On Monday, June 15, 2026, Mexico City’s president Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Laura Itzel Castillo, the current president of the Senate, will become the new head of the Secretariat for Women once she finishes her Senate duties.

This appointment comes after the position had been vacant for almost two months. Meanwhile, Ingrid Gómez, the Undersecretary for the Right to a Life Free of Violence, continues to lead ongoing activities within the Secretariat, ensuring no interruptions in its work.

“She is currently defining the dates to transition, but once she can join, she will assume the leadership of the Secretariat for Women,” Sheinbaum said.

Laura Itzel Castillo, born November 16, 1957, in Mexico City, is an architect trained at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She has a long history of activism and public service, including founding the Association of Women in Struggle for Democracy in 1988.

Her political career spans decades:
– Senator since September 1, 2024, representing Morena.
– Member of the II Legislature of the Assembly of Representatives of the Federal District (1991–1994).
– Federal Deputy in the LVII Legislature (1997–1999) and LXI Legislature (2009–2012).
– Delegate of Coyoacán (1999–2000), appointed by then-Governor Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas.
– Secretary of Urban Development and Housing (SEDUVI) in Mexico City (2000–2006).
– Director General of the City’s Mobility System (RTP) from 2015 to 2018.
– Independent Advisor on the Board of Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) from 2020 to 2024.

Her extensive experience in both public administration and legislative roles positions her as a strong advocate for women’s rights and social inclusion. This leadership change arrives at a crucial moment for gender equality policies in Mexico, signaling continuity and renewed energy for the Secretariat’s mission.

For migrants and young people following Mexico’s evolving political landscape, Castillo’s appointment reflects a commitment to inclusive governance and the empowerment of women — a vital step forward in a country still grappling with gender-based violence and inequality.