new connections and opportunities during the networking breaks.
The presence of women from diverse industries highlighted the importance of integrating perspectives. “Every sector —diplomacy, law, education — has a role in shaping the future of our border region,” Duncan added.
As the day progressed, participants also explored the implications of the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), evolving border policies, and the looming economic and political shifts with the incoming U.S. and Mexican administrations. A standout virtual session by Lila Abed, Director of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center, brought fresh insights into the critical role of the border in global commerce and security.
“The border region is a third country in itself,” Abed explained. “Its economic activity rivals the world’s largest economies, but its unique needs and contributions demand careful attention in bilateral negotiations.”
Attendees left with actionable advice:
- Speak Up: “Your voice matters,” said Powers. “Speak to your elected officials, and make your needs known.”
- Network Strategically: “Networking changed my life,” Duncan shared. “Leverage every opportunity to connect and collaborate.”
- Prioritize Mental Health: “Balance is a myth,” Guedea asserted. “But mindfulness can help us navigate life’s waves with clarity and purpose.”
Through MLB, Ingrid Ulloa and Astrid Salazar have created more than a summit—they’ve built a legacy. “The power of women coming together is unparalleled,” Salazar remarked. As the RioPlex region grows in importance, so will initiatives like MLB, which place women at the heart of economic and social transformation.
The Leadership Without Borders summit left attendees inspired and ready to act, proving that when women lead, physical or otherwise, borders are no longer barriers.
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