## The Trailblazer: Claudia Sheinbaum's Journey to the Mexican Presidency

## The Trailblazer: Claudia Sheinbaum's Journey to the Mexican Presidency This is an independent research of Hugi HERNANDEZ, THE FOUNDER OF EGREENEWS This article explores the remarkable journey of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who made history by becoming the first female President of Mexico . Drawing upon a range of sources, we will delve into her background, political career, campaign, election, and the initial steps of her presidency, highlighting the significance of this milestone for Mexico and the broader context of women in leadership. This is an independent research of Hugi HERNANDEZ, THE FOUNDER OF EGREENEWS **Early Life and Academic Career:** Claudia Sheinbaum's path to the presidency was not a traditional one for a political leader. Her foundation lies firmly in academia, specifically in the field of physics and energy engineering. She earned her bachelor's degree in physics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in 1989, with a thesis focusing on the thermodynamics of a domestic wood-burning stove for rural use. Her academic pursuits continued in California, where she conducted research for her doctorate at Stanford University and the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory at UC Berkeley, supported by a scholarship from UNAM. During this time, she published numerous scientific articles, including studies on energy use and carbon dioxide emissions in Mexico's iron and steel industry. She obtained a Master's degree in Energy Engineering in 1994 with a thesis on the economics of efficient electricity use in lighting. In 1995, she became the first woman to earn a doctorate in energy engineering from UNAM, with her dissertation on the trends and perspectives of residential energy in Mexico. Following her doctorate, Sheinbaum joined the academic staff of UNAM's Engineering Institute in 1995, focusing her research on the link between energy and climate change. Her expertise led to advisory roles with the National Commission for Energy Saving and the Economic Studies Management of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). Notably, she contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a contributing author on the topic of "Mitigation of Climate Change" for the Fourth Assessment Report in 2007. The IPCC, along with Al Gore, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the same year for their efforts in building and disseminating greater knowledge about human-caused climate change and laying the groundwork for counteracting it. She also participated as a leading author on the "industry" chapter of the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report in 2013. Her extensive academic work includes over one hundred specialized publications and a book on energy, environment, and sustainable development. **Entry into Politics and Government Roles:** Sheinbaum's transition into politics began through her involvement with Andrés Manuel López Obrador. When López Obrador became Head of Government of the Federal District (now Mexico City) in 2000, he appointed Sheinbaum as the **Secretary of the Environment**. In this role, she spearheaded various projects related to solar energy, emissions control, and the protection of conservation land in collaboration with farmers and local residents. Her tenure also saw significant infrastructure developments, including the construction of the second level of the Periférico highway, the first line of the Metrobús public transportation system, and a computer center to monitor vehicle emissions testing centers. Achievements during her time as Secretary of the Environment included a reduction in air pollution levels and the creation of Community Ecological Reserves. She also initiated an ambitious program to divide the potable water network into sectors. Following her role as Secretary of the Environment, Sheinbaum was elected as the **Mayor of Tlalpan** in 2015. This period was marked by significant challenges, including the collapse of the Enrique Rébsamen school during the 2017 earthquake. **Head of Government of Mexico City (2018-2023):** In 2018, Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as the **Head of Government of Mexico City**, becoming the first woman elected to this position. Her administration focused on various key areas: * **Economy:** While specific details on economic policies during her tenure as Head of Government are not extensively detailed in the provided sources, her background in energy and sustainable development suggests a focus on these sectors. * **Education:** The sources do not provide specific details about educational initiatives under Sheinbaum's leadership in Mexico City. * **Mobility:** As Secretary of the Environment, she was responsible for the creation of the first Metrobús line, indicating a prior focus on improving public transportation. * **Security:** Addressing gender violence was a key concern, with specific actions taken in this area. Her administration also implemented voluntary disarmament programs and worked to combat organized crime. Notably, Omar García Harfuch, during his time in security roles in Mexico City, was considered an architect of an intelligence-led model for combating criminal groups. Under Sheinbaum's leadership, there were reports of the detention of numerous leaders generating violence in Mexico City. The National Guard also increased its presence in several of Mexico City's boroughs during her term. There were mentions of an improved perception of security in Mexico, though the specific contributions of Mexico City initiatives to this perception are not detailed. * **Crisis Management:** Her administration faced significant crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, where it was stated that the promise of leaving no one behind was fulfilled, and a large-scale vaccination program was implemented. Mexico City also received UNESCO's "Netexplo Linking Cities 2021" award. Another major crisis was the **collapse on Line 12 of the Mexico City Metro**. This incident led to scrutiny and resignations within the metro administration. While the underground section of Line 12 eventually resumed operations, the incident posed a significant political challenge. **Campaign for the Presidency of Mexico in 2024:** In June 2023, Claudia Sheinbaum resigned from her position as Head of Government of Mexico City to pursue a historic bid for the presidency. Her departure was framed as an opportunity to be the first woman to lead Mexico. She became the presidential candidate for the ruling Morena party. Her candidacy was part of the "Sigamos Haciendo Historia" (Let's Keep Making History) coalition. The pre-election period saw some protests as other figures joined the presidential race. However, by March 2024, with the official start of the election campaign, Sheinbaum was considered the leading candidate. Her campaign platform included 100 commitments outlined at the beginning of her campaign. López Obrador, the outgoing president and a key figure in Morena, proposed 20 constitutional reforms that likely shaped the broader political context of Sheinbaum's campaign. Morena held a significant portion of governorships across the country leading up to the election, potentially providing a strong base of support for Sheinbaum. The presidential debates played a crucial role in the campaign. While different experts offered varied assessments of who "won" the first debate, Sheinbaum maintained a strong position throughout the election cycle. **Election and Presidential Transition (2024):** On June 2, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum won the presidential election. Preliminary results confirmed her victory, and district vote counts later showed she won with **59.75% of the votes**. This margin of victory was significant, potentially granting her more power than her predecessor. Following the election, Sheinbaum met with outgoing President López Obrador at the National Palace to begin the presidential transition process. Priorities for the new Congress, aligned with Sheinbaum's party, included discussions on reforms to the judicial branch and the continuation of social programs like the "Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro" (Youth Building the Future) initiative. Sheinbaum and Morena legislators agreed to open a national dialogue regarding the judicial reforms. Sheinbaum also began announcing members of her cabinet and held meetings with various governors from across Mexico. There were indications that the daily morning press conferences, a signature of López Obrador's presidency, would continue under Sheinbaum. During the transition period, the Senate approved the transfer of the National Guard to the Ministry of Defense (Sedena), and controversial judicial reforms that involve popular elections for judges were also approved. Additionally, a reform was passed to ensure the minimum wage would never fall below inflation. **Inauguration and Start of Presidency (October 2024):** On **October 1, 2024**, Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as **Mexico's first female president** in a historic inauguration. Her inauguration marked a significant moment not only for Mexico but also as she became the first female president of North America. **Policy Priorities and Challenges Ahead:** While the sources provide details on her background and journey, specific deep dives into her detailed policy platform as President are limited. However, her background suggests a continued focus on sustainable development and climate change. As Head of Government of Mexico City, she also demonstrated a focus on social issues and security. Sources suggest potential challenges for Sheinbaum's presidency. The Inter-American Dialogue posed the question, "What Challenges Face Mexico's First Female President?", and México ¿cómo vamos? also inquired about the challenges she would face upon taking office. These sources imply that, like any new leader, Sheinbaum will face a complex array of economic, social, and political issues. Her decision to reinstate the CFE and Pemex as public entities and ensure the CFE maintains a 54% participation in electricity generation, reversing parts of the 2013 energy reform, signals a key policy direction. **Women in Leadership: A Broader Context:** Claudia Sheinbaum's ascent to the presidency is a significant milestone in the global progress of women in leadership and political participation. While women have made major advances in politics, the world is still far from equal representation. The Council of Women World Leaders is an organization dedicated to women who have served as presidents or prime ministers. Lists of elected and appointed female heads of state and government and female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies highlight the increasing, though still limited, presence of women in top leadership roles. However, female leaders often face unique challenges and barriers. Research suggests that female presidents may be held to higher standards than their male counterparts. Media coverage of women candidates can also be subject to gendered dynamics. Despite these challenges, the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as Mexico's first female president marks a crucial step forward, potentially inspiring future generations of women in Mexico and beyond. **Conclusion:** Claudia Sheinbaum's journey from a distinguished academic career in physics and environmental science to becoming the first female President of Mexico is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Her tenures in government roles, particularly as Head of Government of Mexico City, provided her with the experience and platform to launch a successful presidential campaign. Her historic election signifies a major advancement for women in Mexican politics and places her at the forefront of addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the nation. As she begins her presidency, the world watches to see how her vision for sustainable growth and national prosperity will unfold. **The Hernandez (Mexican Presidency) Independent Report.** This is an independent research of Hugi HERNANDEZ, THE FOUNDER OF EGREENEWS