Posted on December 5, 2024 by Rebekah Alegria
Jasmin Paquet-Durand Ford’s life has been shaped by cultures, curiosity and an enduring commitment to leave the world better than she found it.
Jasmin Paquet-Durand Ford, B.A. Economics '24
Born in Germany, she was raised in Belize by an American father and a French German mother, making Paquet-Durand Ford a “third-culture kid”. Her global upbringing, surrounded by her father’s work in education and international development and her mother’s career as a wildlife veterinarian and non-profit founder, instilled in her a passion for environmental stewardship and a curiosity about the world.
“I’ve always been an environmentalist at heart, but I didn’t know how to channel that into a career,” shared Jasmin Paquet-Durand Ford, a senior majoring in economics graduating this December. “During the pandemic, I realized economics is the study of everything; it is resource allocation at its core. It gave me a way to bridge my interests in environmental sustainability and equitable development.”
In the Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UTSA, she thrived under the mentorship of Donald Lien, the Richard S. Liu Distinguished Chair in Business, and Associate Professor of Economics Edgar Ghossoub, whose classes in development economics, migration and macroeconomics deepened her understanding and fueled her interests in global issues.
She also credits Assistant Professors of Economics Alper Arslan and Jon Moreno-Medina, for their patience and unwavering support when she doubted herself, and Jill Fleuriet, vice provost for honors education at UTSA, for exemplifying the kind of leader and intellectual she aspires to be.
Paquet-Durand Ford’s academic pursuits were matched by her leadership and extracurricular achievements. As president of the Student Government Association, vice chair of the University of Texas System Student Advisory Council and vice president of the Society of Economics, she worked to foster community and facilitate meaningful dialogue. “Being surrounded by passionate peers taught me the power of collaboration and finding common ground,” said Paquet-Durand Ford, who was also a member of the Business Honors Program and the UTSA Honors College.
Her leadership style was influenced by mentors like Allegra Lozano, director of honors academic counseling, who helped her feel a sense of belonging during her freshman year, and Taylor Eighmy, UTSA’s president. “President Eighmy’s kindness and transformation leadership inspired me to think big and aim high,” she shared.
Her drive also extended to internships that prepared her for a career in public service. From tracking news stories as an intern for Congressman Lloyd Doggett to contributing to literacy initiatives at the White House Hallo-READ event through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Paquet-Durand Ford embraced every opportunity to grow.
“Seeing a script I wrote for the Undersecretary of Oceans and Commerce come to life in the recording studio was surreal,” she recalled. “It reminded me that even small contributions can lead to impact outcomes.”
One of the defining experiences of her academic journey was the Archer Fellowship Program, which gives students the opportunity to live, learn and intern in Washington, D.C. “Through classes on policymaking and advocacy, alongside a full-time internship, I gained a deeper understanding of how change happens at the federal level,” she said. The program also offered unique opportunities, including classes at historic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the National Archives, enriching her appreciation for public service.
The Archer Fellowship internship with NOAA became a transformation chapter in her life, aligning her environmentalist heart with her professional skills. “I’ve cried tears of joy during this internship,” she admitted. “From managing youth engagement programs to writing communications for senior officials, every task felt purposeful and impactful because the work that NOAA does is so important.”
This fall Paquet-Durand Ford graduates with a degree in economics and transitions to a full-time role as junior media and communications specialist at the NOAA. She will continue her work in communications and youth engagement, focusing on initiatives like the Young Changemakers Fellowship. “This role combines my love for communication with my environmentalist roots. It’s about creating space for young voices in decision-making,” she explained.
Looking back, Paquet-Durand Ford credits UTSA for shaping her into a well-rounded professional and individual. “UTSA’s interdisciplinary approach allowed me to connect the dots between economics, sustainability and public service,” she said. Her advice to students: “Go to office hours, join a club and trust the process. Every experience, big or small, adds value to your story.”
As she steps into her next chapter, Paquet-Durand Ford is driven by a simple yet profound purpose--to leave the world better than she found it. Her journey from Belize to UTSA, and now to Washington D.C., is a testament to the power of embracing opportunities and staying true to one’s passions.
— Rebekah Alegria
