Girl Up entered my life when I was a junior in high school in Mexico. Today, I am a doctoral candidate at the Paris Brain Institute, supported by a prestigious grant from the ED3C doctoral school of Sorbonne Université. This leap toward my dreams was made possible by Girl Up’s unwavering support.
While I can now stand with confidence in front of an auditorium, I first had to evolve from an insecure girl into an empowered scientist and advocate. After my first year with Girl Up Monterrey in 2018, while serving as vice president of our local club, I had the incredible privilege of emceeing Girl Up’s 7th Annual Leadership Summit in Washington, DC as the first emcee from outside of the US. I had never traveled by myself before, let alone internationally! Soon after, I was selected for the Dream Big Princess campaign, where I was surrounded by inspiring girls and mentors to contribute toward a one million dollar donation for Girl Up’s initiatives. There, I met Mexican neuroscientist Dr. Monica Lopez Hidalgo, who further inspired me to pursue a scientific career.
From day one, Girl Up believed in me—and that belief, eight years later, still drives me forward.
Girl Up gave me the tools, confidence, and sense of belonging to step onto a global stage and eventually believe in myself enough to build a life abroad and pursue my goal of becoming a neuroscientist. Back in 2017, Girl Up wasn’t widely known in Mexico, but after launching our own local summit in 2018, the organization became a lasting presence across Mexico and eventually throughout Latin America. I’m proud to say that Girl Up Monterrey continues to advocate for girls, and many other clubs have since sprung up across the region.
Being part of a Girl Up club connected me with amazing women and girls from around the world, and for the first time, I realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles or aspirations. Standing on stages in the US and UK, sharing my voice at panels and conferences organized by Girl Up, I am reminded daily: I am now the role model I once yearned for. The fight for equality is far from over, and giving back to this community is one of my greatest desires. I hope to become that beacon for other Latin American girls who are just beginning to believe their dreams are valid.
Today, as I continue my scientific journey in Europe, my next mission is to advance research on deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for Parkinson’s patients, especially regarding non-motor symptoms such as apathy.
Investing in girls takes not only donations but also time. Mentorship, workshops, and global speaking opportunities make all the difference. I’m forever grateful to have found Girl Up and can’t wait to see the change we will continue to bring to girls and women worldwide.
