Sunday Read: Getting to Know Whistleblower Attorneys: María de los ángeles Estrada, Part 2
National Whistleblower Center
Advocating on behalf of whistleblowers since 1988
National Whistleblower Center (NWC ) recently spotlighted the perspectives of one of Mexico’s leading practitioners, María de los ángeles Estrada , as part of the continued the “Getting to Know Whistleblower Attorneys” feature.?
ángeles serves as the Executive Director of the Transparency, Anticorruption, and Digitalization Initiative at the School of?Social Sciences and Government in Mexico, and as?an?Administrative Law and Anti-corruption professor?at the?Tecnológico de Monterrey. She frequently faces an uphill battle fighting for justice in a country where the whistleblower philosophy is slowly evolving.
But she is making an undeniable impact, as evidenced by her participation on various international forums and also her in-person presence on Capitol Hill during National Whistleblower Day 2024 . In this Sunday Read, we resume our dialogue with ángeles to learn how she collaborates with whistleblowers and her hopes for the whistleblower landscape in Mexico.
An Interview with María de los ángeles Estrada?
How do you view working with whistleblowers?
As an academic and an activist, I see whistleblowers as essential to the social, civic, and political life of my country. They play a critical role in exposing corruption, unethical behavior, and abuses of power, often at great personal risk. While my work is not tied to a traditional ‘firm,’ my efforts within academic and civic spaces are dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity. Supporting whistleblowers is a key part of this mission, as they are often the catalysts for change and reform in societies like Mexico, where secrecy and impunity have long been entrenched.
My work involves educating future leaders about the importance of whistleblowers, advocating for stronger legal protections, and pushing for cultural shifts that would enable whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation. I believe that by creating a supportive environment for whistleblowers, we can encourage more individuals to step forward and expose wrongdoing, which ultimately strengthens our democratic institutions.
You are a Senior Advisor to the NWC and it was a delight to see you deliver an address during National Whistleblower Day 2024 . How did it feel to participate and connect with the audience?
I was overwhelmed, but in the best possible way. It was the first time in my life that I had seen so many whistleblowers together under one roof, all of them openly sharing their stories and connecting without any fear. The sense of community and courage in the room was truly inspiring, and it was an experience like no other.
What were some of the big takeaways from that experience?
Participating in National Whistleblower Day 2024 left me with several powerful insights. First, I realized just how critical it is for whistleblowers to feel supported and heard. Seeing so many individuals come together, share their stories, and connect without fear was a clear reminder that whistleblowers thrive when they are part of a community that understands their struggles and sacrifices.
Another takeaway was the resilience and courage that each whistleblower exhibited. Despite the enormous personal risks they faced—financial loss, social isolation, and even threats to their lives—they stood firm in their commitment to expose wrongdoing for the greater good. This reaffirmed my belief that whistleblowers act from a place of ethics and integrity, often without expectation of reward, but in the hope of creating a better, more accountable society.
Finally, I was struck by the difference in how whistleblowers are treated in other countries compared to Mexico. Many of the participants had systems of protection and even financial incentives to support them in their efforts. In contrast, whistleblowers in Mexico face greater risks with minimal protections, which underscores the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks to safeguard them.
What are your hopes for whistleblower law in Mexico?
My hope for a whistleblower law in Mexico is that it will help build institutional trust, which is currently lacking. For a whistleblower law to be effective, we need to foster a culture of transparency and accountability, much like what exists in other countries. I envision a future where public servants are not only well-trained and adequately compensated but also feel secure in the knowledge that their institutions will act with professionalism and integrity when handling whistleblower reports.
This would create a safe environment where individuals can come forward without fear of retaliation. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that the general public is well-informed about these protections through clear, accessible legislation and civic education. Only when institutions are credible, and the law is widely understood, can we expect whistleblowers to feel confident in coming forward.
What advice do you have for whistleblowers in Mexico?
My advice for whistleblowers in Mexico is to act with caution, but never lose hope in the power of truth. Given the current risks, it’s important to seek support from trusted individuals, whether it’s journalists, civil society organizations, or legal experts. Remember that your courage can inspire change, even in a system that may not yet fully protect you. If you decide to come forward, document everything thoroughly, maintain a strong network of allies, and consider the potential risks to yourself and your loved ones.
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Ultimately, your bravery can pave the way for greater accountability, and with continued efforts, we can hope for a future where whistleblowers are fully protected and valued for their contributions to a more transparent society.
NWC thanks María de los ángeles Estrada for her honest insight and perspective. Learn more about her here or read more on her whistleblower career in the prior edition of Sunday Read . Make sure to?join NWC’s mailing list , subscribe to the newsletter on LinkedIn, and follow us on?Medium ?to ensure you get all notifications!
Get to know other whistleblower attorneys, such as:
The “Getting To Know Whistleblower Attorneys” series will continue.
Resources For Whistleblowers
The decision to come forward is not one to be taken lightly, nor should selecting a whistleblower lawyer. NWC provides resources that can connect you with the right legal professional.
You can also learn more about the type of whistleblower lawyer needed for your claim in Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What’s Right , written by NWC Founder and Chairman of the Board Stephen M. Kohn .
Support NWC
NWC fights to bolster whistleblower programs, inform the public and employees in all sectors about available laws and protections, and help connect whistleblowers with the right legal representation. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit our awareness building work is made possible with the support of our generous donors.?Please consider donating $100 today ?to help us continue to educate the public on how to find help when it is time for them to blow the whistle, and donors who donate $100 or more will receive a copy of?Rules for Whistleblowers.
This article was written by?Justin Smulison , a professional writer, podcaster, and event host based in New York.