In 2021, I was looking for ways to enhance my skills and remain competitive in my corporate big-tech job.
Although I’d already earned my MBA, I wanted to continue learning, especially since my employer offered tuition reimbursement. I began exploring options in sustainability, a field I was interested in, but had not been exposed to in my prior education or corporate work.
Why I Chose Harvard Extension School
After evaluating several top institutions, I chose the master’s in sustainability program at Harvard Extension School for its flexibility, rigorous courses, and welcoming community.
The hybrid program format was appealing because it allowed me to benefit from the flexibility of remote learning, as well as from the many in-person opportunities during the short on-campus residency. That versatility is not always offered at institutions of this caliber.
Even from my home in Seattle, I wanted to feel like a genuine part of the Harvard community. Harvard Extension School did not disappoint. I felt like a real student with real student privileges, ranging from cross-registration with other Harvard Schools, to access to extracurricular activities.
The faculty, many of whom are practitioners in their fields, enriched my learning experience. They shared real-world insights, which helped me build practical, implementable skills. I wasn’t only acquiring knowledge; I was also building a whole ecosystem of peers and mentors who would help me build ideas and be a part of my career growth.
A Course That Changed Everything
My career trajectory changed when I took the course Design of Renewable Energy Projects. Prior to taking the course, my knowledge of renewable energy was limited to the basics. This course challenged me to expand my understanding and think innovatively.
For one assignment, I wrote a paper that received unexpected feedback from my instructor, Professor Ramon Sanchez: “This is a great idea. You should turn this into a business.”
That comment was a turning point. It opened up a completely new path for me.
Encouraged by the feedback, I connected with the Harvard Innovation Labs, built a presentation, and refined my idea through the iLab community and prospective customers, whom I had been interviewing for my graduate capstone on agrivoltaics.
The presentation qualified my team as semifinalists in the Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge, which served as a major milestone and gave me the confidence to pursue the idea further.
Immersing Myself in the Harvard Ecosystem
In spring 2024, I moved to Cambridge from Seattle to focus on my degree full time. My days revolved around the iLab, where I immersed myself in resources, pitch opportunities, advisory sessions, and events hosted throughout Harvard. This included events put on at Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Being at Harvard felt like a treasure hunt — every event, workshop, or conversation uncovered new opportunities.
The iLab became my launchpad. The mentors and advisors helped me navigate the early, often daunting, steps of entrepreneurship.
The advisors mentored me and helped me avoid many of the little building blocks people tend to stumble on. Because I had those resources available to me, my team was able to navigate without sinking.
Building a Business: Regenerate
The support I received at HES laid the foundation for my company, Regenerate. Our mission is to optimize profitability for farmers and landowners through solar energy, combined with regenerative farming practices and cultivating soil health.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges, but the resources at HES helped my team and me secure a Spark grant from the iLab to conduct demand testing.
When I graduated in May 2024, I was at a crossroads: should I continue to build my company or try to seek another job?
I chose entrepreneurship.
Throughout the summer, I built a core team and established our first contracts. I was also accepted to the fall 2024 NASDAQ Entrepreneurship Center Milestone Makers program, where I’m working alongside 11 other social and climate entrepreneurs to build our companies.
Today, Regenerate is preparing to conduct its pilot projects in the Catskills in upstate New York and Puerto Rico, which we hope to deploy this year.
I remember every conversation throughout the process that led to a big milestone — including with two HES students who are now part of the Regenerate team!
Reflections on a Transformative Journey
Looking back, my journey at HES feels surreal. I’m still pinching myself about it. Growing up in Europe in a relatively modest environment, access to a school like Harvard was not something I thought would happen in my lifetime. Yet, HES made it possible, not just to study but to grow in ways I never anticipated.
From connecting with fellow students who are now part of my team to experiencing the broader Harvard community, HES has been a life-changing experience. My advice to anyone considering HES is simple:
- Just start! Whether it’s one class or a full program, taking action is the best way to discover what is possible.
- Take your time. Going slowly allows you to take full advantage of all the resources available to you as a Harvard student, including student groups and opportunities both in person and online.
- Step outside of your comfort zone. That is where the growth is.
Ready to Begin Your Own Journey?
Harvard Extension School offers unparalleled opportunities to explore, learn, grow, and innovate. Whether you are looking to enhance your current career or explore a new path, HES provides the tools, support, and community to catapult you to your next step.
