2020
Verónica (Vero) Mendieta Siordia
- Age: 27
- | She/her/hers
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Achieving human well-being and environmental conservation requires ensuring no one is left behind. Empowering women not only contributes to achieving gender equality and social equity but also enhances progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. It’s time to turn up the volume of the voices that haven’t been heard and reconnect with nature.
- Verónica (Vero) Mendieta Siordia
Bio
Veronica Mendieta Siordia was born and raised in Mexico. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the National University of Mexico (UNAM). As a Climate Change Strategies Analyst at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Vero helps with the designs of climate change adaptation strategies. Promoting the conservation of the environment for, by, and with the people, her job is focused on disaster risk reduction, sustainable tourism, and mainstreaming gender equality.
Additionally, Vero is a member of RELLAC-JOVEN, a network of Young Leaders in Protected and Conserved Areas of Latin-American and the Caribbean. This alliance has provided her the opportunity to promote a transparent and accountable culture that encourages participative management, within the framework of biological diversity.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
Undoubtedly, the two-day national strike organized this year on International Women's Day was a milestone for me. Protesting against gender-based violence and demanding equal rights together with thousands of women made me feel empowered and fearless. Since then, I've been more motivated and inspired than ever.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
During the last year, I have been involved in the National Development Plan design. To follow-up on the Beijing Declaration commitments and reinforce women's activism, I have collaborated to strategically incorporate women into the entire cycle. Our participation is crucial for its effectiveness and the construction of environmental justice towards a just, sustainable future for all.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
Outdoor activities, backpacking, cooking, dancing, and hanging out with family and friends.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Spanish (Advanced/Native)
- French (Elementary)
- Spanish (Advanced/Native)
Speaks On:
- well-being and environmental sustainability
- community engagement on climate change adaptation programs
- social vulnerability and disaster risk reduction
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Social Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool Training Workshop by the German Cooperation for Sustainable Development (GIZ)
- Capacity WORKS Management of Cooperation in Practice Training Workshop by the German Cooperation for Sustainable Development (GIZ)
- Communicating Climate Change Effectively Course by the Knowledge Center for Climate Change (ClilkHub) and the Regional Network for Climate Change and Decision Making through the Climate and Development Alliance (CDKN)
- Mitigation and Adaptation of Coastal Impact Training Workshop by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)
- First Aid in Remote Locations by the Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI)
- International Study Abroad Scholarship by Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg South Africa
- IUCN's World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) Sponsorship for Young Professionals for attending to the III Congress of Protected Areas in Latin America and the Caribbean (III-CAPLAC) Networking
- Young Leaders in Protected and Preserved Areas Network (Rellac-Joven) member
- Women in Conservation (Mujeres en conservación) member
