International Spotlight: Valeria Daza Morelli, Graduate Student in SUMA Program at SPS

Which program/department are you in?

MS in Sustainability Management at Columbia’s School of Professional Studies and the Climate School.

Which country (or countries) do you come from?

Colombia.

How long have you been in the U.S.?

I've been in the U.S. for 5 months and I have loved it.

Tell us a bit about your projects/studies.

I'm a lawyer with a focus on Corporate and Commercial Law. I worked at a law firm in Colombia for almost 5 years, but I have always been passionate about environmental and sustainability issues. Having found that a very small percentage of information about the climate crisis is available in Spanish, I created an Instagram profile where I share what I learn in easy and accessible ways. I am now a second-semester Sustainability Management student, looking to acquire more knowledge and communicate it to Spanish-speaking folks, as well as to gain experience and work in sustainability-related positions.

Tell us about your research interests.

I am particularly interested in pursuing a career in Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and getting companies more involved in the fight against climate crisis

What do you like best about living in the U.S.?

The best thing so far has been the possibility to get to know my classmates in person and connect with people from all around the world. I also love walking around the different parks in New York City and watching the leaves change colors as the seasons go by.

Connect with Valeria on Instagram, LinkedIn or via email at [email protected].

Are you (or do you know) an international student, scholar, or alumni?

We’re looking to spotlight stories of academic or professional work, leadership, or personal adjustment to life at Columbia and NY in particular and the U.S. in general.

Submit our nomination form and we'll contact you with the next steps!