H.E. Josefa González Blanco Ortiz Mena

H.E. Josefa González Blanco Ortiz Mena

H.E. Josefa González Blanco Ortiz Mena is a prominent Mexican diplomat, environmentalist, and public official currently serving as Mexico’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Born in Mexico City, she holds a Law degree from Anáhuac University and a Master’s in Transformative Arts from John F. Kennedy University, Berkeley. She also studied at the Centre for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies in Paris, France.

Throughout her career, González-Blanco has championed environmental conservation and cultural initiatives. She founded Aluxes Ecoparque Palenque, where she led the first successful reintroduction program for the scarlet macaw, reviving a species extinct in the region for over 70 years. Her contributions extend to wildlife conservation and sustainable development policies.

In 2018, she was appointed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador as Mexico’s Secretary of State for the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), where she implemented policies focused on environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Since her appointment as Mexico’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom in April 2021, González-Blanco has played a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between both nations.

Among her key achievements is the establishment of the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Cultural Pop-Up in 2021, a vital cultural hub supporting over 400 Mexican artists in the UK. She has promoted academic exchanges at institutions like King’s College and Cambridge, encouraging British students to study in Mexico and highlighting Mexican students’ contributions abroad. Her efforts have also enhanced trade relations, particularly between Greater Birmingham and Mexico, creating business and investment opportunities.

González-Blanco has been a strong advocate for gender equality, launching initiatives that promote women’s leadership, professional growth, and protection against gender-based violence. She has also championed LGBTQ+ inclusion through dialogue, visibility campaigns, and policies advancing equality and human rights. Under her leadership, the Official Residence of Mexico was transformed into the “House of All Mexicans,” a community centre fostering social cohesion, diversity, and inclusion through over 100 cultural and educational activities.

She has expanded Mexico’s diplomatic presence across the UK, visiting major cities to strengthen economic, academic, and community ties. This decentralization strategy has extended the Embassy’s influence beyond London, reinforcing connections with the Mexican community and strategic partners throughout the UK. Her commitment to feminist foreign policy is evident in initiatives like “Ambassador for a Day,” where girls from Mulberry School of Girls shadow her, attending high-profile meetings and visiting institutions like the British Parliament, inspiring them towards leadership roles.

González-Blanco has actively promoted gender equality across various sectors, particularly in STEM fields, ensuring women’s voices are recognized. She established the Comprehensive Women’s Assistance Desk (VAIM), providing essential resources for women facing domestic violence, legal issues, and workforce integration barriers. Through initiatives like “Sailing Sisters,” she has amplified the visibility of women in the maritime sector, advocating for their inclusion and celebrating their achievements.

As co-coordinator of the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Network (IMOGENder) for 2022-2023, alongside Liberia, she strengthened global gender equality efforts in the maritime industry. Key achievements include a historic resolution creating a barrier-free work environment for women, the establishment of May 18 as International Day for Women in Maritime, and the adoption of the IMO Gender Equality Award, fostering female participation in the field.

In 2024, González-Blanco was also honoured as the 2024 Diplomat of the Year for North America & the Caribbean by Diplomat Magazine, a recognition awarded by fellow Ambassadors in the UK for her contributions to women’s empowerment on the global stage.

As President of the UK Women in Diplomacy Network, she has played a crucial role in advancing the leadership of women and girls. She delivered the keynote speech at the Global Girl Leading conference, where over 400 young girls discussed the significance of women’s leadership in addressing global challenges.

Her tenure as Ambassador has been marked by cultural diplomacy, women’s empowerment, people-to-people diplomacy, and inclusive bilateral cooperation. Through innovative initiatives in the arts, academia, and policy, she has strengthened Mexico’s international presence and fostered meaningful global partnerships.