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Discover stories of innovation and social entrepreneurship on our blog that ignite passion and purpose. Learn from our community of change-makersâmembers, partners, and leaders worldwide who are reshaping education and society. Each story challenges, enlightens, and connects visionaries like you, encouraging actionable change and personal growth. Explore how to craft and share impactful narratives through our platform. Dive into our blog today for a deeper understanding of how we're transforming education and creating real-world impact.
by Hector H. Lopez
This column was originally published throughout the Americas by Al DĂa News on October 15, 2024, in both English & Spanish.
There is a moment in the life of every system when it begins to break down, not from a sudden shock, but from slow erosion. Higher education, as we know it, is unraveling. What was once a bastion of opportunity has become a fortress of exclusivity, where wealth outweighs merit, and institutions that once promised upward mobility now serve a select few. Itâs as if the very fabric of the system is fraying, thread by thread. And yet, amidst this unraveling, there is hopeâthe possibility of weaving something new, something lasting.
1. My Journey to the Crossroads of Education
I grew up in a place where opportunity wasnât handed to you. El Paso, Texasâa border town straddling two worlds, where the weight...
by Hector H. Lopez
This column was originally published throughout the Americas by Al DĂa News on September 27, 2024, in both English & Spanish.
Yesterday, marked the kickoff of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) 2024 Conference in Los Angeles, where the very future of higher education will be quietly debated in sterile conference rooms. Leaders in admissions, enrollment management, and high school counseling will converge, armed with spreadsheets and recruitment data, discussing strategies to survive in an industry facing one of its greatest existential crises.
But survival isnât enough. We are long past the point where we can afford to treat higher education like a business clinging to outdated models, increasing prices while hoping new customers continue to line up at the gates. At a time when Georgetown University tuition...
by Hector H. Lopez
This column was originally published throughout the Americas by Al DĂa News on September 18, 2024, in both English & Spanish.
Leadership, integrity, culture and communityâthese were the ideals that always guided me, my constant North Star. But over time, Iâve watched that North Star dim, just as Iâve seen those same values erode in broader society.
This past week, Kendrick Lamar dropped a new track. Many in pop culture will likely focus on his ongoing superficial feud with Drake, obsessed with the spectacle of the industry. But to fixate on that drama is to miss the deeper message. Much like the themes Iâve explored in my op-eds for Al DĂa, Kendrickâs track critiques a far more profound issue: the ideals of leadership, integrity, culture and communityâonce held in such high regardâhave been...
by Hector H. Lopez
This column was originally published throughout the Americas by Al DĂa News on September 10, 2024, in both English & Spanish.
Yet another school shooting. Last week, it was Apalachee High School in Georgia. The tragic pattern continues, and it took me back to when I first learned what a school shooting was as a freshman at Georgetown University on April 20, 1999âColumbine. Thirteen livesâ12 students and 1 teacherâwere senselessly cut down in what should have been a sanctuary of learning. I vividly remember walking into my dormitory lounge, where a crowd of stunned students gathered around the television, disbelief hanging in the air like smoke. We all wondered the same thing: how could this happen in a schoolâa place of growth, discovery, and community?
Fast forward 20 years, and I found myself at Georgetown once again,...
by Hector H. Lopez
This column was originally published throughout the Americas by Al DĂa News on September 03, 2024, in both English & Spanish.
Once upon a time, in the dusty borderlands of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad JuĂĄrez, Mexico, I was a young boy with dreams bigger than the horizons I could see. My parents, like so many others, had crossed into this country carrying little more than their hopes, and they instilled in me the belief that education was the golden ticket to a better lifeâa life where I could not only thrive but also make a difference.
I believed in that dream. I clung to it like a lifeline. Education was my path to the American Dream, to success, to the kind of life where impact wasnât just a possibility; it was a certainty. And so, I worked hard. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into Georgetown University's Edmund A....
by Hector H. Lopez
This column was originally published throughout the Americas by Al DĂa News on August 26, 2024, in both English & Spanish.
Once upon a time, I believed that the pinnacle of my purpose was to become the President of the United States. It was a dream forged in the fires of ambition, tempered by countless hours of study, preparation, public speaking, debating, and professional experience. I was crafting what I thought was the perfect narrativeâa carefully groomed story that would someday lead me to the Oval Office, where I could make the most significant impact on society and leave my mark on the world.
It was a romantic endeavor, almost cinematic in its pursuit. I envisioned politics as the ideal platform to enact change, inspired by leadership akin to what we see on TV shows like The West Wingâthe camaraderie, the principled debates,...
by Hector H. Lopez
This column was originally published throughout the Americas by Al DĂa News on August 19, 2024, in both English & Spanish.
There are some lights in our lives that, once kindled, never truly extinguish. Even as they flicker and fade, their warmth lingers, their glow imprinted on the soul, lighting our way forward in the darkest of times. Michael Gaynor was such a light in my lifeâa mentor, a friend, a man who, with his quiet strength and boundless wisdom, shaped not just my career, but the very contours of my existence.
To speak of Michael is to speak of storiesâstories spun with a masterful blend of suspense, humility, and humor. He was a weaver of connections, each thread a life he touched, each knot a bond he forged. I remember the first time we met, a luncheon at well known eatery in Villanova, Pennsylvania. There, surrounded by...
by Hector H. Lopez
In the heart of Mexico City, where history and modernity dance in a delicate balance, I found a renewed purpose. This city, with its pulsating energy and deep cultural roots, inspired me to transform professional disillusionment into a mission for profound social impact. My journey, informed by decades of experience and a profound connection to Latin America, led to the creation of Futuro Las Americas and BeNeXT Global. Today, I speak from a place of love and passion, almost two years after taking my exit from the organization I founded to embark on new ventures while remaining deeply committed to its mission.
The Turning Point
Years ago, I stood at a crossroads, much like many of you might today. Disenchanted with the corporate grind, I longed for something more meaningful. It was during a serendipitous conversation with a dear friend that the fog lifted. The...
by Hector H. Lopez
After diving into the untapped potential of Latin America's youth, our journey continues with an exploration of how digital education is becoming the bridge over traditional barriers, unlocking new realms of possibility for millions.
This next article in the series will examine the transformative impact of technology on education across Latin America. As we embrace a future where traditional classroom boundaries blur, we find a region ripe for educational revolution â fueled by innovation, driven by necessity, and amplified by the youthful vigor of its population.
We will spotlight pioneering initiatives that leverage digital platforms to provide accessible, quality education â from remote areas in the Andes to bustling metropolitan centers. Stories of tech startups, and governmental policies converging to democratize education will take center stage,...
by Hector H. Lopez
As I traverse the vibrant landscapes of the Americas, a narrative of potential, innovation, and transformation unfolds before my eyes. This journey has inspired me to launch a LinkedIn series dedicated to exploring the intersection of education, technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact across this diverse hemisphere.
My travels from the bustling urban arteries to serene rural retreats have revealed a staggering reality: Latin America, with its over 79 million college-aged students, stands in stark contrast to the United States, where college enrollments have dwindled to a historic low of 15.2 million. This juxtaposition is not merely a statistic; it represents a profound opportunity. At a time when educational institutions in the United States grapple with declining enrollments, Latin America bursts with the untapped potential of its youth,...
by Hector H. Lopez
Amidst the symphony of countless airports, my legs find comfort in the embrace of well-worn Converse sneakers, a testament to the miles walked and stories collected. This seemingly simple snapshot holds the essence of an eraâa relentless odyssey across the contours of the Americas.
From New Yorkâs pulsating heart, spiraling down through the arteries of I-95 and I-10, traversing the Pan-American highwayâs expanse from Mexicoâs vibrant tapestry to Argentinaâs southernmost tips, and weaving through the Caribbean only to circle back to El Paso, Texas. This journey was less an itinerary and more a pilgrimageâa mission to forge connections, spark innovation, and plant the seeds of change.
From the early days with the National Hispanic Institute to the inception of BeNeXT Global and Futuro Las Americas, each step played its unique note...
by Hector H. Lopez
In the luminous dawn of a new era, Mexico stands defiant, a phoenix rising from the ashes of narratives long spun by its northern neighbor. For decades, the United States has painted Mexico in broad strokes of despair and danger, a land riddled with corruption, violence, and poverty. This portrayal, deeply ingrained in the American psyche, has been a convenient veil, obscuring the vibrant, resilient heart of a nation on the brink of monumental transformation.
The American narrative has long chosen to spotlight the drug trade, casting a shadow over Mexicoâs rich cultural tapestry and innovative spirit. Itâs a narrative that conveniently overlooks the United Statesâ own insatiable appetite for narcotics, a demand that fuels the very trade it condemns. American cinema has glorified its mobsters and drug lords in films like âThe Godfatherâ...
By Hector H. Lopez
In the intricate weave of life's tapestry, each story threads through the fabric of our existence, infusing it with the hues of our dreams and aspirations. My reflections on the vlog journey of day 14,405 transcend the mere recounting of travels. It unveils a profound exploration where the convergence of dreams with reality paints a vibrant tapestry of life, rich in color and texture.
Wandering the vivacious streets of Guadalajara, Jalisco, amidst the fervent aspirations of budding chefs and psychologists, I found a mirror to my own odyssey. A journey interlaced with the unexpected and serendipitous, echoing the depth of our shared human experiences. It's a narrative that subtly whispers of untold stories, resonating with the richness of our collective spirit.
This path has led me to a profound revelation of storytelling's transformative power. Capturing the soul of...
by Hector H. Lopez
Today, I'm drawn back to a pivotal encounter in Colombia with German Barbosa. Our interaction, captured in a vlog, transcends the bounds of a simple travel diary, venturing deep into the realms of creativity, social entrepreneurship, and a rich, nuanced interpretation of the American Dream. This narrative, with all its authenticity (quirky hairstyle included!), resonates profoundly with my current life in Mexico City.
Residing in Mexico City has been more than a mere relocation; it has been an awakening to new perspectives. Here, amidst the city's vibrant fusion of history and contemporaneity, I've found an unexpected clarity and joy. This experience has granted me a fresh understanding of Octavio Paz's 'El Laberinto de la Soledad.' His exploration of identity and duality now strikes a deeper chord, reflecting my own experience of living between American and Mexicano...
by Hector H. Lopez
As we usher in the new year, I find myself inspired by the vibrant scenes right here in the heart of Mexico City. Picture this: a classic VW combi, brimming with colorful helium balloons, parked amidst the bustling streets. It's more than just a beautiful sight; it's a perfect metaphor for our mission at BeNeXT Global. Each balloon, like each of our endeavors, symbolizes joy, celebration, and the upliftment of ideas and communities through social entrepreneurship.
The Essence of Our Journey
These balloons represent the colorful and uplifting nature of our projects. At BeNeXT Global, we see each idea and dream as a balloonâfull of potential and ready to soar towards the skies. Our work in social entrepreneurship is dedicated to elevating these dreams, infusing them with the vibrancy and purpose that these balloons embody. We're committed to bringing more color,...
by Hector H. Lopez
As we stand on the precipice of transformative change, this latest video message is a clarion call to all visionaries and innovators who share our mission at BeNeXT Global. It's a reflection of our journey together, a celebration of the creativity and audacious spirit that define our community.
Beyond Landscapes: Harnessing Latin America's Cultural Wealth
Latin America is not just a land of breathtaking landscapes and ancient traditions; it is a reservoir of untapped potential and creative energy. Our mission goes beyond exploring this rich cultural tapestry; it involves harnessing this potential to uplift our communities. By honoring our cultural heritage, we aim to bring innovative projects to the forefront, making a profound impact on society.
Prioritizing People and Experience
At BeNeXT Global, our endeavors transcend simple exploration. We are committed to...
by Hector H. Lopez
In every gleam, a reflection of our story resonates. The Spanish saying, "MĂĄs vale paso que dure y no trote que canse" (Better a pace that lasts than a trot that tires), rings true in the meticulous art of shoe shining in our Mexican plazasâa ritual of patience and craftsmanship. As Octavio Paz once said, "Tradition is not dead stone, it is living water."
This rich blend of tradition and patient craftsmanship in Mexico embodies the spirit at the heart of BeNeXT Global. As we embrace these enduring cultural practices, we are reminded of the importance of building on a solid foundation, an approach that is essential in our educational offerings. At BeNeXT Global, we are committed to integrating these values into our mission to foster innovative thinkers and leaders.
Professional Certification Rooted in Deep Cultural Values
As BeNeXT Global evolves into an...
by Hector H. Lopez
In the evolving landscape of global challenges, the need for innovative, sustainable solutions through social entrepreneurship has never been more urgent. Reflecting on my journey, I am constantly reminded of the profound impact and the roots of social entrepreneurshipâa movement not just for profit, but for positive change.
The Genesis and Power of Social Entrepreneurship
Social entrepreneurship began as a response to societal needs, offering innovative and sustainable solutions. It has evolved into a powerful vehicle for change, embodying hope and action. This aligns closely with my life's mission at BeNeXT Global, where we use entrepreneurial skills to drive substantial community and global transformation.
The Growing Need for Purpose-Driven Leaders
Our world stands at a critical crossroads that requires more than just traditional business acumen. We need...
by Hector H. Lopez
Just a few days ago, while in vibrant heart of Mexico City, I experienced a serendipitous moment that would remind me of an essential truth I'd nearly forgotten in the whirlwind of my entrepreneurial journey. I bumped into Mariam Gillis, an old college friend I hadnât seen in over two decades. Our unexpected reunion at one of my favorite cafĂ©s, surrounded by the familiar buzz of the city, highlighted an irreplaceable value I had overlooked: the importance of staying connected.
As we sat there, exchanging stories and laughter, it struck me how essential these connections areânot just for personal joy but for our professional lives as well. In the relentless pursuit of dreams and building ventures, itâs easy to sing the tune of âI donât have timeâ. However, unintentionally, I had let the threads of many past relationships...
by Hector H. Lopez
As I reflect on the journey so far, I am reminded that every step we take is not just a progression, but a chance to redefine our path. Today, I share with you a significant transition in my professional lifeâfrom the president of BeNeXT Global to a dedicated board member and member of the faculty. This change, while significant, does not diminish my commitment but rather refocuses it on empowering and expanding our mission through education and social entrepreneurship.
A Legacy of Impact and the Path Forward
This transition that began a year ago today marks a new chapter, not just for me but for BeNeXT Global as we pivot towards becoming an innovative educational institution. Our vision is clear: to harness the collective power of diverse minds to tackle global challenges. This vision was crystallized through hemispheric collaborations spanning from...
by Hector H. Lopez
As I stand on the brink of revealing some major new initiatives at BeNeXT Global, I find myself reflecting on the profound journey that has brought us here. This reflection isn't just about nostalgia; it's about harnessing the lessons of the past to propel us forward. In my latest vlog, I take you back to my days at Georgetown University with my friend Niaz Uddin, exploring the legacies that have shaped us and the dreams that drive our future.
Dreaming Big and Building Legacies
At Georgetown, the seeds of ambition were sown. This experience was more than just an education; it was a cultivation of the drive to make a substantial impact on the world. Today, as we stand poised to transition BeNeXT Global into an educational institution, these memories reinforce our mission to not just dream, but to act boldly.
Expanding Horizons Through Education
The upcoming...
by Hector H. Lopez
As the early light of 2024 spills over the vibrant streets of Mexico City, I find myself energized by the pulse of this dynamic metropolis. Walking these lively streets, I'm reminded of the rich tapestry of culture, creativity, and community that thrives hereâa reflection of the spirit that drives BeNeXT Global.
A City of Vibrant Inspirations
This morning, a mural by REVOST at el Mercado Hidalgo caught my eye, perfectly encapsulating the vibe of the city. It's more than art; it's a symbol of how environments can inspire innovation and creativity. Every corner of Mexico City, with its colorful life and bustling energy, serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities for transformation and growth.
Gratitude and Renewed Purpose
Reflecting on the heartfelt messages from friends and family, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. These connections are not just personal;...
by Hector H. Lopez
As we embrace the Year of the Dragon, I find myself reflecting deeply on the theme of legacyâwhat it means, how it shapes us, and the powerful influence it holds over our futures. This reflection is deeply personal, stemming from the enduring impacts of my beloved grandparents, Mi Tata and Abuelita Martita, whose stories and values continue to guide my journey both as a social entrepreneur and as a person deeply connected to my roots.
A Tribute to Resilience and Vision
My grandfather, Mi Tata, was not just a family patriarch but a beacon of resilience and vision. From his humble beginnings as a traveling salesman to becoming a respected business leader in Mexico, his story is a testament to the power of persistence and courage. His life's narrative has not only inspired me but also laid the foundational ethos of BeNeXT Global, where we now prepare to launch...
by Hector H. Lopez
As I stepped back onto the vibrant streets of Mexico City (CDMX), the dynamic pulse of this sprawling metropolis seemed to echo the fiery spirit of the Year of the Dragon, heralding a year filled with promise and transformation. This isn't just a return to the city I adoreâit's a leap into a transformative journey that intertwines my personal aspirations with the groundbreaking ambitions of BeNeXT Global.
Mexico City, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, and unbridled creativity, provides the perfect backdrop for the revolutionary changes that await. The city's energy fuels my commitment to forge new paths in professional development and education, reflecting BeNeXT Global's mission to reshape the landscape of higher education and professional certification through innovative, socially responsible initiatives.
The Power of Legacy in Professional Growth
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