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Pallet C e nt ral • S e ptem be r- O ctobe r 2 0 26 17 Celebrating María José Martínez's Completion Of The US International Visitor Leadership Program W oodpack Global is proud to celebrate María José Martínez—CEO of El Martillo Pallet Experience, President of the Mexico & LATAM Chapter, and a valued member of our association—on her successful completion of the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). SPOTLIGHT María José was nominated and selected by the US Embassy in Mexico to join IVLP Freedom 250: Agricultural Innovation and Technology, a special 2026 edition marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. is milestone edition was the largest in the program's history, bringing together an unprecedented number of international visitors, an honor reserved for current and emerging leaders who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and leadership within their industries and communities. e International Visitor Leadership Program is the US Department of State's premier professional exchange initiative. Since its founding in 1940, the program has connected more than 230,000 international leaders with their American counterparts through carefully designed professional exchanges across the United States. Participants are nominated exclusively by US embassies and consulates around the world; there is no public application process. From June 20 to July 11, María José traveled through Washington, DC; Louisville; Indianapolis; and Philadelphia, engaging with government officials, private sector leaders, researchers, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to exchange best practices, explore innovative approaches to shared challenges, and build lasting international partnerships. e experience combines professional meetings, site visits, workshops, leadership development, and cultural activities designed to foster collaboration and mutual understanding. Reflecting on her experience, María José shared the following: "My greatest takeaway from the IVLP was realizing that innovation has the greatest impact when it brings people together. By connecting agriculture, agroforestry, science, and public service, we can build more resilient communities, protect natural resources, and create sustainable opportunities for future generations. That is the vision I am commied to advancing in Mexico." María José's participation reflects not only her personal commitment to leadership and innovation but also the growing recognition of Mexico's contributions to sustainable industry, community development, and international collaboration. Her involvement has strengthened professional networks, expanded the exchange of knowledge, and surfaced innovative practices that can benefit businesses and communities throughout the region. On behalf of everyone at Woodpack Global, we congratulate María José on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to the insights and experiences she brings back from this unique exchange.