As a Fulbright Scholar with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Public University of Uruguay, Luciana Figliolo had no shortage of master’s programs interested in recruiting her. After talking with other colleges, she quickly determined she was destined to be a Ram.
“Being so far away from family, community is important,” she says. “These other colleges gave me a great opportunity, but didn’t approach me with a warm heart like CSU.”
Figliolo used her warm welcome as a launch pad to pursue changes in the clean energy market while earning an MBA from the College of Business’ Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise program. Her GSSE team identified existing gaps in the solar energy market that often put renewable energy out of the reach of everyday energy consumers who don’t purchase large amounts of energy.
Figliolo and her team worked on strategies that help small businesses, renters and low-income individuals gain access to a cleaner and more affordable source of energy. They focused on leveraging benefits of community solar programs that eliminate the requirement for individual rooftop panels, and reduce the overall cost of solar energy.
When she returns to Uruguay after graduation, Figliolo takes with her more than the knowledge and experience in creating environmentally and economically sustainable enterprises; she carries a broader worldview as well. As part of her path through the University, she was exposed to global cultures and customs that she never would have encountered in her native Uruguay.
“You understand that the core values of human beings are the same. We all laugh at the same things,” she says. “The professional and international network that I found here would have been impossible without this opportunity. The stay here gave me the opportunity to grow not only as a professional, but immensely as a human being.”
