About Rodrigo

Rodrigo Costa, 38, is a passionate economist and MBA graduate from the University of Lisbon, Portugal. With a career rooted in fintech, Rodrigo has over a decade of experience initiating and supporting social impact projects across Europe and the Middle East. Since 2011, he has combined his financial expertise with a dedication to creating positive social change, especially for vulnerable populations.

Projects

Germany – Social Integration Project (2019-Present)

In Germany, Rodrigo collaborated with the German Red Cross (GRC) on an ambitious social integration initiative aimed at supporting refugees and disadvantaged communities. Through job placements, social programs, and community workshops, the project helps individuals overcome economic and social barriers and integrate more fully into German society.

Rodrigo’s leadership ensured that the project addressed both immediate needs and long-term community engagement. Over the years, this initiative has touched hundreds of lives, helping participants find jobs, access educational resources, and gain confidence in their new surroundings.

For the Mendo-Marco Green Energy Project in Évora, Portugal, I led key fundraising efforts to support its ambitious goals. This project is centered on advancing renewable energy in Europe, with a long-term objective to ensure the continent transitions to 100% green energy by 2040. Located in the Alentejo region, the project exemplifies Portugal’s dedication to sustainable energy, especially within rural communities where solar power is a critical resource.

As part of the Mendo-Marco initiative, I worked alongside local governments, private investors, and environmental organizations to secure the necessary funds, ensuring this project could set an example for scalable green energy solutions across Europe. This involvement included driving awareness campaigns and fostering partnerships with like-minded European green energy networks.

Sciences Po provides a “Professional Certificate for Young Refugees,” a two-year program designed to enhance language proficiency in French, develop social science knowledge, and offer career guidance. This initiative supports refugee students with mentorship and scholarships to help them pursue careers in fields like economics and technology, directly meeting the skill requirements of the fintech sector.

Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne has created the “Sorbonne, Langues, Humanités, Citoyennetés” diploma, helping refugees build language skills and knowledge in European studies, technology, and the humanities. They also work with European projects such as the PAUSE program and the inHERE initiative, both focused on integrating refugee students into higher education and ensuring they are prepared for success in the workforce.