An opportunity with an impact – Interview with Laura Forero

I am an Industrial Engineer and Economist,  In my current role, I help mobilise the capital that climate founders need to scale their innovations. Outside of work, I support Sigma Squared, a community of ambitious, impact-driven entrepreneurs, where I create partnerships with corporates and build a network of impact-minded investors.

My motivation is to create meaningful social and environmental impact. That is why I do, what I do: I am genuinely passionate about backing the founders behind deep-tech startups and NGOs that are generating impact around the world. I care especially about those coming from developing countries, where the ecosystem is not yet equipped to help them scale and reach a larger impact.

The HSG social scholarship covered a portion of my tuition fees, which was truly meaningful support. But the help I received from the study funding office went well beyond financial advice and was life-changing for me at the time. On top of that, I applied for and received a loan with fair conditions from HSG.

This relief made a real practical difference. It eased my financial pressure and freed up critical time. Instead of taking on extra part-time work just to cover academic costs, I could fully channel my energy into the demanding MaCS curriculum, my Master's thesis, and the development of my startups. It gave me the stability and focus I needed to balance my studies and my startups effectively. The financial support enabled me to foster my entrepreneurial skills, build my own network, and find the job I wanted.

I believe the HSG social scholarship gives people from different backgrounds the chance to be part of this impactful ecosystem, and it brings much needed diversity into the room. For me, it was significant to be the only Latin American in my cohort, and also the only entrepreneur. That made me different, but I came to value it, because it allowed me to bring new perspectives to the table. At the same time, I received support from many colleagues to build my startup, and that is exactly what helped me achieve my dreams.

Diversity in the room matters. It shows people that things they assumed were impossible are in fact within reach. The limits are often only in our minds, and every one of us can create impact. Because I received so much, I now want to give back, and I believe these kinds of opportunities can generate a positive cycle for the next generations.

Firstly, I would like to thank all the donors who make this scholarship possible. Their generosity translates directly into opportunities for students who might otherwise never have the chance to study in an environment like HSG. Without this support, and without the financial stability it gave me, I would not be where I am today.

Secondly, I would like to tell students who want to be part of HSG that studying here was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and that there are different alternatives to finance your studies. Being open about your situation is one of the best steps you can take, and asking for support is never a weakness. I am entirely thankful to the Advice Center for Study Funding, and especially to Silvia and Jessica, whose guidance and support made all the difference for me.

And third, I would like to thank the University of St.Gallen for creating such a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem, for encouraging us to dream big, and for giving us access to resources and a broad network of entrepreneurs. My hope is that more people from developing countries can come to St.Gallen, grow, and carry it back to Switzerland, their home countries, and beyond.