Hazell Flores

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow, Class of 2021-22

  • Home country: Nicaragua
  • College and degree: BS in social communication, Universidad Centroamericana
  • Current career: Regulatory and donor relations officer at American Nicaraguan Foundation
  • Specialization: Agriculture and rural development 
  • Emailhvf4 [at] cornell.edu (hvf4[at]cornell[dot]edu)

What is the most memorable or impactful experience of your career so far? 

About a year ago I visited a community of farmers working on cantaloupe production in the outskirts of Managua, Nicaragua. They had been producing with few resources and obtaining low yields. After a lot of effort we managed to get a project funded for them. It is quite impactful to see their plot now that they have all the inputs they need to produce, and it has been really rewarding to see the families that have been affected.

What are the big challenges you want to tackle in your country?

Climate change is a very important issue in my home country. Working in a dry corridor region made me witness the heartfelt need to improve the farmers' approach on how they are growing in these new conditions in order to improve their livelihoods. I would like to pursue timely and assertive project proposals and have tools to show that impact. 

How do you think your Humphrey Fellowship and your time at Cornell will help boost your career?

First of all, Cornell is a conversion of such a wide range of knowledge on its own. The fellowship program converges as an opportunity to share with an amazing group of people and experts in different fields. This is an incredible chance not only to gain knowledge, but to make strategic alliances. There is a great chance to produce so much amazing work after my time at Cornell.

What does public service mean to you?

For me, public service is trying your best to improve lives. Contributions from all sectors are vital to building a better society for everyone. For me, public service also means to work hard on a daily basis to improve yourself in order to serve others the best you can. 

Tell us a fun fact about you. 

I love telling stories in different formats. I enjoy reading and writing literature in my free time. I have participated in a book that compiled women's short stories in my home country.

What would be your personal motto? 

Serve others. 

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