Carmen Valenzuela (she/her)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact. 

Through Hablemos de Futuros, the initiative I founded, I use education to turn climate awareness into collective action. I design and deliver Carbon Literacy trainings contextualized for Latin America, with four accredited courses. To-date150 individuals, including entrepreneurs, students, and rural community leaders are certified. Beyond traditional learning, I co-design creative educational tools like board games to teach climate change to kids, making sustainability education accessible to children and teenagers nationwide.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like? 

My journey began in rural Guatemala, where visiting my grandparents nurtured a deep connection with nature. That early bond inspired me to merge design and sustainability—first as a university lecturer teaching Design and Sustainability, and now as a creator of educational tools and experiences that make climate action approachable. The path has been full of uncertainty, but persistence and creativity have guided me through every challenge.

A Little More About Me

What (or who) keeps you hopeful for the future?

The creativity, empathy, and resilience of young people who are shaping change.

What book, film, or art piece has had the greatest impact on you?

Anthropocene (photo series) by Edward Burtynsky — its images capture both the beauty and fragility of our planet.

What is your superpower? Which of your qualities best fuels the work you do?

Being multipassionate—it allows me to move seamlessly from technical to creative work, from research to community engagement.