Results of Regional Coordinator Election in the NCAC Region

SGAC held elections in December 2024 to elect the next Regional Coordinator (RC) in the North, Central Americas and the Caribbean (NCAC) Region. We are happy to announce the selection of Itzel Nayeli Cortes Rocillo (Mexico) as the new Regional Coordinator for NCAC.

Detailed election results and the profile of the applicants follows.

Election Report

The election received two applications for one regional coordinator position. 

6 votes were received in the election. The election concluded with the following result:

  • Vanesa Zamudio (Mexico) – 2 votes (22.2 %)
  • Itzel Nayeli Cortes Rocillo (Mexico) – 3 votes (50%)
  • Abstained – 1 vote 16.7%

Itzel Nayeli Cortes Rocillo is therefore declared the winner of the election for Regional Coordinator of North, Central Americas and the Caribbean Region.  

SGAC congratulates all candidates who took part in this election.  Thank you for your participation and involvement.

About Itzel Nayeli Cortes Rocillo

Rocillo is originally from Tlalpan, Mexico. Holds a Law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where she earned her title with a groundbreaking research project on the legal framework for space tourism. She also holds a postgraduate degree in Intellectual Property. Her career in the space and telecommunications sectors began in 2016 with professional internships at Telecommunications of Mexico and later at the Mexican Space Agency.

Since joining the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) in 2019, Itzel has made remarkable contributions. In 2022, she was recognized as the NCAC Space Leader during the Regional Workshop at NASA’s Space Center in Houston, Texas. She subsequently served as Programming Lead for the 4th NCAC Workshop in Costa Rica and, in 2024, organized the inaugural SG Mexico event at the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics, and Electronics (INAOE).

That same year, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) awarded her the “Outstanding Talent” scholarship, allowing her to attend the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, where Rocillo presented her research on satellite internet in Mexico and the SG Mexico event. She also spoke at the 28th UNOOSA/IAF Workshop in Dubai, presenting on blockchain, and returned to UNOOSA as a delegate and ASI scholarship recipient.

Additionally, Itzel has advised the UNAM team for the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, where she has also served as a judge. She is the founder of KIBSEEK, a knowledge-intensive business service, and a dedicated advocate for recognizing women in technology.

This is what Itzel had to say about her election

“I am delighted to assume the role of Regional Coordinator, a true honour and a significant milestone in my professional journey. SGAC has been an unmatched platform for connecting with incredible people and developing impactful projects, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. With unwavering commitment, I will support the initiatives of our regional members and work to create new opportunities for SGAC’s young leaders. This is our time to shine, collaborate, and shape the future together.”