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Raimundo Espinoza

Class of 2004
Environmental Studies, BA

Recognized as one of 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action in 2022 from the Sachamama organization, Raimundo Espinoza ’04 is also the founder and executive director of Conservación ConCiencia (a play on words, meaning “Conservation with Science and Conservation with a Conscience”), where he brings his extensive experience in marine conservation and natural resource management.

What was it like to receive such an honor? How is it meaningful to you?

Being recognized by the Sachamama organization is an incredible honor and overwhelmingly meaningful because I’ve dedicated my career and a great part of my life to making a positive impact, and being recognized in this way lets me know I’m on the right path. Being included on this list with so many talented people making our world a better place is a high point in my professional life.

What motivated you to start your own non-profit and in what ways do you wish to affect change?

The idea of starting my own environmental organization began during my second year at Pace, and the idea just kept developing throughout the years. I ultimately created Conservación ConCiencia because I saw an opportunity to implement sustainable conservation actions that placed people at the heart of environmental protection, so that frontline communities could participate, lead, and benefit not only from the end result of conservation, but also from the process. The organization is dedicated to environmental research and conservation that promotes sustainable development by working in collaboration with communities, NGOs, governments, academia, and the private sector.

You graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Pace University. What attracted you to pursue this course of study?

A very simple idea that any place in nature, be it a mountain, a forest, or a beach could be my office, my workplace.

The Environmental Studies program at Pace required courses in environmental ethics, economics, and policy, and the interdisciplinary approach was something very unique for me when I was comparing it to other undergraduate programs.

Why did you choose to enroll at Pace University?

I was looking at many schools, but the Environmental Studies program at Pace really called out to me. I didn’t want to be a biology or other science major, and, although the Environmental Studies program at Pace did require me to take a lot of courses in the sciences, it also required those in environmental ethics, economics, and policy, and the interdisciplinary approach was something very unique for me when I was comparing it to other undergraduate programs.

How were Dyson or other faculty in the Pace community instrumental in your personal and/or professional journey?

Attending Pace was one of the best experiences I had in my life and definitely one of the best choices I have ever made. I’m deeply grateful to so many who were instrumental in my journey.

Professor George Martinez, PhD, taught Political Science in a manner that drew me in; Professor Joshua Schwartz, PhD, provided insight into amphibian behavior; Professor James Eyring provided hands-on experiences with animals; Professor Betty Torrance, PhD, gave me the opportunity to be a student aid in her Costa Rica culture and language course; instructor John Cronin showed me what it meant to be conservationist; and Professor Angelo Spillo, MPA, of the Environmental Center was also supportive.

Two professors within the Environmental Studies program had a profound impact on everything I’ve done professionally. Professor Robert Chapman, PhD, broke down conservation and environmentalism to its core philosophical components; and Professor Ghassan Karam, PhD, opened my mind to the world of sustainability and introduced me to ecological economics, one of the main reasons I pursued graduate studies in Sustainable Development at the University of Maryland.

Tell us more about your Latino heritage and how this has inspired your work.

I am from Quito, Ecuador, born and raised; however, both of my parents are from Peru and immigrated to Ecuador to raise their family. Growing up in Ecuador provided incredible experiences that would guide me to my career path. At the age of 12, I went on weekend camping trips with friends to the Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge, with condors flying above and tapirs entering our campsite; a high school trip took us to the Galápagos; and I experienced white water rafting in the Amazon, hikes in the Cloud forests of Costa Rica, and surfing on the Pacific coast. At the time, I didn’t see any of these activities as nature based; it was just part of life, and this was one of the main factors that drew me into a conservation career. Being Latino has inspired much of my work because nature plays such a critical role in our diverse Latino cultures by providing an abundance of joy through places that are sacred, that are used for recreation, that have provided for our cuisines to flourish, and so much more.

What advice would you give to our students as they navigate their undergraduate academic life?

Explore the courses you have at your disposal and use your elective courses to step outside your comfort zone into interest areas that provide you different perspectives into other fields you might potentially be interested in. Your electives can be used to create a minor outside your major’s subject, and you’ll have a broader knowledge base that will serve you in the long run. During this moment, your daytime job is to learn, a privilege that does not occur often in life. Enjoy your time at Pace.

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Olenka Besaga

Class of 2023, 2024

Economics, BA
Political Science, BA
Applied Quantitative Economic Analysis and Policy, MS

How did you become interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in both Economics and Political Science? What attracted you to the master’s in Applied Quantitative Economic Analysis and Policy (AQEAP) as part of a combined degree program?

I became interested in studying both economics and political science because I wanted to learn more about how economic and political theory and decisions interact with one another and affect society. Political choices made at the national and international levels have significant impact on economic policy, international trade, and financial institutions. By combining the two fields of study, I received a better understanding of global politics and its challenges.

I was attracted to the AQEAP program because I was excited to get a deeper understanding in economics and guidance in my potential future career, and what I am most interested in, which is data analysis and research. So far, I have learned so much and applied so many skills and the knowledge of economics to my day-to-day life, as well as impressed many people on my internship interviews, especially when I mention the projects I’ve worked on as a student.

What internships have you had as a student?

I have worked for an international trading company as a financial analyst and the Nassau County Department of Assessment as a data analyst. This summer of 2023, I was fortunate enough to work for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as an asset management intern. Throughout my time at Pace, I have also worked as a teaching assistant for University 101 so that I may motivate young, future economists.

What activities and organizations have you been involved with as a student?

I have been involved in a number of activities and organizations at Pace. One is the Political Science Society (PSS), which I joined when I was a freshman in 2020. I was difficult at first because everything at the time was on Zoom, but I was motivated to meet new people who shared similar interests. I so enjoyed being a part of PSS that I served as president until I became a full-time graduate student. That role helped me learn what it takes to be a leader and work and cooperate with other people. I also was part of the Economics Society and Women in Economics. I really loved these experiences, as I developed a positive community with my classmates who share the same passions and goals.

“I have learned so much and applied so many skills and the knowledge of economics to my day-to-day life, as well as impressed many people on my internship interviews, especially when I mention the projects I’ve worked on as a student.”

What challenges have you overcome and are proud of? What inspires you?

I'm proud of putting myself out there in regard to opportunities, including networking, that, as a freshman, was outside of my comfort zone. One of my proudest moments was when I represented England at the World Congress on Undergraduate Research at Warwick University in April 2023. This opportunity taught me to be confident in who I am and in my knowledge and skills, and to never underestimate or compare myself to others. I also overcame my fear of public speaking, knowing that this would benefit me in the long run. I am very grateful for that opportunity, and my economics professors who believed in me.

As a first-generation college student (my parents immigrated from Ukraine over 25 years ago), I’m inspired by my family, who have motivated me to work hard. They have always been there and sacrificed so much; as a way to thank them, everything I do is for them. I am also inspired and empowered to work hard to represent Ukraine, my second home, and for my family there.

How were Dyson or other faculty instrumental in your personal and/or professional journey?

The entire Economics department faculty impacted me the most in my experiences as a student because they treated me like family and were always there for me when I needed help with an economics question or a code in STATA, R or in Python. Even professors I have never taken courses with would be more than happy to help me. I really appreciate all that they do for me and my peers. I want to specifically thank Professor Anna Shostya, PhD, for guiding me since I was a first semester freshman and providing me with such amazing opportunities at Pace. She helped me challenge myself and she always believed in me.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I complete my master’s in Applied Quantitative Economic Analysis and Policy, I aim to work in data analysis and research in economics.

What advice would you give to students?

The most important advice I can give students is to connect with your professors and talk to them about career goals and plans. It is never too early to think ahead and start applying for internships that may interest you. The more experience you gain, the better opportunities you’ll receive in the future. Always network and meet new people!