Where Lu is from

Montevideo, Uruguay

 

Interview

What was your dream when you were a kid? What was the reason?

To be an archaeologist. My father was a pilot, and when I was a kid he used to bring old rocks and archeological things from his trips. That sparkled my interest for history and learn from other cultures. Eventually I became an archeologist =)

 

What was your dream when you were 18 years old? What was the reason?

I wanted to travel the world, meet people from different countries and understand how cultures can be so different and at the same time similar. I guess I accomplish my dream thaks to my MSE family.

 

What made you start thinking about social entrepreneurship/social enterprises? When was that?

While studying anthropology I decided that although research was super interesting I had to do something with all that information and skills that I had. I knew that the skills that an anthropologist have to understand people can be used for a greater good. At one point I had the opportunity to join a group of students wanting to reduce the gap in the access to technology and education between the poorest and richest kids in my country. We founded Plan Ceibal, a program that gave one computer, free internet and educational contents to all the children in the public education of Uruguay. We also helped +10 countries to start similar programs.

 

How much do you think social entrepreneurs play an important role in the world?

I think that social entrepreneurs are change makers, problem solvers with the objectives of fighting the injustices of the world.

 

What would you say to future social entrepreneurs / those who are interested in social entrepreneurs?

To be a social entrepreneur is a gift.  The road will be full of obstacles, people will say that you are crazy that what you want to do it is impossible; but you always need to remember that you can do it and that there are many like us!!

 

What is your favorite quote? Who said that quote?

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

 

Who Luciana is

Luciana is a very sweet person. She cannot help helping people and even does not mind sacrificing herself for her friends. In fact, she has come to me to offer to help many times, not just once or twice, and she clearly did mean it. As a proof, she often uses “please.” It may sound natural, but the point is how she uses the phrase. “Please” is basically used when you ask something to someone mostly for yourself, like begging. However, the word is said by her when she offers any support that she could do. Luciana begs you to let her help you. She tells you what “helping others” really means.

I have never seen that Luciana does not take anything seriously no matter how big or small the projects, workshops, assignment or the issues are. Her motivation about anything leads your team or even yourself to a higher motivation that you would have never imagined. Her remarks during each class were very inspirational and encouraging. I miss her energetic and cheerful attitude.

I am very comfortable  talking to Luciana and even feel relieved. Her hospitality is remarkable and I would say the best.

 

Awesome Episode

Luciana went to Japan last May. Before she went there, she asked me for recommendations for local places to visit in Japan, so I gave her some. I also wrote a note in Japanese that she has allergies of specific ingredients, particularly seafood. As you might imagine, it is crucial to communicate that you have allergies to seafood in Japan so I did 120% of my best to write the note in Japanese to make it 200% sure that nobody would let her take anything that she is allergic to. Fortunately, Luciana survived! It seemed that she had so much fun there and it made me so happy as well. Well, I was so relieved that she came back healthy too!

 

The Power of MSE

What Luciana is holding is a symbol called “go-en(ご縁)”, which means ‘fate’, ’destiny’ and ’special tie.’

I believe that it is meant to be that we met in San Francisco! I studied Social Entrepreneurship with Luciana for a year, saying “We will make the world a better place.” I would love to spend the rest of my life with MSEs (Master of Social Entrepreneurship; my classmates) until the very day I die. They have already completely changed my life.

At the same time, however, I also think that we should not be together all the time, because that is not the reason why we learned Social Entrepreneurship. That is not how we will deliver the impact we want to give to society and to the world.

I think MSEs are like dandelions. We were seeded at the first day at Hult and we bloomed on our graduation day. Our mission is that we spread all over the world like dandelions and seed the future, the next generation, from each place where each of us has landed.

本当にありがとう(Honto ni Arigato-); Thank you very very much for everything!! The world needs you! Let’s make the world a better place together!!