In recent years, Madrid has noticeably changed its attitude toward the Latin American community. One of the key figures in this process has been Jimena Caraza, head of the Casa de México Foundation. After 25 years of living and working in Spain, she has gone from diplomat to one of the most influential members of the Latin American diaspora.
Caraza arrived in Madrid in 1999 with her family. At that time, she recalls, attitudes toward people from Latin America were very different from today: Latin Americans were often viewed through the lens of stereotypes. However, over the years, the situation has changed—today Latin American culture has become an integral part of life in the Spanish capital.
Jimena began her career in diplomacy, working at the Mexican embassy and in economic organizations. Later, she headed the ProMéxico office in Spain and Portugal, where she focused on developing business ties between the countries. Caraza placed special emphasis on supporting Mexican investors and promoting cultural projects.
Since 2019, she has led the Casa de México Foundation in Madrid—one of the city’s most active cultural centers, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The center hosts exhibitions, film screenings, gastronomic events, and educational programs introducing Spaniards to Mexican culture.
Karasa believes that preserving national identity is important for every migrant. She emphasizes that she sees no reason to give up her accent or traditions and encourages other Latin Americans not to lose touch with their roots. In her view, it is precisely this cultural diversity that enriches Madrid and makes it a truly international city.
In recent years, Ximena has been actively supporting Latina women, aiming to create a professional community that brings together representatives from different fields—from literature to business. She is convinced that such networks help to showcase talents and increase the visibility of Latin American women in Spanish society.
In 2024, Karasa was included in Forbes’ list of the most influential Latin American women and now helps the publication find new heroines for the ranking. For her, this is a way to support other women and pass on her experience to the next generation.
Ximena spent her childhood between Mexico City and Veracruz, where her family was involved in the coffee business. Her lifelong passion for cuisine and traditions is reflected in the work of the Casa de México Foundation, where gastronomy holds a special place as part of cultural dialogue.
Karasa’s professional path began with engineering studies, but she soon chose international relations. Her work experience at the consulate in Milan helped her appreciate the importance of building bridges between countries and maintaining business contacts.
Today, Ximena Carasa continues to foster cultural and business ties between Mexico and Spain, as well as support the Latin American community in Madrid. She does not make long-term plans, but hopes to keep leading projects that promote the integration and development of Latin Americans in Spain.
