Bachelor of Administrative Engineer • EIA University of Medellin
Bio
Melisa graduated with a degree in Administrative Engineering from the EIA University of Medellín. Throughout her academic journey, she developed a strong passion for sustainability. After graduating, she pursued a certificate in Sustainable Leadership from the University of Oxford, as well as a course in Project Management.
Her interest in sustainability began early when she accompanied her father through their family-owned farms, which exported fruit. There, she learned the importance of equity and transparency in worker relations, as well as the need for environmental stewardship through practices like circular economy and regenerative agriculture.
These experiences inspired Melisa to launch sustainability initiatives at Jardín Exotics, where she contributed to the implementation of solar panels, the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices, and the establishment of conservation programs for endangered species such as the Yellow-eared Parrot. She also created a fund to support the children of the town of Jardín, Antioquia.
Melisa has actively contributed to sustainability research. Her thesis explored the relationship between sustainability and financial performance in Colombian companies. She also played a key role in founding the first energy community in the El Salvador neighborhood of Colombia. Additionally, she collaborated with the University of Hoffenheim in Germany on a feasibility study for a biorefinery project in Colombia. Throughout these endeavors, Melisa worked with frameworks like ESG standards, sustainability indices such as the Dow Jones, the SDGs, and Doughnut Economics.
Following graduation, Melisa transitioned to the field of international logistics, where she applied her expertise in areas like sales, critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience. She became increasingly interested in building sustainable logistics networks powered by renewable energy, an area she remains passionate about. Along with regenerative agriculture, Melisa aspires to establish an organization that can contribute to one of these sectors.
In her free time, Melisa enjoys reading a wide range of books. She is particularly inspired by a quote from Bill Gates, who believes that our dreams are fueled by the books we read. At the age of 10, reading Who Moved My Cheese? taught her one of the most valuable lessons of her life: change is inevitable, but the way we respond to it and make the most of it is what matters most.
In addition to her love of reading, Melisa is a dedicated athlete. She was a member of the Colombian national teams for swimming and underwater rugby. Through sports, she learned the importance of sacrifice, discipline, and perseverance in achieving success. Her love for the ocean and its creatures has further fueled her commitment to ocean conservation. Her life, shaped by water, has instilled in her a deep appreciation for every living creature within it.
Melisa's MScSM Internship: Loblaw
(Download full poster here)