Elsa Mayra Jiménez Rios

General Director of Manos a la Tierra

Mexico City, Mexico

About

Sustainability and Environmental Programme Manager with 15+ years of experience designing and delivering socio-environmental projects, sustainable tourism initiatives and climate action programmes. I specialise in bridging sustainability strategy with on-the-ground implementation, working across corporate, NGO, public sector and community environments to generate measurable environmental and social impact. I have led multi-stakeholder initiatives involving international organisations, private sector partners and local communities, focusing on ecosystem regeneration, ESG programmes and sustainability engagement. As Founder and Director of Manos a la Tierra, I have mobilised more than 22,000 volunteers and contributed to the planting of over 900,000 trees, while developing innovative environmental education and engagement models. Currently, I serve as Vice President of International Relations at Cámara Verde, where I focus on building international partnerships and positioning sustainability initiatives within a global context. My work is grounded in systems thinking, social innovation and a strong commitment to environmental justice and climate action. Key Skills: * Sustainability Strategy * Sustainable Tourism * ESG * Climate Action * Environmental Projects * Stakeholder Engagement * Partnerships * Project Management * Social Impact * Systems Thinking * Critical Thinking

Experience

  • Vice President of International Relations at Cámara Verde de Comercio
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    - Leading international positioning of sustainability-driven business initiatives - Building strategic partnerships with global organisations, institutions and stakeholders - Promoting ESG and sustainable business practices at international level

  • Independent Sustainability Consultant at Freelance
    Feb 2011 - Present · 15 yrs 5 mos

    - Designing and implementing socio-environmental projects, ESG strategies and sustainable tourism initiatives - Advising organisations on sustainability, CSR and community engagement - Leading fundraising strategies and multi-stakeholder programme development

  • Founder & General Director at Manos a la Tierra
    Apr 2007 - Present · 19 yrs 3 mos

    - Founded and led an environmental organisation focused on ecosystem regeneration and environmental education - Mobilised 19,000+ volunteers and coordinated large-scale environmental campaigns - Contributed to the planting of over 500,000 trees in the Valley of Mexico - Designed sustainability engagement programmes integrating environmental awareness, behavioural change and community participation - Built partnerships with public institutions and private sector organisations to support environmental initiatives

  • Assistant Lecturer – Critical Thinking (Master’s Level) at Universidad del Medio Ambiente (UMA)
    Oct 2021 - Jan 2023 · 1 yr 4 mos

    - Supported teaching of critical thinking in sustainability-focused postgraduate programmes - Facilitated learning processes and academic discussions

  • Institutional Relations Director (Mexico) at Pure Earth
    2020 - 2020 · Less than a year

    - Led strategic planning and stakeholder engagement - Managed partnerships with corporate sector, NGOs and institutions - Coordinated fundraising, communications and institutional relations