Valeria Magali Gonzalez Duarte: A Journey from Paraguay to Singapore to Solve Environmental Issues

Latsea Network recently had the interview to interview Valeria Magali Gonzalez Duarte, a trailblazer who found her way from Paraguay to Singapore.

Valeria Magali Gonzalez Duarte, originally from Paraguay, embarked on an extraordinary international journey at the age of 18. 

Leaving her homeland behind, she set out to build a career that would take her across continents, from studying in the United States to Taiwan, and ultimately to Singapore, where she would find her academic and professional home.

Finding a Place in Singapore

In Singapore, Valeria pursued a degree in Environmental Studies with a specialization in Philosophy at Yale-NUS college. Her academic focus reflects her deep commitment to understanding the complex interplay between science, technology, and philosophical thought. She then had stints at Deloitte and Shopee before her current role as product manager at Unravel Carbon. This unique combination of disciplines allows her to approach environmental challenges with a holistic perspective, integrating scientific rigor with ethical considerations.

Living in Singapore has provided Valeria with unique insights into both the advantages and limitations of highly structured environments. She observes that while Singapore's meticulously organized society ensures efficiency and stability, it also leaves less room for taking risks. This culture of cautiousness can sometimes stifle innovation and creative problem-solving, aspects that are crucial in addressing the complex, unpredictable nature of environmental challenges.

Despite this, Singapore's international ambiance has been a significant influence on Valeria's worldview. Although the focus on climate change is a relatively recent development in the city-state, there are numerous initiatives underway aimed at addressing this global challenge. For Valeria, being part of a university community in Singapore was crucial. The academic environment provided her with the support system she needed to thrive in a foreign land, offering both intellectual stimulation and a sense of belonging.

The Latin Connection

As a Latina in an international context, Valeria's strengths lie in her soft skills—her ability to connect with others, organize complex ideas, and articulate her thoughts clearly. These attributes have proven invaluable in her work, enabling her to bridge cultural and disciplinary divides. Her Latin American roots give her a unique perspective, one that values interpersonal relationships and the power of communication in effecting change.

Dedication to Environmentalism

If Valeria were to pen a book, she would write an "Anthology of Environmental Philosophy," a work dedicated to raising global awareness about the pressing issues of our time. Her vision is to bring the environmental crisis to the forefront of public consciousness, emphasizing the need for a philosophical understanding of humanity's role in the natural world.

Conclusion

Valeria's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of a global perspective in tackling the world's most pressing issues. Her story is not just one of personal achievement but also a call to action for others to engage with the environmental challenges we all face, blending science, technology, and philosophy to create a more sustainable future for all.

Get in touch!

Valeria acknowledges that her journey has been shaped by the support and guidance of many individuals along the way. She is deeply grateful to those who have mentored her, provided opportunities, and offered encouragement during her international career. Recognizing the impact that this support has had on her own success, Valeria is committed to paying it forward. She is eager to help others who aspire to pursue a similar career path, offering mentorship, advice, and encouragement to those looking to make their mark in the fields of environmental studies, science, and philosophy. Valeria believes in the power of community and is dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in her field.

Valerias´s profile on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriagonzalezd/