Content created by Virtual Intern  Regina Navarro-Gomez

A passionate environmental activist and architect by profession, Raisa Banfield has contributed to Panamá's process of urbanization and long-term social and ecological sustainability. With a vision of improving and creating awareness of urban environmental issues, Banfield co-founded and directed the Environmental Incidence Center (CIAM) from 2007 to 2010 and founded Pasos Panamá (PASOS) to find alternatives for the sustainable development of natural resources for future generations.

"After 2007, many opportunities were presented to me in the public sector." says Banfield, who participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) that same year on a project focused on "Urban Environmental Issues." Her project allowed her to see U.S. urbanization strategies and the opportunity to take those perspectives and share them with other communities.

In 2014, Banfield was elected as Vice-Mayor of the City of Panamá. Through this role, Banfield connected both her profession and environmental activism and became responsible for the cities urbanization planning and environment.  Last year, she helped create the Center for the Integration of Nature and Cities (CINC) to guide municipal plans and programs supporting resilient infrastructure and sustainable mobility.

Raisa Banfield's motivation and commitment to improving Panamá's urban communities stem from her drive to always advocate for social causes. "As a society, we have advanced in what we can put forth into our communities, and now we can share objectives."

Edited by Virtual Interns Regina Navarro-Gomez and Kristin Mitra