Mario Porras

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT MARIO PORRAS

With a profound commitment to fostering U.S-Mexico relations, I have dedicated my professional journey to bridge the intricate tapestry of government affairs, border trade relations, and cross-border collaborations between El Paso, Texas, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and Doña Ana, New Mexico. As the Director of Binational Affairs at the El Paso Community Foundation since 2016, I have catalyzed initiatives that bring our communities closer together, emphasizing mutual growth and understanding, and cross-border collaborationI founded Sierra Franklin LLC, a pioneering binational business development consultancy. Through this venture, I\'ve facilitated significant business engagements across the U.S-Mexico divide, reflecting my passion for binational business development and my acumen in brokering deals that benefit companies from both sides of the border. My tenure as the Director of Special Projects for former Congressman Beto O’Rourke (TX-16) equipped me with invaluable insights into U.S-Mexico affairs and fostered pivotal district relationships with U.S. Departments like Homeland Security, State, Commerce, and Justice. These experiences further galvanized my understanding of the intricate nuances of local, state, and federal government relations in both nations.Presently, I am honored to serve as a Director at the Texas Lyceum (Class of 2021), Board Member of Sister Cities International, Progress321, and member of the Consejo de Desarrollo Económico Regional for Ciudad Juárez, and in various esteemed roles with the City of El Paso, El Paso\'s International Bridges Steering Committee, El Paso Chamber, among others. These affiliations underscore my relentless pursuit to reinforce connections and mutual understanding between the U.S. and Mexico across public, private, non-profit, and academic sectors.My overarching vision is simple yet profound: To weave a tapestry of collaboration and unity between the U.S. and Mexico, fostering partnerships that transcend borders and shape a harmonious future.