Bella Esquenazi is the Lead Coordinator for the Laredo Climate Cohort and the Outreach and Engagement Specialist for Zacate Creek Green District Coalition at the Rio Grande International Study Center. With a robust background in International Business Management from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Bella has accumulated over eight years of experience in global commerce, where she excelled as a branch manager for a local brokerage company.

Transitioning to the healthcare sector, Bella served as a medical office assistant, focusing on public health outreach and patient education. In 2018, her passion for research, education, and advocacy led her to specialize in bilingual education and reading intervention. Bella has authored two children’s picture books about STEM and has published on the importance of investing in STEM education programs in underserved communities.

Her recent work includes a presentation at the 23rd European Conference on Literacy in Greece, where she highlighted the significance of STEM education in Hispanic communities. Bella’s publication, “Bridging the Gap from Classroom to Career for Hispanic Students in South Texas,” underscores her commitment to educational equity.

She is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education this December 2024 and will pursue a master’s in Public Administration.

Bella’s passion for education and advocacy alongside her diverse expertise and dedication to fostering inclusive and effective communication make her an invaluable asset to the Rio Grande International Study Center.