More than survival: How education and local integration empowered Roxana to rebuild her life in Mexico

In the last five years, 500,000 people have applied for asylum in Mexico, making it one of the top receiving countries in the world for people fleeing violence and persecution. UNHCR works closely with the Mexican Government, local partners and the private sector to provide protection, legal assistance and integration support to refugees looking to build a new life in Mexico. UNHCR aims to facilitate a pathway to local integration that gives refugees a fresh start, through initiatives such as targeted education scholarships for refugees seeking to complete or re-certify their studies, whilst companies in Mexico can both contribute to and benefit from refugees’ resilience and talent. 

We spoke with Roxana, a refugee from Venezuela who settled in Mexico in 2018, to learn about her journey from displacement to a new beginning at KPMG Mexico. 

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My name is Roxana, and I’m from Maracaibo in northwestern Venezuela. Seven years ago, I was in my second year at university studying accounting when I was forced to flee. The situation in Venezuela was very tense, with protests, strikes and repression. I left the country and decided to come to Mexico, where my brother was living at the time. 

Coming to Mexico was a very big decision, with a lot of uncertainty. Acquiring my refugee status was the longest journey of all. It took 3 years in total, with the Covid-19 pandemic creating delays, among other things. But I did not give up. 

The power of education 

When I first arrived in Guanajuato, studying was my main objective. I knocked on the door of the University of Guanajuato, and they were not sure how to handle my case. They sent me from office to office. In the end, I was able to register two days before the deadline. That process was very stressful for me – I did not know what was going to happen or whether I would be allowed to study.  

“My brother is the one who showed me the importance of education. He has always looked out for me, encouraging me to keep moving forward. He told me: ‘You are young; now is the time. You have to make the most of it.’ He is my role model.” 

During my third semester, I applied for the DAFI scholarship programme – UNHCR’s flagship higher education programme – and was accepted. It felt like a breath of fresh air. I could finally work less hours and focus more on my studies. Before the scholarship, I was struggling to balance my accounting degree with a position in a coffee shop. I worked long hours, trying to support myself as well as my family back home, and my grades were suffering. I even considered taking a break from studying for a while. Getting the DAFI scholarship was such a relief. 

“The scholarship gave me confidence, hope and the certainty that it is possible to rebuild your life even after going through difficult experiences like displacement.” 

UNHCR’s DAFI programme transformed my life. Beyond the financial support, the scholarship provided me with the stability that I needed focus on my academic development and advance my career. After my graduation, I felt that I not only had a degree but also the necessary tools to apply for competitive jobs, like the one I currently hold at KPMG Mexico. 

Building my career at KMPG Mexico 

I currently work at KPMG Mexico, and I have been with the firm for a year and a half. I started as an auditor and was recently promoted. I participate in financial audits for clients from different sectors, reviewing processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and contributing to the transparency of organisations.  

What I enjoy most about my role is the constant learning and the opportunity to work with diverse teams. Each new project is a fresh challenge that forces me to grow professionally. Knowing the work we do has a real impact on the trust and sustainability of the companies we collaborate with really motivates me. 

Looking to the future, I hope to continue to grow professionally within the auditing field and consolidate my career at an international firm like KPMG. I am interested in strengthening my technical knowledge and specialising in specific sectors. In the long term, my goal is to take on greater leadership opportunities and evolve into a well-rounded professional who can eventually mentor and train others. I also want to give back to social initiatives that support refugee students like me.  

Local integration is the key 

Guanajuato has welcomed me completely. The people have helped me. Day by day, I learned more about the culture here and integrated more and more. I feel at home here, and I hope to stay. 

Integrating refugees is not just about offering food or shelter; it’s about providing us with the opportunity to rebuild our lives.  

“When a refugee can study, work and actively participate in their community, they become a driver of development, not only for themselves but also for the society that hosts them.” 

Supporting local integration means recognising the talent, resilience and potential contribution of each refugee. And the positive impacts are clear – social cohesion, cultural diversity, benefits to the local economy and more. In my case, the opportunity to fully integrate allowed me to achieve goals that once seemed impossible, and today I am a testament that investing in the integration of refugees generates real and lasting benefits for everyone. 

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UNHCR supports refugees in Mexico not only to survive but to thrive. From psychosocial support to employment to protecting vulnerable communities, colleagues assist people forced to flee throughout their journeys, providing immediate aid and empowering individuals and families in the long term. 

Major international cuts to humanitarian aid are jeopardising UNHCR Mexico’s ability to sustain this extraordinary impact. To continue to make refugee inclusion viable in Mexico, UK for UNHCR is working in partnership with businesses and the UK Government on a coordinated response. Our ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable solutions for refugees that end the cycle of displacement.  

To learn more about how your business can get involved, please contact Tom McKenzie, Head of Corporate Partnerships at [email protected].