CIERP Alumni Perspectives: A Conversation with Maria Rita Borba

By Almarie Acosta-Cepeda

Maria Rita Borba, F’15

The best way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to commemorate the work and achievements of our fellow Hispanic/Latinxs. Maria Rita Borba is a Fletcher alum (F'15), from Brazil who has dedicated her life to development, environmental studies, and livelihoods. Before joining The Fletcher School, Maria Rita had two bachelor's and one master's degree in Geography. Maria Rita also had eight years of work experience before moving to Boston.

Maria Rita learned about our school in 2010, however, in 2011, she met Mieke van der Wansem and Bill Moomaw during a negotiation training. In the event, there were two other Fletcher/Tufts students attending. The students spoke about the multi-disciplinary curriculum that the graduate school offered. After that experience, Maria Rita was interested in joining the program right away. She decided to pursue a MALD degree with field studies in International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and Environmental Policy. For Maria Rita, the two-year program was the best option to deepen her knowledge in what was already familiar and explore new areas, such as conflict resolution and mediation.

Here is an excerpt of my conversation with Maria Rita.

Were there any challenges you experienced going back to an academic setting after two bachelor's, one master's program, and eight years of professional experience?

Challenges included going back to school after quite some time, and on top of that, a school in a different language and a different educational system. Sometimes native speakers didn't have the patience that non-native ones would with fellow international students. It was difficult, but also taught me a lot about being empathetic and understanding of everyone's limitations and struggles.

Can we talk about any life-changing experiences you had at Fletcher?

An independent study I did with Professor Babbitt and three other colleagues. The small sessions allowed for a very intense exchange of ideas. We all came from very different backgrounds and countries (Brazil, Thailand, India, USA). We learned a lot from each other and Professor Babbitt.

Another important moment was a class with Professor Basanez "Culture, Values, and Development.” The discussions we had between nineteen students, all from different places, enriched my ability to see and understand the world in a priceless way. Now and then I go back to his book - written and inspired by that course - and a lot of the work I've been doing reminds me of the exchanges we had during that period.

Some of my best friends from Fletcher attended these two classes with me, and we bonded during that time.

After Fletcher, Maria Rita reflects on how the school enriched her professional abilities.

The main takeaway from Fletcher was to learn how to work with people from different corners of the world. Having to deal with different perspectives, cultures, and world views. Fletcher taught me there's no "one way" of doing things. On the contrary, there are always varied ways and they can all lead to a successful outcome.

We also discussed the experiences that international students have finding jobs, housing, and choosing what to do after graduation.

The office of career services was helpful, but I don't think Fletcher prepares international students for the struggles of finding a job if you want to have an international career. Unfortunately, where you're from and what passport you carry influences your ability to land international opportunities, despite your knowledge, connections, and background. But I didn't give up, and with the help of the network I made at Fletcher, I was able to pursue an international career.

Do you have any advice for students who are graduating or who may relate to your experiences?

Don't give up! If you can't land a particular opportunity, it's ok. Only now, 6 years after my graduation, I feel I'm landing the jobs I wanted to, and at the same time, I'm very grateful for the ones I had during this journey. Learn from everything and keep your connections. Above all, be kind to people. You never know when you'll meet again.

As you know, graduate students are under the constant pressure of finding a job after graduation. What was your experience? Is there anything that you would change?

I wouldn't change anything, maybe I'd just be more realistic that it's harder for certain nationalities to get some of the international jobs. Harder doesn't mean impossible.

What is your current job title and responsibilities?

I'm a consultant at heart, which means I have different jobs at the same time. Currently, I consult for IFC in Asia, as a social specialist, where I assess social impacts from key development projects (infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, etc.) against IFC performance standards and guidelines. I'm also regional lead for diversity, equality, and inclusion for a consulting firm; where I help them develop and implement the DEI strategy internally.

As a Latina, do you feel represented with a voice in your field?

I do, although in Asia I'm most times mistaken as European. I always like to remind people I'm Latina because it also means I can relate to the challenges of developing countries differently, as an insider. This has opened many doors and helped me make really good friends.

Is there any personal advice you would like to give international students/students of color or both?

Be kind and truthful to yourself. Nurture your network and make it as diverse as possible! Don't stay in silos. Everyone can be an ally.

Lastly, what does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

 It's such a great way to put our faces and voices out there! The experience we have as Latinxs is unique and we need to share it with the world.

This interview has been edited for clarity.

Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity, Maria Rita, proud to be a Latina, just like you.∎

Almarie Acosta-Cepeda is a MALD student at The Fletcher School.

This is the final post in CIERP/CPL’s Hispanic Heritage Month Blog Series. Read Alfredo Ramirez’ interview with Diego Ortiz here and read Clarice Torres Coutinho’s interview with Claudia Ortiz here.