Student Leader Spotlight: Ronaldo Rodrigues Alves Braga MPA-DP ’25

I majored in Social Sciences at the University of São Paulo and spent time in an exchange program at Sciences Po Paris. From 2018 to 2023, I worked with various NGOs, including the Lemann Foundation, Instituto Gesto, and Vetor Brasil. I led remedial learning and racial equity projects across 25+ territories in Brazil. Currently, I serve as President of LASA (Latin American and Caribbean Student Association) at SIPA, pursuing an MPA in Development Practice. My goal after completing the degree is to gain consulting experience in the USA before eventually running for an executive government position in Brazil.

Advice to SIPA Students: As students, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by failure or mistakes, whether it's a low score on a quiz, missing a deadline, or even getting sick. However, it's important to remember that these setbacks are part of the journey. Instead of focusing on the negative, use each challenge as an opportunity to reflect on what you can improve. Success comes from consistent effort, not from avoiding mistakes.

Focus on what you can control—show up, ask for help when needed, and take care of your well-being. When you approach obstacles with a mindset of growth, you'll build resilience, and over time, things will get better. Remember that progress is not about being perfect but about being persistent.

And if any students ever need a partner to go training, just let me know!

Campus Involvement: President of LASA (Latin American and Caribbean Student Association) and co-founder of AFRA (Afro Brazilian Alliance at Columbia) 

Degree: MPA in Development Practice