Bio
Rafael Santos is pursuing a Master’s degree in Urban Planning at CUNY Hunter College. He earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Brazil and an MBA in Project Management from the Getulio Vargas Foundation, also in Brazil. His professional career in private-sector capital projects included initiatives that promoted economic development and prosperity in communities across Brazil and North America. Rafael’s dedication to learning and implementing high-impact initiatives brought him to New York City in 2024, where he joined the Hunter College Urban Planning Program. He focuses on regenerating public-private spaces, addressing the housing crisis, and advancing the circular economy and sustainable urban practices as tools for community wealth creation and ecological preservation. Outside of his academic and professional work, Rafael enjoys spending time in New York City’s parks and exploring its streets, which he considers invaluable sources of knowledge and inspiration. His combined experience in engineering, project management, and urban planning equips him to contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen communities and improve quality of life for residents.
