Montserrat Ferrer’s Story

Inspired by her Lebanese family history and her own perception of social needs within her environment, Montserrat Ferrer has emerged as a youth leader in education and social change. Her grandfather, a persevering Lebanese immigrant who established a grocery store in Tabasco in the 30s, and her grandmother, a tenacious entrepreneur who overcame adversity to open and maintain a popular restaurant even after a devastating flood, fostered in Montse a deep sense of resilience and commitment to her community.

As a child, Montse observed the streets of her city, questioning the roots of poverty and inequality. These questions became more persistent when she began to understand the story of her family, who had come to Mexico seeking a better future and had worked hard to establish themselves. This personal connection to their struggle and survival motivated her to seek solutions that could improve the lives of others in her community.

By participating in her first Model United Nations (MUN), Montse found a way to channel her passion for social change. Despite initial nerves and the challenges of public speaking, her commitment grew significantly as she interacted with the proposals in the UNICEF committee. Motivated by these challenges, she decided to bring the principles of MUN to her community, organizing workshops and debates for young people, where she taught them not only about diplomacy and international politics, but also how they could apply these skills to solve local problems.

Montse quickly attracted people to her cause. Through her efforts, she gained the support of educational and social organizations that saw in her an opportunity to positively influence new generations. Teachers and administrators at her school also supported her, providing her with platforms to lead and share her vision, which strengthened her ability to inspire and mobilize her peers.

Through her leadership in various initiatives and events, Montse has been able to raise awareness among a wide range of young audience about the importance of civic education and social activism. From giving a talk at the TEDx initiative on overcoming fear and stepping out of one's comfort zone, to leading discussions and workshops that equip young people with tools for change. Her impact continues to grow, now in her role as Secretary of Academic Committees in English at Champal College's MUN.

The road hasn’t been short of challenges. Montse has faced a lack of understanding and sometimes skepticism from some adults, who often underestimated the power and seriousness of youth initiatives. However, she has overcome these obstacles with determination and by using every opportunity to demonstrate how young people, well led and motivated, can contribute to real and effective solutions.

For Montse, being a changemaker involves integrating the lessons of leadership and perseverance she learned from her family with an empathetic and collaborative approach in all her initiatives. She firmly believes that leading by example and fostering a space where everyone feels heard and valued is essential to inspire others to join the change movement.
 

Looking to the future, Montse aspires to expand her impact, inspiring more young people to not only believe in their ability to lead, but also to take concrete action to address challenges within their own communities. With each step she takes, Montse Ferrer is building a legacy that reflects both her family's history and her own vision for a more just and equitable world.

Story written by David Mayoral, Youth and Transformative Education Leader at Ashoka.