UBC MBA alumnus leads climate action in Yucatan, Mexico

With a background in law, Patricio Cumming sought a program that would expand his business acumen and provide the tools to pivot into entrepreneurship and sustainability. Vancouver’s deep-rooted emphasis on environmental responsibility, paired with the global experiences offered in the UBC MBA, made it the perfect place to take that next step. 

“I wasn’t super educated in finance or accounting, and the UBC MBA really opened the door to areas of business I wasn’t familiar with,” Patricio reflects. “It helped me build something that was sustainability focused.” 

Today, Patricio is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative to protect, restore and conserve 55,000 hectares of mangroves in Yucatán, Mexico as the CEO General of Project Chaac.  

Opening doors through global business education  

One of the highlights for Patricio during his UBC MBA experience was the multiple international learning experiences. Through UBC Sauder’s Global Immersion Experience (GIE), he traveled to Israel to consult for an AI-driven solar energy optimization company.  

“The tech ecosystem in Israel is fascinating, and working with such sharp, driven people was an incredible experience,” he shares. 

“It was my first time in China, and the mix of international schools and perspectives was eye-opening,” he says. “It reinforced how interconnected business and sustainability are on a global scale.” 
 

Shaping the future of sustainability and carbon markets 

Since graduating in 2018, Patricio has become a leader in carbon markets—an area he might never have explored without his MBA.  

“If it weren’t for UBC Sauder, my progression into this field would have been impossible. I didn’t even know carbon markets existed before the program,” he says. “Now, I’m developing projects that have local impact but are also globally innovative.” 

“I’m not a finance guy, but the UBC MBA gave me the ability to understand how different business functions work and helps me integrate those parts of the business into the bigger picture,” he says. 

Despite headwinds in climate policy, Patricio remains optimistic about the promise of carbon markets.  

“While there is turbulence within the climate market, the long-term trend and need is undeniable. Even the seemingly denialist corporations recognize that climate action is essential,” he explains. 
 

Encouraging the next generation of global change-makers 

Looking ahead, Patricio believes that business schools like UBC Sauder have a critical role to play in sustainability and social impact.  

“It’s important for Canadian institutions to take strong stances on global issues and empower students to make a difference,” he says. “Canada is already very well off, but the rest of the world needs highly educated people to move the needle. That’s why I left Vancouver—I saw the need in my country and wanted to use my skills to help.” 

His advice for future UBC MBA students? “Be creative and take risks with your impact. The UBC MBA is a door to a world of possibilities and Vancouver will always be there waiting."