An honorary doctorate is the highest academic recognition awarded by universities to individuals whose work, career, or societal impact is worthy of honor. Unlike academic doctorates, this title does not require formal studies but recognizes the value of exceptional contributions in areas such as culture, education, science, human rights, social leadership, or activism.
This type of recognition is significant as it highlights the achievements of those who, through dedication and commitment, promote substantial change within their communities and beyond. The women being honored this year have been selected for their activism and for improving the lives of thousands across Latin America, establishing themselves as leaders of social transformation.
The American Socratic Institute University will grant these honorary doctorates on December 7 in Veracruz, Mexico. This ceremony seeks to recognize the work of twelve extraordinary women from seven countries: Bolivia, Spain, the United States, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. The honorees are: Raysa Castillo, Founder of MORE Latinoamérica, and Angelina Barrera, Claudia Cárdenas, Genoveva Díaz, Aldana Fernández de Córdova, MaryKar García, Xiomara García, Celeste Garrido, Maritza Lynn Higuera, Claudia Melgar, Carmen Paredes, and Tania Rodriguez, all collaborators of the organization.
Each of these women has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social development, gender equality, and the well-being of their communities.
The event will feature Dr. Lourdes Báez, who has provided vital support for the ceremony. Joining her will be university officials and Dr. Manuel Cabrera, Director of Revista Prestigio. Dr. Claudia Jones, founder of MORE Latinoamérica, will also be present to personally deliver these honorary doctorates to the honorees.
The awarding of these doctorates reflects the firm commitment of MORE Latinoamérica, the American Socratic Institute University, and Revista Prestigio to promoting female leaders who inspire profound transformations and foster progress throughout the region. This recognition aims to bring visibility to the stories of women who, through tireless work, build a more just and inclusive future for all.
Ceremony Narrative:
The Doctoral Awards Ceremony will take place at Foro Boca, Hall E, on December 7, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. The event will open with a solemn performance by the nautical military band, creating an atmosphere of respect and reverence. This event will be a unique moment to celebrate the exceptional commitment and dedication of those who have made a profound impact in their respective fields.
After a brief introduction, the lights will dim, and a one-minute video will begin playing on the main screen. Through images and testimonials, the video will showcase each honoree’s most significant achievements, highlighting the impact of their work in the community and their inspiring journeys.
At the end of the video, each honoree will be called to the front. A distinguished member of the university will present them with the cap and medal, symbols of honor and distinction. In their message of gratitude, the honorees will share their motivations and their vision for an inclusive and equitable future. This special event in Veracruz will be an inspiration, celebrating the leadership and activism that transform lives and societies.
Meet the Honorees:
Raysa Castillo (Dominican): With a degree in Industrial Engineering, specializing in leadership and communication, Raysa has over 25 years of professional experience in various areas, notably in supporting and coordinating training programs in the Dominican Republic, which have trained over 100,000 individuals. She is also the founder of MORE Latinoamérica, an educational NGO promoting equity and holistic development through training across Latin America, impacting around 70,000 people in over 12 countries. Recognized for her altruism, she was awarded as a Woman of Social Impact in her country. Ms. Castillo is also a member of the global women’s network advocating for female empowerment and the John Maxwell leadership program in Latin America.
Angelina Barrera (Mexican/American): With over 10 years of experience in higher education, Angelina specializes in English as a Second Language (ESL) at a California university. As an educator, volunteer, and mentor, she recently earned her Master’s in Counseling and Educational Guidance. Her work has motivated thousands of ESL students to continue their education, and she established a scholarship to foster an inclusive environment. She was recognized as a Pioneer in Education by San Diego Magazine in 2023 and was honored as Mother of the Year in California by American Mothers in 2024. Angelina will also join the American Mothers delegation at the UN in March 2025, focusing on gender equity and female empowerment. She currently collaborates with MORE Latinoamérica, an NGO promoting holistic development through training and education.
Claudia Cárdenas (Peruvian): An entrepreneur specializing in economics and productivity, Claudia is a renowned Regional Human Resources Director focused on business strategies and talent optimization. In 2019, she founded Talent 4Process, active in Mexico, Peru, and Chile, promoting productivity and well-being in the corporate sector. She supports executives and managers in reaching their full potential through Business Process Management (BPM) projects and Change Management models in sectors such as logistics, IT, retail, and banking. A TEDx and DisruptHR speaker and podcaster, she has been recognized since 2022 as a LinkedIn TOP VOICE in Employment with over 550,000 followers. In 2023, she was named #1 in Human Resources in Mexico, and in 2024, the second most influential female speaker in Spanish by Favikon. Claudia, originally from Peru, has collaborated on international research and currently supports philanthropic causes with MORE Latinoamérica, promoting a message of optimism and actionable solutions for human talent development.
Genoveva Díaz (Mexican/American): With a degree in Communication, specializing in Public Relations, Genoveva has dedicated her career to education and cultural promotion in the United States, standing out for her support of youth and the migrant community. Since 2013, she has taught folk dance and Spanish in Tucson, Arizona, sharing Mexican traditions. Her group won first place in the “Tucson Rodeo Parade,” showcasing her dedication. She currently promotes identity and commitment through folk dance. As President of the Honoris Causa Tucson Foundation and International Director of Public Relations for the Hispanic Communities Council, her influence extends across the U.S., Latin America, and soon Europe. She joined MORE Latinoamérica, promoting virtual educational development in 13 countries, and founded Freedom Without Borders, providing educational, employment, and legal support to migrants. Genoveva is a leader committed to education, youth empowerment, and migrant community support.
Aldana Fernández de Córdova (Bolivian). For Aldana, serving others is her way of life. Her leadership, driven by a desire to learn and contribute to society, has led her to head various projects from her school days through her professional career. Most of her activities are focused on supporting women, promoting their growth, empowerment, and inclusion. Her values, coherence, and perseverance in her mission to transform society into one that is fairer, more equitable, and more participative have involved her in numerous national and international non-profit organizations, impacting the lives of thousands of adolescent, young, and adult women, students, and professionals in Bolivia and beyond. With over 20 years of experience in people management, her outstanding career makes her a corporate role model. Thanks to her contributions, she has received various distinctions and invitations as a panelist, columnist, and speaker. Her legacy is the common good.
Marykar García (Mexican/American). She holds a degree in Administration with a master’s in Human Resources and certification in Executive Coaching and Values-Based Relationships, specializing in Positive Psychology and Emotional Intelligence. Through her platforms Ilumina Mujer and The Art of Gratitude, she has promoted emotional well-being and gratitude, impacting many women. The author of gratitude journals, Marykar has collaborated with organizations in Latin America, supporting their social missions. As an ambassador of More Latinoamérica and founder of Gratitude Giving, she promotes gender equity and maximizes the social impact of foundations. She hosts a podcast to increase foundations’ visibility, expanding their reach and social awareness. Her mission is clear: to contribute to personal and community growth through gratitude, service, and empathy, creating a lasting positive impact.
Xiomara Raquel Garcia Núñez (Dominican/American). A Dominican psychologist residing in New York, she is passionate about working with women. She holds master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology, Human Resources Management, Gender and Development, a certification in Integrative Feminine Therapy, a Postgraduate degree in Holistic Psychology, and a specialization in gender violence. With over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, university lecturer, and community educator, she has supported over 20,000 women in healing and empowerment processes. She is a member of the Women’s Support Network in the Dominican Republic, a collaborator with MORE Latinoamérica, and the Dominican Women’s Development Center in New York. As the founder of Mujeres Conectando con su Esencia (Women Connecting with Their Essence), she focuses on creating psychotherapeutic spaces for the holistic well-being of women.
Celeste Garrido (Spanish). She holds a degree in Fine Arts, specializing in creativity and self-coaching. A visual artist and collaborator with the ES2 Research Group at the University of Vigo, she has taught as a Visiting Professor. Garrido is highly involved in education, contributing to people’s holistic training, and is a collaborator with MORE Latinoamérica. As an artist and woman, her work takes a feminist stance, defending the rights of women and girls, denouncing inequality and gender violence. She is also the curator of Voilà la Femme, Europe’s largest exhibition of women artists, which has impacted the lives of hundreds of women for over 30 years by promoting emerging artists, a contribution highly recognized in her community. She is also a founding member of Portal de Igualdad (Equality Portal), a transdisciplinary and transnational collective promoting gender equality in museums and art centers.
Maritza Lynn Higuera (Mexican/American). A prominent bilingual children’s book author, her works have achieved worldwide bestseller status. She is a key member of the non-profit Santa Cruz County Public Media and owner of M&M Family Orchard. Her program, Border Connections, has been widely recognized for its positive impact on the Santa Cruz community and beyond. Her commitment to education has been instrumental in legislative efforts to address educational shortages. Maritza serves on the board of PPEP and leads the Nogales Sonora and Arizona chapters of the International Honoris Causa Federation. Among her accomplishments is the creation of the first mobile library in Santa Cruz County. Recognized in the Mexican Senate for her humanitarian and educational work, she currently serves as the Health and Nutrition Coordinator for Child Parent Centers, using her expertise to enhance the well-being and education of children in her community.
Claudia Melgar Aguirre de Trani (Bolivian/American). Journalist and educator with over 20 years of successful professional experience. She has worked as a journalist, educator, and activist, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. She is the spokesperson for the NJ Department of Health, Vice President of the Bolivian Foundation, and ambassador of MORE Latinoamérica and the GSL Network. Her activism, social commitment to justice, and equity have been a constant effort in support of minority communities in Bolivia, the United States, and Latin America. As a woman, mother, and social communicator, she has used her voice to promote Latin culture, the Spanish language, and Hispanic traditions, encouraging public, private, and non-profit organizations to create communication strategies to reach global audiences through multicultural, multilingual, and impactful programs and projects. Her passion is to motivate and empower young leaders with social commitment.
Carmen Paredes (Panamanian/American). An Industrial Mechanical Engineer with an MBA. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Carmen became the first Latina to reach the title of Vice President at Alaska’s largest telecommunications company. Since a young age, Carmen has tirelessly worked to empower women, founding the Anchorage Women Entrepreneurs Association in 2010. She is also a two-time TEDx speaker, with her first talk in Africa and the second at the first TEDx event entirely in Spanish in the United States. In 2024, Carmen was awarded the U.S. Presidential Award for her global impact on female empowerment after presenting at the United Nations’ conference for women and girls’ empowerment. She currently practices her activism as a collaborator with MORE Latinoamérica and as Director of Program Connections in Alaska.
Tania Rodríguez (Mexican). A prominent entrepreneur from Veracruz with a degree in Communication, Tania has an extensive career in the insurance sector as a certified Insurance Agent in Mexico by the National Insurance Commission, specializing in individual and corporate risks. Her work protecting Mexican families has been consistently recognized internationally with the Million Dollar Round Table certification, a symbol of excellence in the insurance and financial sectors. She is a founding partner of a family business with 13 years of experience. Her leadership and entrepreneurial vision have positioned her as a role model in her community, recognized for her commitment to service with ethics and humanity, distinguishing her within her sector and earning her numerous national and international awards. Her firm, Tatis Rodriguez, is renowned for its community support, participating in various organizations that aid society, empowering women, and reaffirming her dedication to those most in need.
At MORE Latinoamérica, we proudly celebrate the doctoral ceremony that honors the dedication and academic effort of our students. In this significant event, we are joined by a presidium of excellence, composed of distinguished academic and professional figures who, throughout their careers, have made a difference in the fields of education and community service. Their presence on this special occasion not only reinforces our commitment to quality education but also inspires our graduates to bring knowledge to the service of their communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member of the presidium for accompanying us on this journey and for their invaluable contribution to advancing our mission.
Presidium
1- Dr. Enrique Mario Escobar Freyre, Rector de la Universidad Socrático Americano.
2- Dr. José Evaristo García Silva, Presidente del Foro Veracruzano de Juristas A. C. Testigo de Honor y Coordinador Académico del Instituto Socrático Americano.
3- Dr.H.C. Manuel Cabrera, Director de la Revista Prestigio.
4- Dr.H.C. Má. De Lourdes Yolanda Báez García, Activista.
5- Dra. Claudia Jones, Fundadora de la Organización MORE Latinoamérica
6- Dr.H.C Claudia Gabriela Castillo Navarro, Presidenta del Consejo de Comunidades Hispanas.
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