Changing Lives to Change Communities: The Impact of the Valentín Diez Morodo Scholarship Fund

The IE Foundation is deeply committed to nurturing talent and fostering global leaders, and the Valentín Diez Morodo Scholarship Fund for Excellence stands as a beacon of opportunity within this enduring mission. Through a transformative donation that is set to empower 20 to 30 students each year over a decade, by philanthropist Valentín Diez Morodo, the IE Foundation now has the means to empower a new generation of bright Mexican students. This initiative isn’t just about scholarships; it’s about investing in potential, nurturing innovation, and ensuring that talented students with vision, determination, and commitment can pursue postgraduate studies that will ultimately enrich communities in Mexico and beyond.?

For Paola Hernández , a veterinarian-turned-entrepreneur, the scholarship has been life-changing. She arrived at IE University with an entrepreneurial dream rooted in her family’s cacao snack business, Cacaok'an —a project born in the pandemic and motivated by her desire to uplift women through dignified employment in Mexico’s agricultural sector. “Winning the biggest entrepreneurship competition at IE Venture Day, was a turning point,” Paola shares. “It affirmed that Cacaok’an could become a transformative force, not just in the healthy snack market but as a powerful social enterprise, empowering women in Mexico.”?

Her story is one of courage and dedication, but she admits her path has been challenging. "I’m a veterinarian, not a typical business student,” she explains. “But I wanted the skills to make Cacaok’an a force for positive change.” With her mother by her side when she read the acceptance email, Paola found herself on the cusp of an incredible journey. Tears of gratitude filled her eyes, and she was struck by the realization that she would soon be joining a vibrant community at IE University, where her academic pursuits would be supported by the IE Foundation Fellows Program. Here, Paola has not only gained essential business skills but has grown into a strong leader, a mentor, and an inspiration to others, especially women in Mexico looking to forge their paths.?

For Margarita Zavala Moreno , the scholarship opened the door to a long-held dream of studying abroad. An economics graduate who had already been working in Mexico’s financial sector, Margarita is passionate about financial inclusion. She founded a project, The Power of Women in Finance, a workshop series focused on helping women understand and take control of their finances. “Women are underrepresented in finance in Mexico,” she explains, “and I wanted to change that.” Her mission is to democratize access to financial knowledge, giving women the tools to secure their economic futures and pursue leadership roles in a traditionally male-dominated industry.?

When she learned that she was a recipient of the Valentín Diez Morodo Excellence Scholarship, Margarita’s dream became a reality. She knew that she could now gain the expertise to drive meaningful change, a realization that was both humbling and exhilarating. In her own words, “The scholarship is a transformative opportunity, not only for me but for the communities I hope to empower.” Her journey at IE University has been marked by new friendships, invaluable insights, and a profound sense of purpose. “The IE Foundation has given me the support I need to see a bigger picture—one where financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women and underrepresented communities in Mexico aren’t just ideals, but attainable realities.”?

For recipients like Paola and Margarita, this isn’t simply a chance to study; it’s a path to transform their lives, empower their communities, and reshape industries. Each scholarship recipient is chosen for their demonstrated leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to Mexico’s development. And as part of the IE Foundation Fellows Program, they gain access to a robust network of mentors, alumni, and leaders who share their commitment to positive social change.?

Through this fund, the IE Foundation advances its mission of fostering talent development, promoting innovation, and driving impactful initiatives. By investing in these future leaders, the Foundation enables them to generate new ideas and solutions for some of Mexico’s most pressing challenges.?

As we celebrate IE Giving Season, there’s an opportunity for each of us to support and expand the impact of scholarships like the Valentín Diez Morodo Scholarship Fund. By coming together, we can help students like Paola and Margarita continue their journey, empower more communities, and transform even more lives. This season, consider supporting the dreams of tomorrow’s changemakers. Together, we can foster postive change and build a brighter future.

Click here to support:?https://ie-foundation.ie.edu/iepresidentsfund