Maria Eduarda Olimpio Lopes, who graduated this weekend with a Master's in Public Affairs, came to the University of Missouri with a clear post-graduate career goal of international development and education through nonprofits. She not only made significant steps toward her goal — co-founding the nonprofit organization English for All — she also built connections among friends who became her Mizzou family.  

Maria shares more about her time at Mizzou in the following Q&A.

How did you decide to come to Mizzou?

Before coming here, I had finished my undergraduate studies in Law, and after that, I worked at the non-governmental organization Teach for Brazil for 2 years. I wanted to boost my career in public policy and education with a master’s abroad. When I was searching for MPA/MPP programs and scholarships in the US, I was using this ranking of best graduate schools (that’s how I found out about Mizzou!). 

I had a clear idea of my career goals post-graduation but was also looking for a program that would introduce me to new opportunities and potential career paths. The MPA program at the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs stood out because it offered flexibility, allowing me to focus on areas like public policy and nonprofit management. Today, as I’m preparing to graduate with a Master’s degree in Public Affairs and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, I can confidently say that Mizzou has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow. 

Who have been your biggest influences at Mizzou?

The first person who really influenced my journey at Mizzou was Brian Taylor, the Director of Career Services & Public Relations. Brian is such a kind and approachable person, always willing to listen and help. He went above and beyond to make sure our experience at Mizzou was not just about academics but also fulfilling and meaningful overall. Whether it was organizing field trips, events, or networking sessions, he wasn’t just focused on building our resumes—he truly wanted us to have a wonderful time at Mizzou, and I will always remember him.

When it comes to faculty, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible professors throughout my time here. One person who stands out is Dr. Hull. She inspired me to dive into social entrepreneurship and launch my own nonprofit. A big Tigers fan, she is always sharing resources across campus and encouraging her students to take advantage of every opportunity. I got to launch my business and better understand the nonprofit world through her. 

Finally, I have to mention my friends — they’ve been the heart of my Mizzou experience. Going through this academic journey wouldn’t have been the same (or even possible) without them. My friends from the Association of Mizzou Public Affairs Students, my fellow Fulbright Scholars — each one of them has made a lasting impact on my life. I’m really thankful for sharing the Mizzou life with them and excited to follow their next steps.

What resources and experiences helped you thrive at Mizzou?

At Mizzou, I had the chance to join the Entrepreneurship Alliance Accelerator Program at the Trulaske College of Business. It’s an intensive 8-week program where students can bring their startup ideas to life, developing a full business plan with the support of mentoring and training. At the end, participants compete in a pitch competition to secure initial funding for their ventures. I joined the program in the spring of 2024, and it was such an amazing experience, and I thank Professor Scott Christianson for that. 

What stood out to me about this program — and about Mizzou in general — was its openness to diversity. I was the only international student in the room, pursuing a Master’s in Public Affairs, while most of the other participants were undergraduates studying business. Even though I didn’t have a traditional business background and was pitching a nonprofit instead of a startup, I never felt out of place or unsupported. The environment was so welcoming, and everyone was genuinely encouraging.

I think this reflects one of the best things about Mizzou: the way it encourages us to explore opportunities across the campus. If you have a passion, even if it doesn’t directly align with your department’s resources, you can find a club, a program, or a community somewhere on campus that will help you develop your ideas. That kind of flexibility and support is what really helped me.

What is your favorite memory as a graduate student at Mizzou?

I don't know if I have one specific favorite memory, but I would say sharing this journey with my friends. As an international student, I came here without knowing anyone, in a new country with a different culture and traditions. But from the beginning, I made friends that I want to keep for life. People in Mizzou are really kind, helpful, and I guess because Columbia is a university town, the friends you make become your family while you are here. I can definitely say that I had a family at Truman School, and sharing this graduate life with them was the best part of it.

What’s next for you?

I’m applying for jobs in the nonprofit & education sectors — that's really my passion! I plan to work a few years for nonprofit organizations or higher education institutions developing my project management and fundraising skills. In the long term, my goal is to dedicate myself to my nonprofit, English for All. I want to expand its reach, fostering language learning and creating opportunities for international experiences for students around the world.