CentroFox

On January 11, 2008, Gail Plummer, CEO of Altair Global Relocation, met with former Mexican President Vicente Fox as part of an invitation-only delegation of 13 Dallas business and civic leaders. The purpose of the meeting, held at President Fox’s Rancho San Cristobal in Guanajuato, Mexico, was to raise awareness and support for his CentroFox development and mission to promote democracy in Mexico and Latin America.

At Rancho San Cristobal for a full day of events, the delegation toured President Fox’s Presidential Library and the CentroFox facilities, both currently under construction; participated in a roundtable discussion of future development opportunities and how Mexico and the United States could work together to foster democracy throughout Latin America; and then were fêted by President and Mrs. Fox in their home.

Part academic center, part think tank, the primary mission of CentroFox is to promote democracy and economic growth through education, thus fostering growth in Mexico and Latin America. The idea behind the mission is that positive change will result from empowering the people. The center will also house the first Presidential Library ever built in Mexico, with documentation from President Fox’s term in office open to the public.

Delegation participants were impressed by this testament to one man’s dedication to bringing hope, both political and economic, to his country. Ms. Plummer was struck by President Fox’s vision for the center, which will include classrooms and interactive functions for the youngest visitors.

“How wonderful for a boy or girl to learn about and be encouraged to participate in their country’s government – to be told that this is attainable and that they can make a difference,” Ms. Plummer exclaimed. “These children will be the ‘Vicente Foxes’ of tomorrow.”

CentroFox will focus on opportunities for change in Mexico and throughout Latin America. The center will also promote entrepreneurship and be supportive of micro lending as a means to encourage grassroots business development.

Ms. Plummer is especially interested in microfinance, as she is involved with The Chiapas Project. Based on the principles of microfinance promoted by Grameen Foundation, the Chiapas Project assists impoverished women living in Mexico’s poorest state. Through micro-loans of as little as $100, participants are empowered to start small, often home-based businesses and become entrepreneurs in their own right.

Returning to Dallas with renewed purpose, Ms. Plummer was excited to have taken part in the delegation to CentroFox. Of course, she was equally excited at the chance to meet Vicente Fox himself because, as counseled by another delegation member, “Any time you have the chance to speak with a former president, it is a gift – a wonderful opportunity to expand your world view.”