Sofı́a Rincón Gallardo Patiño

What work did you do with the WGD program?

“As a Graduate Assistant, I primarily worked for Dr. Maria Elisa Christie, the Director of Women and Gender in International Development (WGD) at the Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED). As part of my responsibilities, I supported with the organization of CIRED’s WGD Discussion Series and conference, assisted with the integration of gender into research for development proposals and projects, provided research and writing support for funding proposals and research papers, and different initiatives of InclusiveVT.”

Most exciting experience, interesting discovery, or connection made:

“As an international woman student, I am honored and lucky to be part of a research and international outreach institution to encourage equity, empowerment and diversity through diverse projects. Having co-workers form different backgrounds and cultures has provided me a unique opportunity to build relationships and learn from their experiences. In addition, my work as a Graduate Assistant has broadened my professional networks within the CIRED team and other speakers and attendees that have participated in different events of the WGD program such as Discussion Series and Conference “Out of the Theory & Into the Field”.

After graduation plans:

I am currently working as a consultant for the Pan American Health Organization; an international specialized health agency of the Inter-American System that serves as a Regional Office for the Americas (i.e., countries from North, Central and South America) of the World Health Organization, the specialized health agency of the United Nations. In this role, I am providing support, technical advice, assisting and developing regional, sub-regional and country guidance to support the enactment of regulations and policies (e.g., front-of-package labeling, marketing of unhealthy food to children) to create improve and support the development of healthy food environments and eating patterns by reducing consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor products in alignment with national dietary guidelines and recommendations.

How has the WGD program influenced your future?

“The WGD program has influenced my future by strengthening academic and research skills and opened my passion and curiosity for diversity and gender research. Moreover, the WGD program had gave me connections and networks from other fields valuable for future collaborations. Finally, the whole experience had enhanced my accountability and ability to collaborate efficiently within transdisciplinary teams.”