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, the establishment of conservation programs for endangered species such as the Yellow-eared Parrot and the creation of a fund to support the children of the town of Jardín, Antioquia.
Melisa has actively contributed to sustainability research; her bachelor thesis explored the relationship between sustainability and financial performance in Colombian companies. 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. Melisa's growing passion for building sustainable logistics networks powered by renewable energy aligns closely with her interest in agriculture and food systems, inspiring her to establish an organization that makes a meaningful impact in 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, combined with a life shaped by water, has deepened her commitment to ocean conservation and instilled in her a profound appreciation for every living being within it.
Melisa's MScSM Internship: Loblaw
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