31 Grupo Porres in Mexico

Team 63 Poster

Team Reflections

What: In exploring Grupo Porres and its initiative “Creating Culture, Transforming Lives,” we were deeply engaged by the stories and experiences shared during our interview. The organization’s commitment to transforming the lives of agricultural workers in rural Mexico was not just a corporate mission; it was a heartfelt endeavor to bridge significant gaps in access to education and healthcare. We learned how many children in these communities had never touched a computer or received a proper education, leaving them at a disadvantage in a rapidly evolving world. As we listened to the testimonies of those involved, we felt an emotional connection to the individuals whose lives were being positively impacted by this initiative. The expressions of joy on the children’s faces when they first encountered computers conveyed a sense of hope that resonated with us. This emotional engagement brought to life the theoretical concepts we have discussed in class about social responsibility, corporate ethics, and the vital role businesses can play in fostering community well-being. It became evident to us that these were not mere statistics but real stories of transformation, emphasizing the significant role of empathy and connection in business.

So what: This experience reinforced our understanding of the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit. Grupo Porres exemplifies how a business can achieve economic success while simultaneously advancing social good. The insights from our coursework on sustainability illuminated the importance of accountability and ethical practices in business operations. We recognize that companies have a responsibility to not only generate profits but also to ensure their operations contribute positively to society and the environment. Furthermore, the alignment of Grupo Porres’ initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was particularly enlightening. For instance, their focus on Quality Education (SDG 4) and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) shows a clear understanding of how interconnected these goals are with economic development and community empowerment.

However, we were surprised to discover how deeply personal motivations, such as the passion of Grupo Porres’ leaders, can drive impactful initiatives. This challenged our assumption that business leaders are primarily focused on profitability. We learned that genuine compassion can influence corporate strategy and operational practices in meaningful ways. The story of Grupo Porres prompted us to reflect on our values and how they could influence our future business decisions. We began to consider the potential for our careers to align with social good and how we might implement similar initiatives in our future workplaces.

Moreover, this reflection led us to question our own knowledge gaps regarding sustainable business practices. While we had a theoretical understanding of social responsibility, we had not previously considered the practical applications in real-world scenarios to the extent that Grupo Porres demonstrated. The notion that businesses can be a force for good was reinforced as we considered examples of companies that prioritize their social impact alongside financial returns. It became clear that fostering an environment of collaboration and community engagement is essential to achieving long-term sustainability and social impact.

Now what: Moving forward, we feel inspired to integrate social good into our future business practices. We envision ourselves as business professionals who prioritize community engagement and sustainable practices, much like Grupo Porres. This reflection has made us more aware of the social responsibilities we will hold in our future careers, encouraging us to seek out innovative solutions that not only generate profit but also contribute positively to society. We believe that our education has equipped us with the tools to create meaningful change, and we are committed to applying this knowledge in our future endeavors.

We also recognize that there are challenges to implementing such socially responsible practices. It will be essential for us to advocate for the importance of balancing profit with purpose in our future workplaces. As we step into our careers, we will strive to be the kind of leaders who can inspire our teams to embrace a culture of social responsibility. By championing initiatives that support education and healthcare access, we hope to contribute to a more equitable society, similar to what Grupo Porres is achieving in Mexico.

Additionally, we are inspired to continue our education on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. We plan to engage with organizations and networks that focus on social innovation, allowing us to learn from others who are also committed to making a difference. By staying informed about best practices and emerging trends in sustainable business, we can ensure that we remain effective advocates for social good throughout our careers.

In conclusion, this AIM2Flourish experience has profoundly shaped our understanding of the role of business in society. We have learned that companies can be powerful agents of change, driving progress toward a more sustainable and equitable world. Our reflections on Grupo Porres’ story have not only reinforced our academic knowledge but also inspired us to take concrete steps toward integrating social responsibility into our future careers. As we move forward, we are excited to explore ways to apply these insights in our professional lives, always striving to uphold the principles of empathy, collaboration, and community engagement that are essential for fostering a better world.

Individual Reflection

Galih Gerhana: 

As a part of this virtual team, I found the experiential activity to be both eye-opening and a bit tough. Working through our different cultural backgrounds meant we had to approach our discussions with open minds and respect for each other’s viewpoints. The communication hiccups we faced—especially with all the time zones—we had to navigate really put our coordination skills to the test. But, in facing these tough spots, we all learned to be more flexible and adaptable as a group.

For example, scheduling meetings across various time zones sometimes meant late nights or early mornings for some of us, but this shared commitment showed just how dedicated we were to the project. We also made a strong effort to really listen to one another, which not only helped bridge our cultural differences but also made our conversations richer and our results better. In spite of the challenges, the wins we celebrated together and the insights we gained from one another were truly rewarding. Overall, this experience made me appreciate the importance of diverse perspectives and good communication in a virtual setting, and it’s equipped me with skills that will definitely come in handy in the future.

Mahlatji Phomelelo Mashikara: 

Upon examining the story of Grupo Porres and their initiative “Creating Culture, Transforming Lives,” I was deeply moved by their commitment to addressing the educational needs of rural communities in Mexico. The establishment of educational centers aimed at providing basic education and digital literacy to children of agricultural workers resonated with me. I felt a sense of hope and admiration for the proactive approach taken by Grupo Porres to tackle systemic barriers that hinder access to essential. This initiative connects closely with my academic knowledge about sustainability and the triple bottom line as a student doing BSc in Agriculture,which emphasizes the importance of social equity alongside economic success.Reflecting on this experience has profoundly influenced my perspective on the responsibilities I will carry as a future business leader and how to diversify well with my team considering we had hiccups with communication as group 6 because of different time zone, but at the end with good communication we ended up working well together. I now recognize that prioritizing social impact alongside financial success is crucial for sustainable business practices. This exercise has inspired me to seek opportunities that align with these values, focusing on initiatives that support underserved communities. I plan to advocate for social responsibility in my future career and actively engage in projects that contribute positively to society.

Zoe Reynoso Ayala:

As a part of this project, I found that being in charge of an interview is not as easy as I had first thought. The responsibility to get the information for my team and I but also maintaining a good flow was hard to manage at times. But in the interview I also regained hope for the world. Knowing a good company like Grupo Porres is helping out the community, they have re-open my passion for sustainability. Another difficult task to navigate was to aggre on a set time for everyone. Being that had different time zones, it became difficult as we had different activités to do. I believe that this will not be my last time having this struggle, so I appreciate getting some practice.

Nadya Zulfa Nafis:

As part of this project, I discovered a lot of new experiential activities. We already know that we come from different backgrounds, we have to approach our discussions and respect each other. I think it wasn’t as easy as I thought at first, because I had to set a time for the meeting. It could be morning in my time, but it could be evening in their time, I had to discuss it properly with my team. I also learned how the business looks like in different countries, how the business works, and how we make the better decisions. Furthermore, I learned that I have to be balanced for the participation, when others are speaking, full engange by listening, showing interest, it can build the trust and shows your value to their contributions. But I really grateful for this, I can make new relations from it and really appreciate for my team contributions.

Ntswaki Modisha: 

As I reflect on my experience in the COIL program, I realize that it has been a transformative journey that has broadened my perspectives and fostered personal growth. Through collaborative projects and interactions with international peers, I gained valuable insights into diverse cultural, academic, and professional approaches. One key takeaway for me was the importance of effective communication and adaptability in a global context. I learned to navigate language barriers, time zones, and varying work styles to achieve common goals. This experience has prepared me to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.the COIL program helped me develop a more nuanced understanding of as seen through the lens of different cultures and expertise. This has enriched my academic pursuits and sparked new research interests.

Alessandra Flores:

It was a difficult but rewarding experience to collaborate on an online project with students from other universities, highlighting the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and cultural awareness. We had to modify our methods and make use of scheduling tools in order to navigate different communication styles and time zones, which enhanced our time management and responsibility. In addition to extending our methods to problem-solving, the range of opinions helped me to appreciate and respect other points of view, which improved my ability to work with others. This study demonstrated how empathy and flexibility are critical for collaboration in a world that is becoming more interconnected by the day.