Raquel was born in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico, as the eldest daughter and granddaughter on both
sides of her family. Her early years were spent in Zacatecas before her family relocated back to Morelos.
From a young age, Raquel had a passion for math, which solidified in her teenage years during Math
Olympiad training sessions. This experience led her to pursue a degree in mathematics at the
Universidad de Guanajuato. She later began a master’s program at CIMAT but transitioned to Stony
Brook University in New York to complete her PhD. Her career has taken her to various cities, including
Mexico City, Berkeley, Oaxaca, and currently, Guanajuato. Outside of her professional life, Raquel enjoys
reading literature, dancing, singing, and listening to podcasts in different languages. She identifies as an
introvert.

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She has extensively been engaged with the mathematical community through her involvement in
organizing and participating in various mathematical activities. She has co-organized over 25 significant
events, including the Oaxacan Colloquium on Mathematics, two special sessions at the Congress of the
Mexican Mathematical Society, a special session at the Joint Mathematics Meetings (JMM), a special
session at PRIMA in Vancouver, a winter research mathematics school at IMATE-Oaxaca, and a
workshop at the Banff International Research Station (BIRS).

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In her teaching career, she has instructed thirteen undergraduate courses in mathematics, five graduate
courses, and a minicourse at the Escuela de Matemáticas de América Latina y el Caribe (EMALCA). She
has also supervised a postdoctoral researcher, two master’s students, and six undergraduates who
participated in a Mexican version of Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs). Additionally, she
has served as a committee member for at least ten theses across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral
levels. Her outreach includes delivering over 110 talks since 2012, including a general public lecture at
the Night of the Stars.

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Her commitment to the mathematical community extends beyond her professional work. In her spare
time, she volunteers to translate for Latinx and Hispanics in Mathematical Sciences and for the Snapshots
of Modern Mathematics project from Oberwolfach (this last one with her friend and mathematician Areli
Vázquez Juárez).

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Her research focuses on Riemannian Geometry and Geometric Analysis. In January 2024, she was
honored with the Young Mathematician IMSA Prize, which recognizes outstanding achievements by
young mathematicians working in Latin America. This award specifically acknowledges the contributions
of a woman mathematician under the age of 45 who has made significant strides in the field over the past
five years.

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“Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time for me to celebrate and learn about the diverse contributions
of Hispanics. Despite our significant presence in the U.S., our achievements are often underrecognized.
This month provides a valuable opportunity to honor our heritage, recognize our accomplishments, and
foster a greater appreciation for our rich cultural history.”

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