LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — EARTH University student, Catalina Mora of Costa Rica, recently completed a four month internship with Frieda’s Inc. as a Business Analyst intern where she developed useful tools to improve the way Frieda’s does business. Mora is a third year student at EARTH University and is earning a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science.
Mora is one of three EARTH University students that Frieda’s has worked with through its internship program. Upon Mora’s departure from Frieda’s, she stated, “My internship at Frieda's helped me grow professionally and also personally. I became part of the team and I was able to contribute. I reached my goals, objectives and exceeded my expectations. I will definitely miss my Frieda's family.”
“EARTH University is producing some truly capable young leaders in sustainable agri-business,” stated Karen Caplan, Frieda’s President and CEO. “Having Frieda’s as a part of their learning experience is a mutually beneficial opportunity for the EARTH student that is chosen, and for those here at Frieda’s who have the privilege to work with the student.”
EARTH is a private, non-profit university based in Costa Rica that offers educational opportunities in sustainable agriculture to students in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. Eighty percent of the students are granted full or partial scholarships, made possible by donations to the EARTH University Foundation, based in Atlanta. Since 2002, Frieda’s Inc. has been donating to EARTH’s scholarship program, as well as working with interns and graduates from EARTH. Aldo Bettoni, an EARTH graduate and Frieda’s first EARTH intern, joined Frieda’s in 2010 as the company’s Strategic Business Analyst.
“Frieda’s has long been a supporter of EARTH and its missions are aligned with our company’s own values and sustainability efforts,” Caplan added.
About EARTH University
EARTH University (www.earth.ac.cr) was founded with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Government of Costa Rica to prepare young people from economically-depressed communities in Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, including Africa and Asia, to become agents for change in their communities. EARTH offers a four-year undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resources management, providing a world-class scientific and technical education that emphasizes values, ethics, entrepreneurship and environmental and social commitment. Through the generous support of donors, EARTH University provides opportunities to young people who want to make a difference in the world but lack the financial resources for higher education. EARTH University Foundation (www.earth-usa.org) was formed to support the educational vision of EARTH University through generous gifts from the global community and other programs and initiatives. The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
About Frieda’s Inc.
Frieda’s Inc. celebrates 50 years of innovation in fresh produce. Founded in 1962 by Frieda Caplan, Frieda's was the first wholesale produce company in the U.S. to be founded, owned and operated by a woman, and is still a family- and women-owned business today. With the mission of changing the way America eats fruits and vegetables, Frieda’s has introduced more than 200 specialty items to U.S. produce departments, including Kiwifruit, Spaghetti Squash, Habanero Peppers, Black Garlic and many more. Learn more at www.friedas.com
Source: Frieda’s Inc.
