Forbes Mexico magazine released its list of The 100 Most Powerful Women in Mexico. Prominent figures in Mexican politics stand out among the list, but what is most surprising and fills us with pride are the two Oaxacan students whose innovative project highlights their recognition.
The award they received is part of the 2024 World Youth Water Prize, where they received the Diploma of Excellence in Stockholm, Sweden.
Who are the Oaxacan students among The 100 Most Powerful Women in Mexico?
Shanni Valeria Mora Fajardo is a student from Oaxaca who, along with her classmate Rosa Mendoza Sosa, was recognized with the Diploma of Excellence at the 2024 World Youth Water Prize (Stockholm Junior Water Prize) in Stockholm, Sweden.
Their project is a homemade filter to purify the water used by textile artisans in the community of Teotitlán del Valle in Oaxaca. The project is called “Homemade Filter as an Alternative for Reusing Dye-Based Water in Vegetable Growing.”
In addition to being awarded, the students received a six-month scholarship from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) to continue developing their project.
What does their project entail?
The students from the Higher School for Comprehensive Intercultural Education of Oaxaca (CSEIIO), and also from the Teotitlán del Valle Comprehensive Community High School (BIC 29), created an alternative for reusing water.
The design is a homemade filter designed to remove impurities from water containing natural and synthetic dyes from the dyeing process of threads used to make rugs. The goal is to reuse the treated water for vegetable growing.
The project, according to what was shared by the Government of Oaxaca, arose in the context of the water shortage affecting the community of Teotitlán del Valle, where they dedicate themselves to the production of textile crafts.
Are they the only Oaxacan women on the Forbes list?
No, it’s interesting that in addition to the young high school students, a chef is also among the 100 Most Powerful Women in Mexico. She is Thalía Barrios, originally from the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca.
She owns two restaurants, both located in the state where she was born. One opened in 2019 called Levadura de Olla. It was awarded a Michelin star, making it the only Oaxacan restaurant on the list. Additionally, the Oaxacan chef was recognized with the Michelin Young Chef Award.
Source: milenio
