Highlights of August & September 2011

In the past two months, I've been juggling both work and school full-time. Work has been time-consuming and school has been intense. I am also on the "board" of a few organizations both in my hometown and internationally that I am committed to help manage (all volunteer consultancy work!). On top of everything else, with the (little) free-time that I had, I spent looking for apartments! Summer/beginning of Fall was definitely overwhelming, and I'm glad it's over! 

The most valuable lesson I learned from this experience is learning how to FOCUS. In the ensuing months, until the end of the Fall semester (and up until I graduate with my degree), I will be focusing solely on my studies. I do not know what the consequences will be for giving up work, but one thing I am certain of is knowing that work will always be there, education however is something that can never be taken away from me. 

"The best of all things is to learn. Money can be lost or stolen, health and strength may fail, but what you have committed to your mind is yours forever." --Louis L'Amour (1908-1988)

Here are some of August-September's highlights: 

(Picture captions have been copied and pasted from my twitter/facebook pics)

July - August '11: Summer 2011 marked the beginning of my post-baccalaureate studies. I took courses on Green Engineering and Physics with a focus on Energy at Yale University. 


Being back in school has been an amazing & exciting experience. Engaging with my professors & classmates has been incredibly enriching and i'm learning so much in my classes.

August 2011: Presenting Ron Bruder of Education for Employment, Time Magazine 100 most influential people in the world, our very first International Youth Council recognition award at The International Youth Council Global Youth Leader Mixer in NYC. For more pics on the event, visit link. 

August 5, 2011: Finding out that I'm closing keynote speaker at the Environmental Law & Justice Symposium in Florida this November -Intimidating! 

August Summer 2011: Being one of the guest speakers in my "Green Engineering class" and passing my classes on "Green Engineering & Renewable Energy" and "Physics: Energy, Society, &Technology" at Yale.


Sustainable energy is the most important issue facing the human race in the 21st century. I hope to apply the knowledge I am gaining in my classes to help my country and other developing and emerging markets move forward with the development and implementation of renewable energy and other sustainable ventures & initiatives.

August 2011: Being featured as "Global Changemaker" at Bakitwhy.com
Article on this link.

August 2011: Holding a workshop on "Youth Mobilization & Global Climate Politics" at the UN Headquarters during the High-Level Meeting on Youth. Special thanks Jean Paul Affana and Dr. Miroslav Polzer for inviting me. 

August 2011: At Charles Rengel's Birthday Gala at the Plaza Hotel with Congressman Charles Rengel & Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely, Ambassador of Goodwill for Africa.

August 2011: South South News interview by Afaf Konja with Ambassador Jean-Francis R. Zinsou of Benin & other youth leaders. 

To watch interview go on this link

August 2011: Reuniting with mentor, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, IPCC Chairman/Nobel laureate and meeting UN US Ambassador Susan Rice.

August 2011:Holding a workshop at the UN Headquarters for Youth Assembly UN on International Youth Council Global Chapters. We started this organization at the Youth Assembly in 2007. Today, we have chapters all over the world. 

August 19, 2011: International Youth Council co-founders, Jamie Ansorge & Esperanza C. Garcia had a successful meeting with United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) & Friendship Ambassadors Foundation on bridging mutual understanding & MDG's through an upcoming youth conference in Doha this December.

September 1, 2011: One of the perks of studying at Columbia- bumping into great minds like Prof. Jeffrey Sachs. I took the opportunity to invite him to the South South Awards, where he was awarded for his work on ICT, Health & development. 

September 2, 2011: Failed at maintaining composure when Van Jones asked for my advice on a project he is working on at our Skype meeting. 

I had met Van Jones years ago at a time when I first began my "environmental activism" - his work had been an instigating force in my desire to pursue a career in sustainable development. To have someone that influential in my life recognize the work that I do - Surreal!

September 2011: I love hearing the dreams & aspirations of our young leaders and having them reach out for mentorship and to help them pursue their dreams. It is always an honor.

September 2011: In my "Policy & Legal Context in Sustainability Management" class. Having negotiated in international climate negotiations (via UNFCCC COP) makes it even more interesting to learn environmental policy and the resulting documents in an academic setting.

Public policy shapes how the man-made and natural environments are managed and regulated. Sustainability practitioners must be able to understand public policy and its effects on what they are charged to do. This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of environmental sustainability policy and the resulting law and regulations in order to strengthen their ability to understand, interpret, and react to future developments.

September 6, 2011: Presenting an International Youth Council (IYC) recognition award to Ambassador Josephine Ojiambo from the Permanent Mission of Kenya the UN.

September 7, 2011: At my "Sustainability Management" class with Prof. Steven Cohen at the Columbia Law school.

Sustainability management matters because we only have one planet, and we must learn how to manage our organizations in a way that ensures that the health of our planet can be maintained and bettered. 

September 13, 2011: Taking my first finance class, ever. Taking a course on "Financing the Green Economy" from the Sustainability Management graduate program.

In the 21st century, countering the threat of global climate change, increasing energy independence, and providing good jobs for our citizens are all reasons why green energy is important.  But a host of complications will make sustaining and growing the transition to a green economy challenging.   These complications involve technology, finance, politics - and simply the low cost and convenience of our existing fossil fuel based infrastructure. "Financing the Green Economy" emphasizes on the financial aspects of green energy, but in doing so, will bring together many of the other factors that affect whether and how much the green economy takes hold.

September 14, 2011: I reached top 5% in about.me profile voting competition! Didn't think I had that many friends (who cared at least! lol). http://about.me/esperanzagarcia

September 15, 2011: UN Protocol briefing with Ambasasdor Oscar de Rojas at the South South News office

September 2011: International Youth Council Executive Directors with our mentor & advisor, Ambassador Francis Lorenzo, President of South South News

September 16, 2011: A partner of a colleague of mine, Gerard McKeon of Black Tie Magazine, helped organized Couture Fashion Week held at the Waldorf-Astoria. Coincidentally, on the same day of the Fashion Couture Show, I was touring around 50 of our volunteers for the South South Awards at the Waldorf and it was also my birthday. He gave my crew and friends access to this stunning show! Special thanks to Gerard for treating our hard-working volunteers to the beautiful fashion show. http://www.couturefashionweek.com

September 16, 2011: Overwhelmed by all the love, birthday greetings & friends who came to my birthday party. Im so blessed. Thank you is not enough.

September 16, 2011: Thanking my sister for surprising me on my 25th!

September 2011: Proud of my younger sister, with whom I managed, as she helped organize a UN- High Level Meeting side-event, breakfast for First Ladies at the Waldorf Astoria. 

September 19, 2011: Kenny G & I at South South Awards rehearsal

September 19, 2011: At the South South Awards with Ambassador Williams of Grenada and 1/3 of the 75 people I helped recruit, train, & manage over the past two and a half weeks in preparation for the South South Awards. It was an honor to work with such a brilliant team made of cum laudes, scholars, global leader awardees, executive directors & presidents of organizations, Master's & PhD graduates educated in the world's best universities, and individuals that are surely going to make an impact in our global community in the near future (if-not already). www.southsouthawards.com

September 19,2011: The South South Awards honors governments, organizations, and individuals, who have succeeded in scaling-up and replicating the implementation of the health-related Millennium Development Goals and beyond at the national level. This year, the preparatory committee has recommended Digital Health 4 Digital Development as the main theme for the awards. http://southsouthawards.com

September 20, 2011: In business & sustainability management class.


One of the things I enjoy most about class is having professionals who are working in related/relevant fields as classmates. This guy is just one of 170.

 September 22, 2011: My third year covering the Clinton Global Initiative! For the recent times, unfortunately, I have been bogged down by life. CGI reminded me of my priorities and put my life back into perspective.

 September 22, 2011: Two legendary activists Desmond Tutu & Aung San Suu Kyi discuss their struggles against oppression at Clinton Global Initiative. 

September 22, 2011: President Bill, Clinton Hillary Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton at the closing plenary of the Clinton Global Initiative. 


Bill is a lucky man, to have women in his life who embody strength & beauty and use their power to make a social impact that benefits society.

September 22, 2011: Trudy Syler & Sting receiving the "Leadership in Philantrophy" Award at the Clinton Global Citizen Awards from Morgan Freeman.

September 22, 2011: Iman introducing fellow Ethiopian, K'naan, at the Clinton Global Citizen Awards.

September 22, 2011: K'naan's performance at the Clinton Global Citizen Awards and his plea to help those suffering from drought & hunger in his country, Somalia, was truly inspiring. 

September 22, 2011: ‎Sting's mind-blowing performance at the Clinton Global Initiative Awards. 


Towards the end of his performance, the audience (world leaders including) stood up from their chairs and began to dance!

September 2011: My amateur blog reaches 28K readers ?  Yikes! I wasn't aware people were interested in what I had to say. Even worse, my writing skills are horrible! Double yikes! 

Life for the next two years... Am I ready??? 

Everything that I do is for you, I miss you little one... 

South South Awards Press Release

South-South Awards Media Alert- FINAL

South South Awards Volunteer Application

http://southsouthawards.com

VOLUNTEERS

We are looking for 60 quality volunteers to help with the logistics of side events for the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting (HLM) and the high-level event, South South Awards at the New York Waldorf Astoria Hotel on September 19, 2011 (Monday). Interested volunteers can choose to participate at the UN HLM side event and/or the South South Awards.

FIRST LADIES OFFICIAL SIDE EVENT AT THE UN HIGH LEVEL MEETING ON NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDS)

Volunteer shift: September 19, 2010, 8:00 am – 2:30 pm  
Volunteers needed: 20

The Advanced Development for Africa (ADA) in collaboration with UN Women, the UN Digital He@lth Initiative, the ITU Women Network in ICT (WITNET), the GSMA mWomen Programme, and South South News is organizing an official side event in parallel with the UN High Level Meeting at the New York Waldorf Astoria Hotel on September 19, 2011 from 9:30 – 2:30 pm. The event will feature a series of keynotes and high-level roundtables under the theme “Empowering Women in the Era of Digital Technologies” and a First Ladies luncheon on “Fashion for Health” that shall bring together key players to discuss how ICTs can be leveraged to empower women and girls.

SOUTH SOUTH AWARDS

http://southsouthawards.com

            Volunteer shift: September 19, 2010, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Volunteers needed: 40

The South South Awards will be held on September 19, 2011 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York and will honor governments, organizations, and individuals, who have succeeded in scaling-up and replicating the implementation of the health-related Millennium Development Goals and beyond at the national level. This year, the preparatory committee has recommended Digital Health 4 Digital Development as the main theme for the awards.

CRITERIA:

1. Must be 17 years old and over for the UN-HLM side event and 21 years old and over for South-South Awards

2. Must be based in NYC or can be in NYC on:

a. September 6 – 14, 2011 to attend personal interview

b. September 14 & 16, 2011 for mandatory orientation, training, UN protocol brief, tour of the Waldorf-Astoria, and the meet-and-greet reception (after work-hours)

c. September 19, 2011 for South-South Awards & UN HLM side events

3. It is preferred that our volunteers are currently pursuing/have an undergraduate degree or higher

4. It is preferred to have experience in the UN, MDG, International Relations & Affairs, Public Policy, Broadcast Journalism, Political Science and/or other similar/related fields

5.  Must have some knowledge of United Nations system and the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG)

6. Must speak English fluently. Please note in application if fluent in other languages

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES:

1.   South South Awards Executive Committee assistance

These volunteers will get an access pass to the South South Awards and assist the South South Awards executive committee in event logistical support. This committee will also be greeting guests and responding to all attendee inquiries. They will also provide general support to the event operations team in orchestrating the setup and execution of the event. In addition, this committee will assist with seating arrangements at the Grand Ballroom and registration.

2.   Directions/Greeting

Directions/Greeting volunteers will assist guests (high-level) from the main entrance to the grand ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria. Friendly individuals who enjoy light conversations and working with others will be best suited for this team.

3.   Press Registration

Press registration volunteers will assist with the registration and logistics for all members of the press in attendance at the South South Awards. These volunteers will interact with members of the press to ensure that they adhere to their guidelines.

4.   Side Events

South South News will be hosting the “First Ladies Official Side Event at the UN High Level Meeting. Volunteers will be assisting with the logistics of the event, registration, greetings & direction, and ensuring that the first-ladies and guests are comfortable. Volunteers will only be participating at the UN HLM side event, and not the South South Awards.

If you are interested in volunteering for the South-South Awards and the side-events for the UN HLM, please sign the application below and email your resume to egarcia@southsouthawards.com before DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 14, 2011 (Wednesday).  As soon as we have reviewed your profile, we will be contacting you between September 6 – 14, 2011 for your interview at the South-South News office.  

For more information on South-South News visit this link (http://southsouthawards.com/about-ss-news). This opportunity is a great way to network and meet like-minded individuals. We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully working with you.

Thank you so much,

Esperanza C. Garcia

South-South Awards

www.southsouthawards.com

e: egarcia@southsouthawards.com

t: +1 212-644-8789

That much closer to Times Square!

Dear Friends,

For those of you have voted, thanks so much helping me get to the top 5%! My work is that much closer to being on a billboard in Times Square. If you haven't voted yet and have the time, I hope you can help support by heading to my about.me page and clicking "vote":
http://about.me/esperanzagarcia/.

Remember, you can vote once a day until September 20th. Every vote counts!

Yours in partnership,

Esperanza

Inspiration of the day: We are the leaders of today

I invest my time & life in youth & environment

because of my desire and passion 

to improve the the state of our world. 

The young leaders who are working 

on sustainable development today,

will build a better world for us in the future. 

You just wait and see. 

Time and again we prove that 

WE are not the leaders of tomorrow, 

WE are the leaders of today.

Members of the International Youth Movement at the UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen using their bodies and stand in solidarity with Africa and vulnerable nations to declare: "We will not die quietly"(©Robert van Waarden - All Rights Reserved. To License Visit www.vanwaardenphoto.com)

Inspiration of the day: Count your blessings

Every time I feel frustrated, I remind myself of the inspiring young & single mother I had met while campaigning during the 2011 Philippine elections who was earning less than $2/day and had to come home everyday to feed her 3 beautiful children under the age of 5. Count your blessings. 

Photo Credit: Vito Selma www.vitoselma.tumblr.com

Inspiration of the day: It's an exciting time to be alive

"It's an exciting time to be alive." My colleague and friend, Anna Oposa says. This is the exact same thing my forefathers had said when my country gained our (Philippine) independence from the 300-year Spanish regime, or during the time when ignorance was ignored and the beginning of curiosity was encouraged and awakened the world during the Renaissance, or when the Americans revolted against authority that was unbending through the American Revolution. I am confident we will rise through the greatest challenge in the history of our time and emulate the great generations before us who have made pivotal moments that have defined our present and we will become another great generation who will provide generations after us a bright & sustainable human future. I resonate Anna's sentiments, it is an exciting time indeed.

YOU ARE INVITED: International Youth Council Global Youth Mixer July 21 in NYC

International Youth Council Global Youth Mixer July 21 in NYC

Come network with changemakers and young global leaders!  

IYC Global Youth Mixer 

With Guest Speaker Ron Bruder: 2011 Time Magazine "100 Most Influential People in the World"

Founder of the Education for Employment Foundation

Date: Thursday July 21, 2011

Time: 7:00pm-10:30pm 

Location:  Sound Lounge Roof Deck

                    160 East 38th St.  36th floor

Guest Entry Level: $20
Food
*Drinks available for purchase
Must be 21+ to Drink
For more information check out the Facebook Event Page and refer to the Flier attached.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119801641448062

Beautiful SKYLINES and great conversation are just a couple of highlights of this Thursday night mixer!! We'll eat some delicious food- and we'll network with some of today’s Youth Leaders & innovators!

Hope to see you there!

P.S: Invite all your friends and everyone in your network!

Inspiration of the Day: Dance as if no one is watching

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”

— William W. Purkey

It's midterms week this week and music is helping me get by. If you ever feel like getting on your feet and dancing, play this music playlist that I made and I hope you enjoy it!



Create a playlist at MixPod.com

Inspiration of the Day: Cherish your solitude, Believe in kissing

"Cherish your solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep out alone under the stars. Learn how to drive a stick shift. Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back. Say no when you don’t want to do something. Say yes if your instincts are strong, even if everyone around you disagrees. Decide whether you want to be liked or admired. Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out what you’re doing here. Believe in kissing." — Eve Ensler

I spent a good hour or so compiling this music playlist. It's a great playlist to listen to when you're looking for some chill time alone or with someone you'd want to relax with. Hope you have a happy weekend!




Create a playlist at MixPod.com

A Newbies Guide To Renewable Energy in US

 (Click to enlarge) [Via:  Carrington College's Renewable Energy Degree Program]


Renewable energy is the fastest growing energy sector, despite the fact we still get the majority of our power from non-renewable sources. Oil, coal and fossil fuels are not only in limited supply, but are also detrimental to the health of the planet. On the other hand, renewable energy is in infinite supply and draws its power cleanly and naturally. Solar, wind, water and geothermal energy sources are the future of the industry and are expected to create 12 million new jobs through 2030. (via Carrington College)