Alums Celebrations: September & October
At UWC Costa Rica, the educational journey extends far beyond graduation. Guided by the principle of lifelong learning, our global network of alums continues to apply their skills, passion, and leadership across diverse fields worldwide. We are thrilled to share the latest news, honors, and professional milestones from our Alum Community.
Celebrating Alum Leadership & Public Service
Congratulations to Sebastián Ramirez’23 on completing an impactful summer research project on immigrant integration supported by the Rogers Summer Institute at Queens University of Charlotte! Working alongside a collaborative team of mentors and community partners, including International House and the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute. Sebastián’23 co-facilitated qualitative “Share Your Voice” art workshops where children from immigrant households explored themes of family, community, and belonging. During Welcoming Week in September, Sebastián’23 presented part of the research team’s findings on local partnerships and qualitative insights at Queens University and the Queen City Art exhibit.
Ten years after boarding a flight to Costa Rica to join a community of 200 students from around the world, Gereon Fju Mewes’18 reflects on how those two years of late-night discussions and shared rooms made the world feel both vast and intimate. Driven by reciprocity and a desire to give back, Gereon’18 regularly reaches out through their National Committees to encourage open-minded, curious young people aged 14–18 to apply to UWC. As application deadlines approach worldwide, stories like this remind us how a single spark can open up a lifetime of purpose. Visit https://lnkd.in/dpxdzh98 to find your national committee and all the necessary information.
Celebrating Alum Academic & Professional Achievements
Congratulations to Paula Richter ’25 on starting a degree in Medicine at Heidelberg University! Warmest wishes to Paula on this exciting academic journey!
Congratulations to Camila Murillo’22 on graduating Magna Cum Laude from Brown University with a double degree in International and Public Affairs and Latin American and Caribbean Studies! Camila’22 received departmental honors, was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society, served as a peer advisor, and held student leadership roles with BWell Health Promotion and Mezcla Latin Dance. Camila’22 is now beginning the next chapter in Paris, starting a two-year Master’s in Public Policy at Sciences Po’s School of Public Affairs, specializing in Social Policy and Social Innovation.
Huge congratulations to Dr. Nina Swen’09 on successfully defending her PhD dissertation, “Living Contamination: Indigenous Monitoring and Toxic Politics in the Peruvian Amazon,“ this past July! Her eight-year research journey included extended fieldwork in Peru with PUINAMUDT and the Indigenous federations of the Cuatro Cuencas, documenting oil spills and advocating for environmental accountability. Currently a research fellow at the International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague. She and her family are stepping into a joyful new chapter: expecting their first daughter this October!
Congratulations to Ignacio Mora’25 on completing a summer internship as a renewable energy engineer at MATELPA, one of Costa Rica’s leading solar energy companies! Working on photovoltaic systems ranging from residential setups to large industrial megawatt-scale projects. This internship gave Ignacio’25 a deep dive into launching industrial-scale projects from scratch!
Congratulations to Haolin Yang’20 on beginning an exciting new role as Head of China Overseas Business in the UK at DHL Express in London! After two years at DHL Consulting in Bonn, Germany, where Haolin’20 built lasting professional relationships and broadened their perspective on global business leadership, Haolin’20 is transitioning to managing international trade operations.
Congratulations to Mariana Sousa’22 on starting a Master’s program in Food Technology and Nutrition at Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. Eager to deepen her expertise in food systems, Mariana’22 aims to apply this knowledge to responsible innovation.
Congratulations to Seppe De Pauw’20 on joining Apheon as a Senior Analyst in Investor Relations! After eight years of living abroad, this new role marks his return to Belgium.
Reflecting on how her two years at UWC Costa Rica solidified Suraiya’s passion for human rights and international relations, Suraiya Toni’25 recently participated in the National Security Conference – Latin America 2026 at The Citadel. Over two days of focused discussions on U.S.–Latin America relations, she gained deeper insights into the region’s political diversity and regional governance. Suraiya’25 credits her time in Costa Rica for fostering her deep connection to the region and inspiring her continued engagement with global diplomacy.
Honoring Our Community Impact
We celebrate the extraordinary dedication, resilience, and passion each of these alums demonstrates. Their achievements reflect the values of empathy, reciprocity, and accountability that define the UWC Costa Rica community.
Do you have a personal update, academic milestone, or professional accomplishment to share with the network? Share your celebration with the UWC Costa Rica Alum Community.
To explore additional graduate resources and stay connected, visit the UWC Costa Rica Alum Community.