International business leaders, distinguished speakers and community representatives gathered at Carlton Woods on Tuesday, October 20 for the Pan American Senior Management Alumni Association (PASMAA) Magisterial Session. Based in The Woodlands, Texas, PASMAA fosters connections among IPADE alumni and promotes leadership development, entrepreneurship, education and cross-border collaboration.
A WARM WELCOME
Nick Wolda, President of Visit The Woodlands, officially welcomed international residents and guests to the session, highlighting the importance of economic development in The Woodlands and the essential roles of public safety and education in supporting a thriving community.
Wolda also emphasized the growing hospitality sector and its significant contributions to the economic vitality of The Woodlands. Jevon Gibb, Chief Executive Officer of The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership, also attended the meeting.
The 2026 PASMAA Magisterial Session | Photos by Visit The Woodlands
Nick Wolda welcomes PASMAA
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS
The program featured prominent international speakers offering perspectives on global economics, public policy, international trade and business leadership.
Dr. John Min, Chief Economist at Monex USA, shared his expertise in foreign exchange (FX) risk, global market trends and international payment strategies. Since joining Monex USA in 2018, Min has advised corporate clients on navigating currency fluctuations, trade impacts and broader macroeconomic developments. He also teaches economics at George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College. Min holds a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University, as well as an MBA and a bachelor’s degree.
Also featured was Enrique Octavio de la Madrid Cordero, a Mexican lawyer, public official, columnist and business leader whose career spans government, finance, international trade and tourism. De la Madrid previously served as Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism from 2015 to 2018, Chief Executive Officer of Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (Bancomext), Director General of Financiera Rural and a federal congressman. He holds a law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
The group also heard an overview of PASMAA from Jorge Arellano Garcia, President of PASMAA IPADE Alumni USA-Canada. Arellano Garcia outlined the organization’s mission to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community of IPADE alumni in the United States, empowering members through leadership development, entrepreneurial support and educational activities while strengthening economic and cultural ties between countries.
“What began in 2021 as a small group of IPADE alumni has evolved into a growing international business community,” said Arrellano Garcia. “Our vision is to build lasting bridges between business leaders, institutions, and communities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We are proud to call The Woodlands our home and look forward to contributing to its continued economic and international development.”
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS
With its home base in The Woodlands, PASMAA contributes to the community’s international connections by bringing together business leaders, alumni and professionals to exchange ideas, develop relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration across borders. The session highlighted the shared interests of global business leaders and local stakeholders in economic growth, education, leadership and a strong international business community.
ABOUT PASMAA
Based in The Woodlands, Texas, the Pan American Senior Management Alumni Association (PASMAA) IPADE Alumni USA-Canada works to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community of IPADE alumni in the United States. Its mission is to empower members through leadership development, entrepreneurial support and educational activities while strengthening economic and cultural ties between countries.
