I have been the Director of the Sustainability Office at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) since 2018, and part of the university’s sustainability efforts since 2012. With a background in Business Engineering and a Master’s in Urban Development, I lead initiatives to foster a sustainability culture, campus management, community engagement, and institutional reporting.

Big Idea(s) for Advancing Sustainability in Higher Education

What does the world need most right now?

We live in an era of abundant scientific information—vast amounts of data, analysis, and projections about the challenges facing humanity, from climate change and biodiversity loss to numerous other environmental and social issues. Yet, we have still not made the necessary leap forward. I believe that what we need most today is a new planetary ethic—one rooted in an understanding of the interconnection and mutual dependence of all living beings. Only then can we, as a global society, move toward a new path of action that enables us to live in greater harmony. Of course, we need more ambition from governments and businesses, greater responsibility from civil society, and advanced technologies to help us transition to new ways of inhabiting the planet. However, none of this will be possible without a deep understanding of the living system to which we all belong.

Leadership and Inspiration

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The most valuable advice—and lesson—I have received is that when tackling complex problems, the best first step is to ask meaningful questions. If you are fortunate to have engaged collaborators, these questions will steer collective intelligence toward higher levels of insight and innovation. I am deeply grateful for this wisdom and strive to apply it consistently.

Tenacity and Perseverance

The climate emergency feels like the greatest challenge of our lifetime – what keeps you inspired?

I believe my love for nature both moves and inspires me. Finding wonder in a mountain view, observing a bird in the city, or simply contemplating a plant in my office gives me the energy to continue working to preserve the beauty that surrounds us. I am fully aware of the scale of this challenge and recognize that, as humanity, shifting toward a new path will be difficult. Achieving it depends on all of us—each contributing, even in small ways. I deeply feel that we are part of a greater whole, and from that understanding comes a strong sense of responsibility to care for it—our shared home that sustains and nurtures life. On the other hand, when things feel discouraging—because we all have days like that—I find renewed energy in teaching. Seeing students engage with knowledge and embrace the call to be more conscious and take action revitalizes me.

Fun Fact

What is your favourite activity you do in your spare time?

I love hiking in the hills and mountains, and I feel very fortunate to live in a city surrounded by them. I enjoy exploring on foot or by bike—sometimes as a sport and other times as a birdwatcher. Lately, I have also been experimenting with watercolor painting.