Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Lisandra Rickards
“The prospect of directly helping local businesses to become competitive enough to expand, increase employment, and make bigger contributions to Jamaica’s productive sector is my primary motivator.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Boston, MA
- Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
- Age: 24
- Four-year College or University: The University of Chicago
- Graduate School: Harvard University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Business, Entrepreneur / Independent Business, Finance / Economy, Public Policy
- Other Interests: International Economic Development, Liberal Arts, Literature, Performing Arts / Theatre
Biography
PROFILE: Lisandra Rickards had intended to pursue a doctoral degree in economics and return to Jamaica for a position in government. While working as a research assistant for Steven Levitt, author of Freakonomics, she realized that the doctorate is meant more as preparation for a life of research. She went back to Jamaica, joined the Labour Party, and discovered that the pace of politics did not suit her. “I had wanted to be part of change that had a direct impact on the country, but soon realized that politics is much more about talk than action. It is the employers and the innovators that most directly impact lives. I want to work in business.”
She now sees research as the foundation, government as the enabler, and business as the driver. And Lisandra knows that her interest is more on the side of action. As a dancer, Lisandra brings exhilaration in movement to all her endeavors, but she also proved to Mr. Levitt that she could be content conducting statistical and econometric analyses all day as the job required. He now describes her as “CEO material.”
INSPIRATION: Lisandra has a friend who started one of the first private equity firms in Jamaica, which is now in the process of moving an agro-processing company to profit—thereby creating jobs and wealth in a rural community. “This is an inspiring example of the way business can directly influence economic growth and illustrates the direction of my current career vision.”
ASPIRATION: After completing her M.B.A., Lisandra plans to return to Jamaica to work in the nascent private equity and venture capital industry.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Lisandra volunteered with the Foreign Exchange Trading Club and the Jamaican Labour Party, serving on the communications committee.
ACCOLADES: Lisandra was Student Marshall at The University of Chicago, and a Rhodes Scholar Finalist. She was also on the Dean’s List and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
INTERESTING FACT: Lisandra went to Spain for a year, where she learned to dance flamenco.
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Yeona Chun
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