Atlas Corps celebrates its 15th anniversary! It is time to celebrate the achievements of our amazing network of over 1,200 leaders from 112 countries and share stories on the global impact of our Alumni, Fellows, and Scholars.
Today we speak with our Alumna Vanessa (Class 33, Nicaragua, Host: The Nature Conservancy), who is currently teaching Earth & Life Sciences at Lincoln International Academy in Nicaragua. Vanessa shares with us how inspiring our young future leaders can be a valuable investment for tomorrow.
Vanessa, we are truly inspired by and grateful for your impressive work towards encouraging youths towards climate change awareness and environmentally safe practices. Thank you for sharing with us your global impact, as well as your personal and professional growth. We wish you the best with this impactful work!
Name: Vanessa Alexandra Prado Baltodano Home Country: Nicaragua Current Organization: Lincoln International Academy Nicaragua Role at current organization: Earth & Life Science Middle School Teacher Social Issues that you have worked with: Quality education, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action |
Tell us about projects you have worked on?
While facilitating earth and life science concepts to middle school students, I use real data and phenomena to develop my students’ cognitive and critical thinking skills, as well as encourage design and implementation of practical daily life solutions based on science.
I am also the EcoMinds High School and Middle School Club Advisor, where I have organized clubs to collect recycled materials used in both the school campus and student’s houses. These materials are given to Los Pipitos, a local organization that provides health services to children with Down Syndrome, who then sell them to cover some of the clinics’ expenses. My students are also participating in an international science fair (as part of the Association of International Schools of Central America [AASCA]) with innovative solutions to tackle SDGs 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, and 15.
Why is it important for you to educate the youth in environmental issues?
It is important to work on climate change awareness and education because the world, especially the new generations which will be the future entrepreneurs and country leaders, will start adopting resilient actions to transition from a linear economy to circular economy methods that will support people’s livelihoods.
How has Atlas Corps contributed to your professional and personal accomplishments?
Atlas Corps has given me the opportunity to share and learn from young great leaders. As both a Fellow and a Group Captain for the Virtual Leadership Institute, this has been a platform to continue communicating my purpose with people around the world.
What is your favorite Atlas Corps memory?
The Global Leadership Lab Immersion in Washington D.C. is my fond memory.
What advice do you have for applicants and current Fellows?
Give it your all: share the most that you can, learn from your classmates and other Fellows, and invest your time in activities that will help you grow as both a person and professional.
What message would you like to send to individuals who support Atlas Corps?
Thank you for your time and support to the Atlas Corps community, you are impacting not just the Fellows and Scholars, but also families, communities, and countries.
Atlas Corps is seeking global professionals with experience and passion for working on climate change and environmental issues to apply for the Atlas Corps Fellowship beginning in late 2022 and 2023. Take the time now to invest in tomorrow! The deadline to receive priority consideration for Fellowships beginning in late 2022 and 2023 is May 31, 2022. Learn more at climate.atlascorps.org.
Photos from the personal archive of Vanessa Prado.