Before joining the Master of Public Policy (MPP) course, Dalia Grinberg was working at the intersection of public affairs and public engagement in Mexico.
From translating daily political briefings to insights for Mexico’s biggest companies in her role as a public affairs consultant to regular TV appearances to talk about politics to a wider audience every Thursday, her mission has been to help people understand and care about how politics shapes their lives.
The year before the June 2024 elections, Dalia made it her mission to get more young people engaged, giving presentations in schools and universities to helping first-time voters understand how to make their voices heard. Her efforts were grounded in a deep awareness of Mexico’s democratic fragility.
"Mexican democracy is super young. We had 70 years of one-party rule. We can’t take it for granted. If we understand what is happening in politics, we can solve a lot of big problems that are happening in Mexico — especially corruption."
Studying for a Master’s degree had long been a dream but winning a Chevening Scholarship gave her the financial support and confidence to make it happen.
“Being a Chevening Scholar gave me hope that I could do it — that it’s not impossible. It’s a leadership scholarship, and that’s what I want to do: lead change.”
One of her favourite moments at the Blavatnik School so far came in a small seminar led by Janina Dill, Professor of Global Security who she notes is “brilliant at explaining complicated concepts. There were just seven of us, and I was learning from one of the world’s leading experts.” Another highlight has been economics. “What I really liked is that we learned how micro and macroeconomics are applied to government. We had an amazing week on welfare programmes, which I think can be the most important political tool.”
She also particularly enjoyed the core module Politics of Policymaking: “I began to see that what I’d done in the real world had theory behind it — the tactics of interest groups and the impact on decision making. That will make me better at my job when I go back to Mexico”. But it was the diversity and talent of her peers that had the most lasting impact.
“It was eye-opening. I was learning how other countries do things, what I could take back. Many had already worked in government. That experience made the conversations incredibly rich.”
Dalia’s policy project over the summer will lead directly into her next role — working full time on government relations for the largest cryptocurrency company in Latin America. She is also already thinking ahead to the 2027 elections and hopes to continue her public engagement, through social media and beyond, to bring attention to the importance of democracy.
“We need big campaigns to strengthen checks and balances. On June 1st, there is a vote to elect judges and other positions in the judiciary in a controversial reform — and people don’t understand what that means. It could eliminate the only real independent checks and balances on political power that we have.”
Her advice to prospective students is clear and practical. “The worst they can say is no! Prepare and work hard. Talk with people who’ve been here. Have a plan A, B and C". One thing to remember, she adds, is that "if you are doing good things and working hard, it is achievable".
You share class with a wealth of talented individuals from all over the world who are passionate about good governance. If you are passionate about politics and government, I really think there is no better Master’s programme.”