Graduate from CATIE is the Vice Minister of Human Development, Family, and Indigenous Affairs of Belize

• The official mentioned that the knowledge acquired during her time at CATIE is a fundamental asset to face the challenges of her position.

August 1st, 2023. Tanya Santos, Vice Minister of Human Development, Family, and Indigenous Affairs of Belize, visited CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) on the first of August, after participating in several workshops in Costa Rica the previous week.

During her visit to the country, the official took the opportunity to travel to Turrialba and visit her alma mater since Santos graduated from the Master's in Environmental Socioeconomics in the 2009 class.

"I was in some women's empowerment workshops in the region and wanted to come back to CATIE after 10 years. I am very happy; I feel something very special in my heart. I have many memories of my time here. Right now, I'm thinking about those times and the colleagues I still keep in touch with," said the Vice Minister.

She mentioned that her visit also aims to coincide with CATIE on topics related to sustainable land resource utilization to support people and provide them with tools for a dignified life.

The welcome was led by the CATIE's General Director, Muhammad Ibrahim, and Carlos Araya, Director of the Division of Strategic Alliances and Green Businesses.

Within the agenda of activities, the Vice Minister met with Ricardo Padrón from the CATIE-ACTIVA Innovation and Entrepreneurship Laboratory, with Leida Mercado, Director of Research for the Division of Inclusive Green Development, and also visited the Climate Action Unit. On Wednesday, August 2nd, she also has a planned visit to the Agroinnova project and the Graduate School.

The Deputy Minister showed a particular interest in addressing topics such as gender and inclusion, which led Eliecer Vargas, coordinator of the International Master's in Sustainable Tourism, to accompany her in getting to know closely the projects focused on empowering women managed by the institution.

Tanya Santos has been holding the position of Deputy Minister of Human Development since November 2020. It is a lot of work, as our scope of action involves working with the most vulnerable people in the country, not only to offer social protection but also to find ways to empower them and help them overcome that vulnerability," she stated

Finally, she expressed her gratitude to CATIE for being part of her education, as she believes she has gained a strong sense of self-confidence through the knowledge acquired at the institution, which she can now apply to her public position.