Meet Juanita Fonseca-Duffo
A long-held desire to help people around her led Juanita to study energy and environmental law. Now, she’s empowering young women to lead the energy transition in Colombia.
How did your interests in energy and environmental law develop?
I grew up in Colombia, where many people have no access to quality education or job opportunities. Some rural communities don't even have access to electricity. I was very sensitive as a child and, as a way of helping people, I thought I wanted to become the first female president of my country. That’s why I decided to study law when I got older. When I was in law school, I enjoyed courses that were more interdisciplinary, like environmental law. I didn’t learn about sustainable energy until later, when I was working at a firm that advised clients on investing in Colombian renewable energy projects. It was then when I understood the key role of energy and environment in the society and economy.
When did you first consider applying to Stanford for graduate school?
When I started thinking about graduate school in 2019, it was an important moment for Colombian regulation because the government was starting to enact laws to bring clean energy investors to the country. I was curious about studying in California because of its history of environmental regulations and energy initiatives. I thought Stanford might be a place where people from all backgrounds and disciplines could solve problems together. Then I found out there was an environmental law and policy master's degree for international students. It’s a one-year program for professionals who already are practicing law in their home countries. I liked the idea of learning more about U.S. law, especially with respect to climate change and energy transition, so Stanford became my first choice.
How did you become interested in Knight-Hennessy Scholars?
I wanted to apply to Stanford, but I knew that without financial support it would be difficult for me to go. I came across Knight-Hennessy Scholars, but it seemed to be for super-accomplished people. I thought, this is not for me. But when I did apply to Stanford the next year, I remembered the program and decided, why not try? The values of KHS resonated with me, and I loved the idea of meeting people from schools across many disciplines aiming to solve the world's most complex issues. I gave myself a chance, although I thought the likelihood of being selected was zero. I was so sure of this that I booked a trip to India with my two best friends during the final round of interviews for the scholarship. Happily, I had to change my travel plans.
How did you spend your time during the year at Stanford?
The first quarter was really challenging for me. This was my first time living in the U.S., speaking and thinking in English all the time. And it was my first time in an environment where I thought that everyone was smarter and better than I. It made me feel like an imposter. I was in survival mode.
But after this adaptation phase, I started to feel more comfortable, changed my mindset, and I established a routine for myself. I would wake up early, make tea, and take time to be grateful for everything I was experiencing. Then off to yoga or a workout and after that, breakfast and class. I rode my bike everywhere on campus — to class, to Denning House, and to meet friends for coffee, dinner, or hiking. I wanted to get the most out of the experience, and it was life changing.
In what ways did Knight-Hennessy Scholars shape your experience at Stanford?
While I was at Stanford and part of Knight-Hennessy Scholars, I realized that the more diverse we are, the better the solutions we will bring to any problem. It was amazing to have conversations about so many topics, from climate change solutions to navigating anxiety on campus. Understanding how we all come from different places with our own experiences and ideas was the best gift I could have imagined. And now it’s helping to shape what's next in my life.
I also learned the value of staying humble and grounded, because all the people I met through Knight-Hennessy Scholars are this way. That's something I value a lot, and I didn't recognize how important it was to me until I was there. Being able to see scholars and accomplished people like John Hennessy as approachable human beings shaped my experience.
At one of the retreats, we heard from Michael Tubbs, the mayor of Stockton, California. When talking about leadership, he said, “Every time you're at a table talking to someone else or deciding something, it's not only you who's there — you are representing all the people who influenced you, so bring them to the table.“ I keep saying this to myself every day: All these amazing things that have happened to me are thanks to my family, my community, and my friends. So I have to make sure that I represent them as a leader.
What have you been working on since finishing at Stanford?
I consider myself a problem solver and a leader. I want to help people and to make their lives better. The law can be a tool to address inequality and injustice. What excites me most right now is a nonprofit I started called coMpower. It came out of work I did on diversity and equity issues at the law firm I worked at back then. Most of those efforts were focused on reducing the gender gap for older women and, I thought, what about younger women like me? Why don’t we put efforts into helping them become leaders in a more organic way? So I created this project to inspire and empower young women to be leaders of the energy transition in Colombia.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars?
I would like to give advice to female applicants and specifically women from Latin America, because when I was a scholar, I was the only Latin American woman in the program. It’s a little bit sad knowing the reason for this is that most of my friends simply didn't apply. First, don't be so hard on yourself! Believe in yourself because you've done an incredible job to get where you are. Second, it is not about the final outcome, it's about the process. Applying to Knight-Hennessy Scholars is an amazing way to get to know yourself better. The Knight-Hennessy Scholars team will value you for who you are. Your originality is what makes you special. Enjoy the journey!