Maria Rifioti

Maria Rifioti is from São Paulo, Brazil and Athens, Greece. She is a senior at Michigan State University and will be graduating in spring 2021, majoring in international relations and minoring in public relations and graphic design. To Maria, economic development goes beyond solely wealth development, but also the social and political progress that is directly impacted by it. It means equitable opportunities that yield individual and community prosperity and better quality of life.

Maria is most excited to expand her knowledge and experience in the field of economic development and the role it plays in building communities. She is also looking forward to learn how she can enhance her expertise in communications to apply to LEAP’s missions and initiatives. It is a stepping stone to her dream career, which is to work in the World Economic Forum within their public relations department overseeing and promoting initiatives and traveling worldwide.