The Columbia University School of Professional Studies and the Luksic Foundation are pleased to announce that Brenda Rain and Roberto Beltrán have been awarded the 2024–2025 Luksic Scholarship for Sustainability at Columbia University. In its inaugural year, the scholarship supports talented students enrolled in the Master of Science in Sustainability Management (SUMA) program.
“We are thrilled to support Brenda and Roberto as they embark on this pivotal chapter in their academic and professional journeys,” said Isabella Luksic, Chief Executive Officer of the Luksic Foundation. “Their experience and their valuable perspectives will undoubtedly contribute to their success in the SUMA program at Columbia and to the broader mission of sustainability in Chile.”
The scholarship reflects the Luksic Foundation's deep commitment to Chile's ongoing development by fostering connections between the country and international academic networks. Their initiatives aim to promote collaboration with national and international institutions to strengthen the development of people and knowledge that can respond to the global challenges of the 21st century. The scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition and a stipend for living expenses, is open to students who have lived or worked in Chile and have a passion for driving meaningful change through sustainability initiatives.
“We are delighted to welcome Brenda and Roberto as this year’s Luksic Scholars,” said Steve Cohen, senior vice dean of SPS and director of the M.S. in Sustainability Management program. “Each of them stood out among a highly competitive pool of applicants, and I look forward to seeing how their contributions will enrich our program and the field of sustainability.”
Born and raised in Santiago, Brenda has roots in the southern Chilean region of Araucanía. With a surname derived from the indigenous Mapuche culture of the region, Brenda has always felt a strong connection to her heritage. However, it was only later in life that she fully embraced how her passion for sustainable living aligned with the values of her heritage.
“I have always been a goal-oriented person,” says Brenda. “This is why I committed to studying economics at the University of Chile: to give myself a solid foundation in understanding how society uses resources to meet needs. But it was my growing interest in sustainability that led me to Columbia.”
The SUMA program, Brenda notes, offers the perfect blend of flexibility and challenge, allowing her to shape her education and future according to her values.
“Receiving the Luksic Scholarship is an immense honor, and I’m grateful for the support that will allow me to focus fully on this transformative experience,” says Brenda. “I look forward to giving back to my country with the knowledge and skills I acquire here.”
Roberto hails from the Araucanía region too, and his early years were spent there in close connection with nature. His background in acoustic engineering from the Universidad Austral de Chile and his work in environmental impact assessment have shaped his understanding of the importance of protecting natural resources.
“When I learned about Columbia’s SUMA program, I knew it was the next step for me,” says Roberto. “The program’s curriculum and its focus on practical, real-world applications of sustainability drew me in immediately. I look forward to returning to Chile with the tools and insights needed to make a lasting impact in the public sector.”
Sonal Pande, associate dean of Alumni Relations and Development, expressed her enthusiasm for the impact that the Luksic Scholarship will have on the students and the broader community.
“Brenda and Roberto exemplify the values we aim to nurture in the Sustainability Management program,” explained Pande. “Their commitment to sustainability and their desire to create positive change in Chile are inspiring, and we are excited to see the contributions they will make to the field and how their journey at Columbia will unfold.”
About the Program
The Columbia University M.S. in Sustainability Management program offered by the School of Professional Studies in partnership with the Climate School provides students cutting-edge policy and management tools they can use to help public and private organizations and governments address environmental impacts and risks, pollution control, and remediation to achieve sustainability. The program is customized for working professionals and is offered as both a full- and a part-time course of study.
About the Scholarship
Columbia University School of Professional Studies is proud to offer the Luksic Scholarship for Sustainability for students in the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program. The scholarship, supported by the Luksic Foundation, covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses. Students who have lived or worked in Chile and who are committed to working on sustainability efforts in the region are eligible for the scholarship.
