Harvard student, Mexican politician
This is one in a series of profiles showcasing some of Harvard’s stellar graduates. For the past year, Lilia Aguilar led a double life. Every week, Aguilar flew to her native Mexico to resume her political campaign to become a national congresswoman. She sold her house there to finance her whirlwind plans, while balancing studies for a master’s in public administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. “As soon as I got back to Cambridge I was the student, with a lot of papers to write, discussing issues with amazing people like Amartya Sen,” said Aguilar. “Two days later, I was in Mexico, wearing heels and suits, speaking in the media. … But I believe in putting theory to practice, so I was doing both things because I thought it was possible to bring great change to my state.” Born and raised in the northern state of Chihuahua, Aguilar grew up in cramped quarters without...