Edwin Santana
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island with more than 3 million inhabitants known for its beaches, mountains, food, music, and the warmth of its people. Growing up, I enjoyed outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the rivers, beaches, and sunsets that only a Caribbean island can offer. From an early age, I had an interest in being physically active, thanks in part to the influence of my parents, who encouraged me to participate in sports. I have always been involved in sports, including basketball, baseball, running, soccer, and fitness training.
Growing up in San Germán, surrounded by animals and nature, I developed a love for agriculture. Playing with my brother Dewin and helping on the family farm, I gained a passion for business, influencing my choice to study agriculture and business. In 2018, I began my studies at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus. During that period, I gained valuable work experience in different areas, such as in agrivoltaics, fresh vegetable production logistics, and supermarket accounting. In addition, I was responsible for the sales of pineapples and papayas on a farm, while also managing social media and leading a team of farm employees.
In 2019, I joined the US Army Puerto Rico National Guard where I currently serve as a Second Lieutenant as Military Police. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, connecting with nature, spending time with my family and friends, and learning about financial management.
In 2023, I got the opportunity to apply for the SUMAS summer internship, an experience that allowed me to attend Cornell University to study sustainability in agriculture and collaborate with the Cornell Small Farms Program and the Future in Ag project. This opportunity led me to formally join the Cornell Small Farms Program team in 2024 and serve as a technical outreach specialist for the Latino community upon my graduation in June 2024. I am excited for this opportunity, as it is a great start to my career and will allow me to support diverse and underrepresented communities.
