July 2 is important. It is the day former president of Mexico Vicente Fox was born, it is the day he was elected into office and it was the day he married his wife, Marta Sahagún de Fox.

Marta Fox called July 2, 2001, a very special day for the couple. It marks her husband’s political victory and represents key moments throughout her life.

Marta Fox spoke at the Empowerment of Women through Leadership & Education luncheon Wednesday, filling the Harper Center Ballroom.

“When we campaigned for the second time we had the courage to say, ‘I did it.’ And now we have democracy. And now we have freedom,” she said.

But Marta Fox did not want to be called the first lady once her husband was appointed president.

She opted to play a key role in her husband’s campaign and the government.

“I did not want to be the decoration of the presidential house,” she said. “So I went out and worked.”

She is the first woman to act as the federal government’s spokeperson and was heavily criticized for that role. Marta Fox said she turned to her conscience to overcome obstacles.

“I don’t think there is anything better than going to bed knowing that you have done what you need to do,” she said.

And on her relationship with Vicente, Marta said, “Never, never walk behind him. Always walk beside him.”

As the president of the Vamos Mexico Foundation, Marta supports an array of social causes, including poverty, access to health care and education.

Yesenia Romero, an Omaha South High student and member of Latina Unidas, said she was inspired by Marta’s talk.

“She’s showing us that we can be great leaders,” she said.

The talk was sponsored by the Business School and other organizations. Deborah Wells, associate dean for Graduate Programs, said Marta is the embodiment of social responsibility.

“She has triggered a social movement,” Wells said at the luncheon. “I personally believe that Marta’s many achievements empower women.”

Marta said she believes education and health care are key to promoting opportunity.

She also said violence is something that can’t be tolerated – whether it’s physical, spoken or written.

She also said emotional growth must be promoted in children.

“What they learn is not to feel – to be happy, sad, fearful. That’s terrible. When we do not allow our young children to feel, we are just wishing them to be addicted,” she said.

The luncheon ended with an unplanned visit by Marta’s husband, Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico. Fox said a few words about his wife’s passion.

“Politicians rarely used the word ‘love,'” he said.

“You gain respect with love. That’s the way we want to work. That’s how we want to work with you.”

Fox ended by echoing the same invitation his wife relayed to the audience, “You are all welcome to come to the ranch. There is lots of room, there are lots of enchiladas and a bit of tequilla.”