Cross-Border Network of Businesswomen Launched in San Diego

 -Editorial 

The Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, in partnership with COPARMEX Tijuana and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce (SDRCC), launched the “Cross-Border Network of Businesswomen” on Thursday, marking the first initiative of its kind in the Cali-Baja region aimed at strengthening women’s leadership across the U.S.-Mexico border. The initiative is designed to promote personal and professional growth while fostering economic development in key sectors.

The network provides a binational platform for businesswomen to connect through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to technical and professional resources. Its focus spans strategic areas including industry, technology, tourism, services, and logistics, reflecting the economic priorities of the region. Planned activities include mentorship programs for soon-to-graduate students, workshops addressing sector-specific topics such as tariff changes, import-export compliance, and cross-border business requirements, as well as coordination mechanisms to facilitate collaboration between participants.

The launch event was held at the SDRCC facilities and featured a panel discussion with Mexican Consul General Alicia Kerber Palma, COPARMEX Tijuana President Elisa Ibáñez, and SDRCC Vice President of Political and International Affairs Kenia Zamarripa. Panelists emphasized the role of education in expanding job opportunities, the importance of incorporating gender perspectives in the workplace, sector-wide challenges faced by women in business, and the need to foster networks of support as a pathway to empowerment for future generations.

More than 50 businesswomen attended the event, including independent entrepreneurs, employees of companies of various sizes, consultants, customs brokers, and leaders from Tijuana, Ensenada, and San Diego. Attendees had the opportunity to establish professional connections, share experiences, and learn about resources available through the new network.

Also present were Hortensia Medellín, Director for Investment and Supply Chains for the Government of Baja California, and Tijuana Councilmember Melissa Pacheco, highlighting the support of local and state officials for cross-border collaboration and the professional advancement of women in the region. The initiative will continue through ongoing joint activities and strategic alliances with business organizations in both San Diego and Tijuana to ensure its sustainability and long-term impact on the regional economy.