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Jorge Tortos

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Bio

Jorge has provided several years of sustainable development strategic support for the Latin American region. He interfaced with a wide range of stakeholders. He led interdisciplinary teams that produced and implemented sustainable public policies, both from the executive and legislative branches and from the civil society perspective. His quests it for disruptive policies for sustainable development in emerging markets, considering climate change, the pandemic, and the fourth industrial revolution. He has a background in political sciences and environmental governance. He has a diversity of certificates from the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the University of the Philippines, and several from Latin America. He is pursuing a master’s in Global Affairs and Management. Jorge loves sharing in intercultural atmospheres. He is proficient in Spanish and English and moderated in French and Italian. Additionally, he has served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 10 years, devoting his enthusiasm toward others in need.

Education

Arizona State University-Tempe

Master's degree program
2022 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • International/Globalization Studies
  • Minors:
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations

William Peace University

Master's degree program
2012 - 2014
  • Majors:
    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Environmental Services

    • Dream career goals:

      Non-profit leader

    • Project Management Administrator

      IBM
      2013 – 20141 year
    • Research Assistant

      Secretariat, Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences FLACSO
      2009 – 20123 years
    • Technical advisor in sustainable development and public policies

      Costa Rican National Government
      2014 – 20228 years

    Sports

    Diving

    2014 – Present10 years

    Cycling

    Junior Varsity
    2009 – 20156 years

    Soccer

    Junior Varsity
    Present

    Research

    • Sustainability Studies

      Circular Living Lab, Arizona State University — Graduate Research Assistant
      2022 – Present
    • Social Sciences, General

      Secretariat, Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences FLACSO — Research Assistant
      2009 – 2012

    Arts

    • University of Costa Rica

      Film Criticism
      2010 – 2011

    Public services

    • Public Service (Politics)

      Citizens Action Party — Precandidate-Congressman in my country
      2020 – 2022
    • Advocacy

      Water Youth Network — National co-director
      2015 – 2017
    • Volunteering

      Fire Department — Volunteer fireman
      2006 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Netflix and Scholarships!
    In the vast sea of Netflix content, one series that has managed to grab me by the eyeballs and refuse to let go is "Strangest Encounters." This sci-fi masterpiece has become my absolute favorite, and I am here to fervently convince you to clear your weekend schedule, grab some popcorn, and embark on a mind-bending journey that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality. To start, let me confess that I am no stranger to the world of binge-watching, having explored numerous genres and themes on the streaming platform. However, "Strangest Encounters" stands out as a beacon of brilliance in the crowded landscape of Netflix originals. The series introduces viewers to a parallel universe where the impossible becomes the everyday norm. With a mix of suspense, humor, and mind-boggling twists, "Strangest Encounters" takes the conventional sci-fi narrative and turns it on its head. Prepare to be transported to a world where gravity is optional, talking extraterrestrial plants offer relationship advice, and time travel is as routine as a morning cup of coffee. The character development in "Strangest Encounters" is nothing short of extraordinary. Each character is flawed, relatable, and possesses a unique charm that will have you rooting for them through every interdimensional escapade. Now, let's talk about the show's visual feast. The production team has spared no expense in creating a cinematic marvel that rivals big-budget blockbusters. From the pulsating neon landscapes of Dimension X to the quaint, nostalgic charm of a 1980s small town trapped in a time loop, the series seamlessly weaves together a tapestry of visual wonders that will keep you glued to the screen. What truly sets "Strangest Encounters" apart is its ability to blend humor with heart-wrenching moments. The writers skillfully inject comedic relief without undermining the gravity of the characters' dilemmas. You'll find yourself laughing out loud one moment and on the edge of your seat with suspense the next. But beware, this series is not for the faint of heart or those seeking a predictable plot. "Strangest Encounters" revels in its unpredictability, throwing curveballs that will leave you questioning your own sanity. The intricate web of interdimensional conspiracies will keep you guessing until the very last episode. In conclusion, "Strangest Encounters" is a mesmerizing rollercoaster of emotions and realities. It's a symphony of storytelling, acting, and visuals that demands your undivided attention. So, clear your weekend, cancel your plans, and immerse yourself in the unparalleled world of "Strangest Encounters." Trust me; you won't regret the decision to embark on this wild and unforgettable journey.
    Sean Carroll's Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship
    My expectation is to get enrolled in research and projects around the realm of Government and Public Administration. I want to investigate the most updated public policy trends on sustainable development and their potential applications in developing countries. In my understanding, integrated development invites public and private organizations to build a new form of governance, based on a multi-stakeholder articulation to improve the living conditions of territories. A holistic approach develops and implements more modern laws, policies, and strategies that respond to initiatives and projects from a bottom-up perspective, to generate added value and capacity strengthening of the developing communities. There is no doubt that most US courses provide top-quality teaching methods, students are provided with an excellent set of evaluating skills around public services and policies, using a variety of techniques that will enable the understanding of National and Local Governments, and public agencies functions. Additionally, they offer interdisciplinary and international emphasis on globalization, social development, and the promotion of bold policies. Selecting the US is crucial for me, global governance has a deep place, the weight of hemispheric political history has no precedent, a vast proportion of the international economy is led by companies and organizations headquartered there, and many social ideas are being shaped. The Centre-Periphery and its Global North relation still mark the atmosphere, and I could return to my country with a much higher understanding of advanced societies. The US makes a prosperous arena to dialogue, debate, and construct -or deconstruct- a new world, and I genuinely aim to grasp and learn as much as I can to then transfer this knowledge in my future endeavors in Costa Rica and Central America. I would like to strengthen my public policy capacities, in evidence-based decisions and demands, promotion of intersectoral and interinstitutional articulation, understanding the concept of social transformation, data dialogue, peace lessons learned, and best practices for integrated development. We are living in an intrinsically connected society; thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions. My immediate goal after returning from the US is to enroll with the Government, an NGO, or an international organization, in the field of development in Costa Rica and the Central American region. I will have a better capacity to analyze, transmit, understand, and be integrated around integrated development strategies, either in their formulation or in their implementation and monitoring stage. In other words, I am looking forward to exponentially improving what I have been doing over the last years of my professional career. Continuing with my expected path, in the medium term I am wrapping my mind around academia, since I had an active presence in congresses or university meetings, on topics such as human rights, democracy, political sciences, sustainable fundraising, solid waste management, Central America foreign policy, youth and environment, youth and water, land and poverty, among others. I do love the idea of being a university educator, and I base this statement on the fact that I already worked part-time as a professor of international relations and general studies for nearly two years, so upon my return, I could also engage at a prestigious regional university.
    Marie J. Smith Esq. Social Sciences Scholarship
    I want to investigate the most updated public policy trends on sustainable rural development and their potential applications in developing countries. In my understanding, integrated development invites public and private organizations to build a new form of governance based on a multi-stakeholders articulation to improve the living conditions of territories. A holistic approach develops and implements more modern laws, policies, and strategies that respond to initiatives and projects from a bottom-up perspective to generate added value and capacity strengthening of the developing rural communities. There is no doubt that most US grad courses provide top-quality teaching methods, students are provided with an excellent set of evaluating skills around public services and policies, using various techniques that will enable the understanding of National and Local Governments and public agencies' functions. Additionally, they offer interdisciplinary and international emphasis on globalization, social development, and the promotion of bold policies. Selecting the US is crucial for me, global governance has a deep place, the weight of hemispheric political history has no precedent, a vast proportion of the international economy is led by companies and organizations headquartered there, and many social ideas are being shaped. The Centre-Periphery and its Global North relation still mark the atmosphere, and I could return to my country with a much higher understanding of advanced societies. The US makes a prosperous arena to dialogue, debate, and construct -or deconstruct a new world, and I aim to grasp and learn as much as possible to transfer this knowledge in my future endeavors in Costa Rica and Central America. My immediate goal after returning from the US is to enroll with the Government, an NGO, or an international organization in rural development in Costa Rica and the Central American region. I will have a better capacity to analyze, transmit, understand, and be integrated around integrated development strategies, either in their formulation or in their implementation and monitoring stage. In other words, I am looking forward to exponentially improving what I have been doing over the last years of my professional career. Continuing with my expected path, in the medium term, I am wrapping my mind around academia since I had an active presence in congresses or university meetings on topics such as human rights, democracy, political sciences, sustainable fundraising, solid waste management, Central America foreign policy, youth and environment, youth and water, land and poverty, among others. I love the idea of being a university educator, and I base this statement on the fact that I already worked part-time as a professor of international relations and general studies for nearly two years, so upon my return, I could also engage in a prestigious regional university. Thinking long term, I want to become an active change agent on cross-sectoral and multiscale policies while leading dynamic institutional processes towards social, agricultural, and environmental development. I could be working directly with decision-makers, researchers, and influencers at the national or regional level; there is even a space to believe that I can be one of those policy-makers or occupy the seat of a decision-maker in my country. In conclusion, I would like to strengthen my public policy capacities in evidence-based decisions and demands, promotion of intersectoral and interinstitutional articulation, understanding of the concept of social transformation, data dialogue, peace lessons learned, and best practices for integrated development. We live in an intrinsically connected society; thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions.
    Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
    Within the several roles in my government, I have been responsible for promoting knowledge management in drafting and editing policy notes, briefs, and presentations in English and Spanish on sustainable management of natural resources and local development, among other topics. International exposure at the academic level has made me proficient in English; I have an intermediate level of French and even a moderate knowledge of Italian. My experience has taught me to work efficiently in intercultural teams and the importance of listening and being curious to understand and learn. My expectation is to get enrolled in the realm of global governance. I want to investigate the most updated public policy trends on sustainable development and their potential applications in developing countries. In my understanding, integrated development invites public and private organizations to build a new form of governance based on a multi-stakeholder articulation to improve the living conditions of territories. A holistic approach develops and implements more modern laws, policies, and strategies that respond to initiatives and projects from a bottom-up perspective to generate an added value and capacity strengthening for developing rural communities. There is no doubt that most US graduate courses provide top-quality teaching methods. Students are provided with an excellent set of evaluating skills around public services and policies, using various techniques to understand national and local governments and public agencies' functions. Additionally, you offer interdisciplinary and international emphasis on globalization, social development, and bold policies, particularly relevant under the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Selecting the US is crucial for me. Global governance has a deep place. The weight of political history has no precedent. A vast proportion of the international economy is led by companies and organizations headquartered there, and many social ideas are shaped there. The Centre-Periphery and the Global North relation still mark the atmosphere. I could return to the Central American region with a much higher understanding of advanced societies. I will better analyze, transmit, understand, and incorporate integrated development strategies in the formulation or implementation and monitoring stage. In other words, I am looking forward to exponentially improving what I have been doing over the last years of my professional career. Thinking long term, I would like to become an active agent of change on cross-sectoral and multiscale policies while leading dynamic institutional processes towards social, agricultural, and environmental development. I could be working directly with decision-makers, researchers, and influencers at the national or regional level; there is even a space to believe that I can be one of those policy-makers or occupy the seat of a decision-maker in my country. I consider our changing planet in social, economic, technological, and environmental terms. We are living in an intrinsically connected society. Thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions of biodiversity, and in fields of labor rights community health, without forgetting our livelihood and economic perspective. As is stated repetitively by different voices, we can have “a better world,” and technologies might help on this quest, under given appropriate conditions, as do peace and social stability. While seeing the need to understand contemporary, perceived corruption, my aim goes well beyond a study abroad period. I do not want to be excluded, isolated, or pulled apart from the rise of those new leaders trained in developed countries. I do not want to not fully understand the recent trends of modern life since most of the development patterns are changing. Remaining in my home country will not correctly help to achieve my goal, and that is why I am looking forward to complementing my studies with my current master's program.
    Bold Dream Big Scholarship
    My expectation is to get enrolled in the realm of global governance. I want to investigate the most updated public policy trends on sustainable development and their potential applications in developing countries. In my understanding, integrated development invites public and private organizations to build a new form of governance based on a multi-stakeholder articulation to improve the living conditions of territories. A holistic approach develops and implements more modern laws, policies, and strategies that respond to initiatives and projects from a bottom-up perspective to generate an added value and capacity strengthening for developing rural communities. Thinking long term, I would like to become an active agent of change on cross-sectoral and multiscale policies while leading dynamic institutional processes towards social, agricultural, and environmental development. I could be working directly with decision-makers, researchers, and influencers at the national or regional level; there is even a space to believe that I can be one of those policy-makers or occupy the seat of a decision-maker in my country. I consider our changing planet in social, economic, technological, and environmental terms. We are living in an intrinsically connected society. Thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions of biodiversity, and in fields of labor rights community health, without forgetting our livelihood and economic perspective. I do not want to be excluded, isolated, or pulled apart from the rise of those new leaders trained in developed countries. I do not want to not fully understand the recent trends of modern life since most of the development patterns are changing. Remaining in my home country will not correctly help to achieve my goal, and that is why I am looking forward to complementing my studies with the fellowship in Florence.
    Bold Hope for the Future Scholarship
    The international community in general and developing nations, in particular, are currently facing gigantic existential trials, especially the nearly 45% of the world's rural population. There are many reasons to explain why more than half of the world's population lives with less than ten dollars a day while developing countries are facing the downsides of climate change and the global pandemic that magnify socio-environmental impacts. This partially explains why nearly 48.6% of the rural population in Latin America is under the poverty line. The term governance becomes crucial by considering aspects as a level of social understanding regarding the nature of a relationship, consensus about the pillars of public policies that express such relationships, and an enabling management system to implement policies. With that said, what are the significant challenges for rural governance? Are the political systems enabling or restricting inter-sectoral or multilevel rural public policies? Are the Sustainable Development Goals providing the expected transformation in rural areas? Is the mix of globalization, pandemic, and the fourth industrial revolution catalyzing the physical and digital interconnections in the rural territories? My ideas look to identify, analyze, and disseminate critical best practices. Some areas that will be developed with my career are political and private leadership types, evidence-based decisions, promotion of articulation as a fundamental concept, understanding social transformation, data dialogue, bottom-up politics, and benchmarking. Overall, developing countries require sustainable strategies for integrated development to tackle all challenges, such as improving livelihood conditions, protecting common biodiversity, the need for community health, safety settlements, and cities, economic progress, without forgetting culture and recreation. Within this regard, I wish to study the discussions around innovative global policies to improve rural livelihoods in the Global South.
    Bold Deep Thinking Scholarship
    I consider our changing planet in social, economic, technological, and environmental terms. We are living in an intrinsically connected society. Thus, we must seek integrated ways to improve our common conditions of biodiversity, and in fields of labor rights community health, without forgetting our livelihood and economic perspective. As is stated repetitively by different voices, we can have “a better world,” and technologies might help on this quest, under given appropriate conditions, as do peace and social stability. While seeing the need to understand contemporary, perceived corruption, my aim goes well beyond a study abroad period. I do not want to be excluded, isolated, or pulled apart from the rise of those new leaders trained in developed countries. I do not want to not fully understand the recent trends of modern life since most of the development patterns are changing. Remaining in my home country will not correctly help to achieve my goal, and that is why I am looking forward to complementing my studies in the United States. I will embrace the opportunity to move forward with the new global society´s scope in the short term and its implementation in the long term. At the same time, I am confident of bringing a package of valuable skills and expertise. I look forward to hearing from you.