Mariana Hinojosa Castillo is currently a second year master’s student working on her degree in International Commerce and Development with the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of International Commerce and Diplomacy. Her study focuses are on international organizations, development, and international commerce. She also serves as an instructor for an introductory course for the Political Science Department at the University of Kentucky. Her research throughout her masters program has led her to examine topics such as how to incorporate gender perspectives into international trade frameworks and policies, as well as to study sustainable development in Latin America and Sub Saharan Africa.

Mariana holds a law degree from Tecnológico de Monterrey. Throughout her legal career, she has provided comprehensive support in international work environments, most notably at the United Nations Children's Fund’s Office of Internal Audit and Investigations as well as the Permanent Mission of Mexico to the World Trade Organization.