Maria Guadalupe Torres is a full-time Professor at the University of Sonora, where she serves as head of the Department of Economic-Administrative Sciences, and as a bachelor's and master's thesis advisor. Maria Guadalupe holds a master's degree in administration and a bachelor's degree in public accounting from the University of Sonora. Her research areas include entrepreneurship and competitiveness. She has also been the manager of Business Law Firm (an advice and consultancy center for MiPymes) since 2012. Maria Guadalupe is also a member of the Network of Latin American Studies in Administration and Business (RELAYN) and has published many academic papers. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Women's Economic Empowerment Leadership Program (WEEL)

As a result of this eight-week program, 52 women gained access to knowledge and tools specially designed to empower entrepreneurs in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. The project involved mentorship and training, which taught the participants entrepreneurship skills such as how to create business plans, plan for growth and profitability, and networking and financial skills, allowing the women to transform their lives and businesses. The training program served as a springboard to jumpstart collaboration, learning, teaching, and transforming realities. Participants created business plans and some launched new ventures with the skills they gained in the training.

"WEEL has been a program with a lot of energy. We always wanted more time to continue learning, [and] they taught me things I didn’t know about how to manage my business." - Maria Guadalupe Torres

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Maria Guadalupe participated in the IVLP Project Entrepreneurship as the Engine of Prosperity and Stability - Small Business Development, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center in partnership with WorldOrlando and WorldChicago.

Maria Guadalupe's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "Thanks to the experience of the IVLP program in the entrepreneurship modality, I was able to meet and connect with people who have implemented strategies for the economic growth of their regions. Through this project I seek to economically empower women in vulnerable situations through knowledge of tools for the preparation of business plans and therefore make positive changes in my community."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Chicago, IL

Country: Mexico 

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