Two Chilean graduate students, Gabriela Manríquez and Tomás Guevara, have been selected for the 2024 cohort of the Global Energy Fellowship at Columbia’s Center on Global Energy Policy.
Manríquez, pursuing a Master in Public Administration with an Energy and Environment concentration at the School of International and Public Affairs, brings a wealth of legal and policy experience to the program. After earning her law degree from Universidad de Chile, she served as an advisor to the Ministry of Energy and conducted regulatory reforms at the National Energy Commission.
For Manríquez, a Fulbright Scholar, “the Center’s learning environment will allow me to delve into strategies to achieve our global climate goals. It provides us with the necessary tools to work and network, enabling us to make a contribution to this critical challenge.”
Manríquez also emphasizes Chile's potential for growth and international collaboration in the energy sector, aligning perfectly with Columbia University's values. This, she notes, was a key motivator to pursue her postgraduate studies in the United States.
While also a Lawyer, Guevara, a Master of Science in Sustainability Management student at the School of Professional Studies and the Climate School, boasts a diverse background. He co-founded and directed Sembrar Futuro, an NGO supporting vulnerable children in Chile, before embarking on a successful legal career specializing in renewable energy at Carey.
"Working in renewable energy solidified my belief in Chile's potential to lead the energy transition," says Guevara. "This industry offers a concrete solution to climate change, but its success requires a multidisciplinary approach – addressing the geopolitical, economic, environmental, and social implications."
Driven by this conviction, Guevara pursued his master's degree to gain a deeper understanding of the energy transition’s multiple dimensions.
The Global Energy Fellowship, a one-year intensive program at CGEP, brings together 20 graduate students with diverse backgrounds for a common goal – accelerating the energy transition. Through training and meetings with leading figures from academia, corporations, and governments, the program equips future leaders to tackle climate change.
“This fellowship is a truly transformative experience,” Guevara reflects. “The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with top professionals and talented classmates has been invaluable. Additionally, exploring New York City's vibrant culture and recently completing 21 kilometers in the Brooklyn Marathon with my wife are personal highlights.”
Looking ahead, Guevara will intern at Deriva Energy, a Brookfield Group company pioneering renewable energy and storage solutions. He aims to leverage his Fellowship experience in Project Development & Structured Finance to make a real difference. His ultimate goal: to position Chile as a global leader in a just energy transition.
