Juliana Chala Ortega is a LATAM Senior Engineer Packaging Sustainability - Mars Snackings, where she leads packaging sustainability initiatives across Latin America. Her work focuses on advancing circular packaging solutions, including increasing recycled content, improving packaging recyclability, and integrating regulatory and quality requirements into packaging development.

With experience in innovation, sustainability, and packaging materials management, Juliana collaborates with cross-functional teams to accelerate the transition toward a circular economy, balancing performance, regulatory compliance, business viability, and sustainability goals. Her approach is grounded in collaboration, science, and continuous improvement, contributing to Mars' commitment to creating a positive impact for people, pets, and the planet.

Luz Elena Aristizábal Alviar is the Familia Foundation Lead. She is an Environmental Engineer with a  Master of Arts in Environmental Legislation, Master of Science in Environmental Management. She has 15 years of experience in the circular economy and sustainability sector, leading process to understand and increase recyclable materials in the supply chain, working with industries, governments and waste pickers in the formalized process in Colombia and Latin America.

Roberto Llano is Commercial Director at Evertis Mexico and has more than 22 years of experience in food and industrial packaging. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in packaging applications, materials, and solutions, supporting clients in the selection and implementation of efficient and innovative alternatives.

English Version :

Mr. Eduardo Solano is a Professional with 6 years of experience in circular economy models. He has worked with companies across various sectors, including manufacturing, consumer goods, agribusiness, and the chemical industry, in designing national-level strategies aimed at maximizing the value of products throughout the value chain through initiatives such as:
 
• Structuring strategic partnerships.
• Developing waste recovery and valorization programs.
• Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
• Developing reverse logistics models and applying ecodesign principles.
• Incorporating recyclable and recycled materials into production processes.
 
Spanish version :
El Sr. Eduardo Solano es un profesional con 6 años de experiencia en modelos de economía circular. Ha trabajado con empresas de diversos sectores, incluyendo manufactura, bienes de consumo, agroindustria y la industria química, en el diseño de estrategias a nivel nacional orientadas a maximizar el valor de los productos a lo largo de la cadena de valor mediante iniciativas como:
 
• Estructuración de alianzas estratégicas.
• Programas de recuperación y valorización de residuos.
• Implementación de esquemas de Responsabilidad Extendida del Productor.
• Desarrollo de modelos de logística inversa y aplicación de principios de ecodiseño.
• Incorporación de materiales reciclables y reciclados en procesos productivos

Jade Manzano Kuri is Corporate Strategy Manager at Evertis, focusing on strategic partnerships, key corporate relationships, and sustainability initiatives. She has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and cross-sector collaboration. Prior to Evertis, she worked with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), leading strategic partnerships with the private and public sectors.

Jade holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Resolution, Crisis and Program Management from Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Universidad de las Américas Puebla.

Ksenia Portnova has served as Deputy Director of Sustainability at Walmart de México y Centroamérica since 2021. In this role, she is responsible for leading the company’s sustainability agenda and driving strategies aimed at transforming Walmart into a regenerative business, through emissions reduction, natural resource conservation, sustainable sourcing, zero-waste and recycling programs, all aligned with the company’s environmental commitments and long-term sustainability goals.

Throughout her career, Ksenia has worked in various finance-related functions, including budgeting, sales and cost analysis, and auditing, at Walmart de México, Mattel, Philip Morris International, and Deloitte.

Ksenia holds a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in International Business from Saint Petersburg State University, Russia. She also earned a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.

Dr. German Ruiz Mendez is the Director General for Sustainable Urban Environmental Development and Performance,
Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) of the Mexican government.

Germán Ruiz Méndez holds a Ph.D. in Political and Social Sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), a Master’s degree in Government and Public Affairs, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration. He has built a solid career in public policy design, particularly at the municipal and federal levels, having worked with institutions such as the National Institute for Federalism and Municipal Development (INAFED), the Secretary of Government, the Secretary of Health, the Secretary of Public Education, and SEMARNAT.

He was awarded 3rd Place in the INAP 2017 Prize for his doctoral research on local development models, and he has served as a lecturer and speaker both in Mexico and abroad. In addition, he actively participates in academic networks such as IGLOM, INAP, SOMECE, and REMINEO.

His current work focuses on the implementation of the National Waste Policy and the Circular Economy, leading the Directorate-General for Sustainable Urban Environmental Development and Performance at SEMARNAT. Under his leadership, key programs for integrated waste management have been promoted, positioning him as a leading voice in Mexico’s transition toward more sustainable systems.