In 2019, Francis Hernández Montás (Dominican Republic) walked across the graduation stage in his cap and gown to receive his university degree as an Agricultural Engineer. He then stepped up once more, this time to receive the highest honor EARTH University grants each year to a student—the EARTH Prize. This award recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and an enduring commitment to our mission of contributing to sustainable development and building a more just and prosperous society.
Since then, Francis has carried that recognition with pride, evolving from an exemplary student into a determined, creative, and insightful professional. In 2018, during his third year at EARTH, Francis traveled to the United States to begin his professional Internship course at Costa Farms, one of the world’s largest horticultural companies. There, he was able to apply and deepen his knowledge in one of his great passions: biology. His hard work and commitment during the four-month Internship bore fruit—after graduation, Costa Farms invited him back, this time not as an intern but as a full-time staff member. Today, he works in ornamental horticulture in North Carolina, United States, where he leads the production of annual and perennial plants.
“I never imagined myself working with ornamental plants. I was more interested in areas like genetics and plant breeding, but I ended up working in plant cultivation—and now I love it. I believe your interests shift when you enter the professional world. At EARTH, I learned all the skills and principles I needed to do what I do today.”
Beyond his technical role as a grower, Francis deeply enjoys working with people, exchanging knowledge, and the opportunity to grow each day. “I love seeing plants grow, but even more, I love teaching, learning, and collaborating. That’s what drives me,” he says.
Looking back, Francis recognizes that EARTH was a life-changing decision. “I arrived with one mindset and left with another. At EARTH, I learned to be a leader, to see beyond my own limits, and to understand the impact we can have on the world.”
In December 2024, he returned to his alma mater to participate in the Alumni Reunion and fondly recalled the little things that brought him joy as a student: trips to the campus river, conversations in the cafeteria and hallways, and eating gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s traditional rice and bean breakfast. He also remembered the pride he carries in his heart—and demonstrates in his daily actions—for being a part of EARTH.
Francis, thank you for continuing to be a true change leader and for inspiring other young people along your path!