By: Gabriela Sánchez
Esther, first of all, thank you for granting me this interview.
Beyond the pleasure, what a delight it is to meet a woman grounded in values—fierce, disciplined, devoted to her work and ideals, but above all, someone who, throughout her short life, has managed to position herself as an outstanding labor attorney, advising all types of companies with a special presence in the maritime field. With your own law firm, Uribe Abogados—founded by your father, Miguel Uribe, 50 years ago—you have broken the glass ceiling in ways very few have, and disruption has become a part of your life.
At just 4 years old, you began playing golf. Throughout your golfing career, you stood out even above major business leaders you played with for years—and not only did you play with them… you beat them! Tell us, what did you learn from them, and what has been your greatest lesson from all those rounds of golf?
EU: From a very young age I had the opportunity to play with people much older than me, including highly successful entrepreneurs. Growing up in that environment shaped me profoundly and influenced the woman and professional I am today. Beyond the competition—and the fact that I often managed to beat them—what I truly took away from those games was the importance of listening before speaking, observing before acting, and learning from every experience.
I believe the most valuable lesson they gave me was understanding that serenity, patience, and the ability to think strategically—both on and off the course—can open doors far beyond sports.
You were always intellectually ahead of the rest, which clearly set you apart from your university classmates. To what do you attribute this?
EU: Well… I guess someone had to raise the class average. Haha.
The truth is, I’ve always been quite the nerd—by vocation, not by accident. Since I was little, I loved learning, asking questions, diving into everything—books, projects, challenges—so more than being “superior,” I was simply very curious… and pretty intense about the things that interested me.
I was one of those happy nerds who enjoy studying or solving things. So yes: I definitely had more accumulated study hours. My secret is basically a lot of discipline… and a pinch of perfectionism.
Esther, tell us—what was your experience like? Not just anyone is admitted to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), one of the most important academic institutions in the world.
EU: It was during the peak of COVID. Even so, it was an incredible experience. MIT is a place full of people like me: nerds who are intense about learning. I learned so much, but the most valuable part was the people I met. I made friendships that I still keep today, and with whom I continue sharing ideas, projects, and of course, a couple of creative professional “crazy” ideas from time to time.
What would you tell younger generations about being a high-performance athlete while staying grounded—and at the same time an unstoppable student? And of all the universities you attended, at which did you feel the most fulfilled, and why?
EU: Sports have been a fundamental part of my life and who I am. They are deeply formative, and although not everyone aims to be a high-performance athlete, I would definitely recommend practicing a sport. Any sport—but with discipline. Resilience, consistency, and mental strength gained through sports can’t be replicated elsewhere. And in my case, golf taught me humility—a value that, for me, must always be present in any stage or project of life.
Regarding my studies, I’ve felt fulfilled at both universities for different reasons. Each gave me something unique. But without a doubt, Ibero gave me the foundation and roots for what I do today. I had extraordinary professors who, although very demanding at the time and pushed me to my limits, I deeply value today and still stay in touch with. I’m grateful to have had that guidance; it made a big difference in my path.
What drives your passion for your professional career and your experience in the labor field?
EU: Without a doubt, my profession has been a constant challenge, but also a deep source of fulfillment. As an attorney and labor advisor, I am passionate about translating the law and the legal world into something accessible for my clients. My goal is for them to never see the legal field as a burden, but as a space where they feel supported, safe, and understood.
I am driven by commitment to client service: being present, solving problems, guiding, and making each person feel backed—especially in the most complex moments. I’m not afraid to face difficult situations; on the contrary, I find purpose in walking alongside my clients, step by step, giving them the confidence and peace of mind they need.
Have you ever realized that you are an inspiration for women? What advice would you give to younger generations?
EU: Honestly, I’ve never seen myself as an “inspiration”; I’ve simply followed my path with discipline, curiosity, and a lot of passion. But if what I’ve lived or achieved can motivate other women, it’s an enormous honor—and something I embrace with responsibility.
My advice for younger generations would be not to fear being intense about what they love: whether it’s sports, science, art, or any dream that makes their eyes shine. Work with discipline, but also with humility, because learning never ends. And above all, allow yourselves to change, explore, and reinvent yourselves; we don’t have to fit into a single label.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the resilience of sports, curiosity, and the ability to create new paths in life are tools that can take you very far, as long as you keep your feet on the ground and your heart in what you do.
We’ve heard that at some point in your life you intended to become an actress—and you had every opportunity to do so. What made you change your mind?
EU: Yes, it’s true. For a long time, I saw myself doing something related to that world. My parents were in the industry and I grew up surrounded by that environment, so imagining myself there was natural. However, as I grew older—and maybe with a bit of “brainwash,” haha—I ended up becoming a lawyer.
Although many wouldn’t believe it, I see more similarities than differences between both professions. In the end, each case is a different stage performance: none is identical, all require preparation, creativity, and the ability to interpret the context to find the best solution. In a way, each case is a new role you must understand and execute.
That’s why I believe that, when practiced with true professionalism, both careers aren’t as far apart as they seem.
At a very young age, you served as Technical Secretary to the Attorney of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Anthropology. What did you enjoy most about your time in such an important institution?
EU: Yes! And it was truly an incredible experience. I had the opportunity to be involved in the reconstruction of Pakal’s mask, something I never imagined experiencing at such a young age. Traveling to Antigua, Guatemala, to meet the so-called “queen of jade” was fascinating; learning about the wonders, symbolism, and mysteries of this stone, as well as its enormous importance for pre-Hispanic cultures and the ancient world, was a privilege.
Without a doubt, it was a profoundly significant moment in my professional and personal life. I will always be deeply grateful to my boss at the time for giving me such a unique and formative opportunity.
In addition to leading one of the most important law firms in the country, we know that politics has also played a role in your career—you worked as Strategy Coordinator for the PRIMX movement, and just five years later you were a Federal Deputy candidate for District X, Miguel Hidalgo. Would you consider running again in the future for a political position, regardless of the party? Why or why not?
EU: What a difficult question! My first answer would be yes. I have always been deeply committed to my country and, if at some point I can contribute in a real and positive way, I would. I believe we all have a responsibility to improve our environment from wherever we stand.
However, I am also very aware of the complex moment that politics in Mexico is experiencing. It’s a worn-out and, in many ways, tarnished environment. From the professional position I currently occupy, I feel I can contribute more, build more, and generate greater impact from this trench than from within politics.
Even so, I don’t close the door. Life changes, contexts change, and if the right conditions arose in the future—and I could truly contribute with integrity and clarity of purpose—I would consider returning. For me, the important thing is not the party, but the possibility of contributing to the country honestly and effectively.
Esther Uribe is not only an extraordinary golfer and attorney, but also dedicated to philanthropy and currently the president and founding member of the Asociación La Mano Hacemos Más, in the Miguel Hidalgo district.
In short, Esther Uribe is a Mexican woman with great love for Mexico, and a defender and lover of animals.
Besides golf, philanthropy, and your firm, what are your hobbies? What brings you the most joy outside of those?
EU: Besides all of that, my biggest hobby—and what truly fills my soul—is diving. I love the feeling of being underwater. Any activity near the sea gives me life. The ocean is my point of balance: it recharges me, calms me, and brings me clarity. Whenever I can, I escape to reconnect with that place that is almost sacred to me.
I am also passionate about traveling. It has allowed me to grow culturally, learn to be more tolerant of differences, and discover the world through its gastronomy, which to me is another way of understanding the history and essence of each place.
Sometimes we think what happens to us is luck, but I’m convinced that, for the most part, we build our own reality. That’s why I deeply believe in the importance of not giving up and finding those spaces—like the ocean is for me—where we can recharge, reinvent ourselves, and continue moving forward with purpose.
Follow our networks on Statement.
images
Esther Uribe.
Share
