IN SHORT

Successful businessman and serial entrepreneur José Ignacio Ávalos has dedicated his life to alleviating inequality and helping children and vulnerable communities through ventures like Gente Nueva, Un Kilo de Ayuda, and Compartamos, today known as Gentera. These organizations have spawned offshoots outside Mexico and across Latin America, helping the most vulnerable members of our society. But despite the international appeal and contribution of his work, he admits that his true passion is Mexico. “Mexico is my family,” he says. “It’s hard for me to look abroad having so many needs and bills to pay here in Mexico.”