New Leadership for Women's Secretariat

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on June 15 that Senator Laura Itzel Castillo will become the next head of Mexico's Secretariat for Women. The announcement came during the morning briefing at National Palace, marking a leadership change at the federal agency that was established at the start of Sheinbaum's administration.

Castillo will formally take the position once she completes her term as president of the Senate Steering Committee, a role she holds through August. In the interim, the secretariat remains under the direction of subsecretarial Ingrid Gómez, according to La Jornada. This transition follows the recent departure of Citlalli Hernández as part of broader cabinet reshuffling.

The Secretariat's Role

The Women's Secretariat coordinates critical federal policy on gender equality across Mexico. Its portfolio includes violence prevention programs, workplace equality initiatives, justice access, and the network of LIBRE Centers operating in all 32 states.

Who is Laura Itzel Castillo?

Castillo, an architect who graduated from UNAM, is the daughter of social leader Heberto Castillo. Her career spans legislative and administrative posts at multiple government levels. She served as Secretary of Energy during Felipe Calderón's presidency, held a federal deputy seat, and currently represents Mexico City in the Senate, according to Ejecentral.

In statements to La Jornada, Castillo pledged to continue President Sheinbaum's agenda, emphasizing that the immediate challenge is strengthening programs on the ground. Publimetro reported that her cabinet appointment will be formalized in September, following her successor's swearing-in at the Senate.

Timeline and Next Steps

The transition allows continuity as the secretariat approaches its one-year anniversary in October. Over the coming months, Castillo will define programmatic priorities for presentation to Congress during negotiations over the 2027 budget package and schedule executive branch appearances before lawmakers.

Sources