BUA Institution

Freie Universität

Research Description

After centuries of invisibilization and marginalization, Afro-Mexicans were recognized as a distinct ethnic group by the Mexican Constitution in 2019. In 2020, for the first time in the Mexican National Census's history, they were given the opportunity to self-identify as Afro-Mexican/Afro-descendant. This project aims to shed light on how Afro-Mexicans negotiate their needs and demands in light of this recently achieved constitutional and statistical recognition.

Where in the world has your career been largely based until now?

Until I moved to Berlin in the summer of 2023, my career was largely based in the United States.

Why Berlin?

I chose Berlin for several reasons. First, I wanted to live in an affordable European capital with a large international community. I was also drawn to the fact that German universities, particularly those in Berlin, attract researchers from all over the world fostering an international research environment that aligns with my long-term career goals. Furthermore, many German PhD programs offer financial support for fieldwork, conferences and other PhD-related expenses. These are just a few of the many reasons that solidified Berlin as one of my top choices when I began exploring doctoral programs.

What did you want to be when you grow up?

Growing up I wanted to become a human rights lawyer.

Rumour has it that nobody is perfect. Which skill or ability have you really had to work on in your career (or are you perhaps still working on)?

For me, it would be public speaking. Over the years, I have improved when it comes to speaking in front of large groups of people, but it is still something I continue to work on.

What do you wish you’d done differently in your career until now?

There have been many times in my career when imposter syndrome held me back, making me shy away from opportunities that seemed beyond my reach. While it's true that some of these opportunities may have been out of my grasp, I’ll never truly know because I didn’t give myself the chance to try. Moving forward, I’m committed to not letting imposter syndrome stand in my way.

What would your advice be for colleagues at home interested in a research stay in Berlin?

Berlin is a fantastic place for a research stay, so go ahead and send in your application. But brace yourself for winter in Berlin!