We are proud to be part of the growing Deetken Impact team, and are excited to introduce this diverse and talented group of investment professionals. Each month, we will feature one of our colleagues so you can get to know them better!
Meet Regina Cuadra, a Portfolio Officer with Deetken Impact Sustainable Energy (DISE). In this role, she monitors the performance of current investments and supports companies in maximizing their results through an integral approach including strategic planning and management, risk control and operational optimization. Regina is also responsible for the portfolio valuations, divestment strategies, reporting to investors and compliance.
Prior to joining Deetken, Regina served as CFO at Inkia´s Energy subsidiaries located in several Central American countries, where she focused on strategic initiatives, asset management, project financing, and business development. Regina also contributed to the development of the stock market in her home country of Nicaragua by listing the First Private Offering while working at Invercasa brokerage house.
Regina is a Finance Specialist from INCAE Business School. She holds an MBA from EGADE Business School and Universidad America, a Masters degree in Logistics from EUDE Business School and a BA degree with a major in finance from Universidad Americana.
Currently based in Costa Rica, Regina is originally from Nicaragua, and speaks Spanish and English.
How did you end up in this position at Deetken Impact?
I had recently moved to Costa Rica with my family and I was looking for a job opportunity that could fulfill my passion for social development, climate action and sustainable finance while allowing me to add value through my experience of many years working in the energy sector in Central America. When I saw the job opening on LinkedIn, I immediately felt that it fit perfectly with my professional aspirations and journey.
What is your favorite part of the work you do, and why?
My favorite part is working with purpose. We play an important role in the renewable energy transition, especially within those countries that are more vulnerable to climate change, and I know with certainty that the effort that I make every day in my work leads to a far-reaching positive impact.
I also love working with such an experienced and diverse team of professionals from whom I grow and constantly learn new things!
In your time working in renewable energy, what progress have you seen in terms of advancing gender equity in the sector?
I have been working in the energy sector for around 15 years now. I can definitely say that I see more women working in different roles throughout the ecosystem (developers, EPCs, operators, investors, etc). However, I feel that the progress has been slow and the participation of women is still too low. It is a sector that has been traditionally led by men and there is still a lot of work to do in terms of advancing gender equity.
There is greater awareness today about how a diverse workforce improves business performance, but awareness alone is not enough when gender stereotypes are still deeply rooted throughout the sector. It is necessary that companies move from awareness to action by taking a proactive role in the creation of inclusive opportunities. This can be achieved by encouraging technical trainings aimed at women, eliminating gender bias within the recruitment process, ensuring a work environment that is free of sexual harassment, and promoting the growth of women within leadership roles.
Regina loves spending time outdoors with her family, pictured above.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
If I had not followed my passion for finance, I would be a doctor, probably specialized in neurology. When I was little, I was convinced that I wanted to become a doctor and I was particularly amazed by the function of the brain and its capacity to heal beyond expectations.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my family, seeing new places and exploring new experiences together.
I’m fascinated with reading and learning about historical events. I feel that there are so many lessons from the past that have not been taken into account in the journey of building a better world, and that is why we see the same mistakes over and over again.
I’m also passionate about learning from different cultures and I appreciate how people’s behavior, reactions, and motivations are highly influenced by their cultural background and their surroundings.
Additionally, I really enjoy my morning exercise routines. It makes me feel committed to myself, helps me relax and release stress. I am absolutely convinced that I reach my moments of greatest creativity while I am running.
What is your favourite city/country you have visited, and which is at the top of your bucket list to visit?
I really liked visiting Chile, having the opportunity of being in the snow-covered mountains one day and at a sunny beach on the next, all the while being very close to the city. It felt like a beautiful contrast.
I would like to visit Brazil, it is a country with a very different and upbeat culture with a lot of beautiful places to visit.
You can learn more about Regina by following her on social media!
Get to know more about the Deetken Impact Team by checking out the other features in our Meet the Team series!
