With the flurry of spring EMPA applications underway here at the Evans School, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate and thank two amazingly committed EMPA alumni: Eduardo and Erica Campos.
Eduardo Campos and his wife, Erica Campos, came to the U.S. from Brazil in 2003 to work for Microsoft. They quickly fell in love with the U.S. and realized it was where they wanted to put down roots. “As global executives, we were encouraged to pursue a business degree,” said Eduardo. “But we decided that was not our purpose — we wanted to have a broad impact in the community.”
Both Eduardo and Erica were raised by families dedicated to public service. Erica’s father worked for a utilities department, and her mother was a public-school teacher and principal. Eduardo’s mother was also a teacher, and his father spent 35-years as a tax auditor in Brazil. The values of integrity and compassion, and a commitment to listening to diverse perspectives have driven their lives.
“And that’s why we chose the Evans School,” said Eduardo. “Beyond critical thinking skill and academic rigor, the faculty helped us learn how to be better human beings, better professionals, and better citizens. And we practiced ways to compromise and bridge the divide on issues.”
In 2015, the Camposes graduated from the Evans School’s EMPA program. And in 2022, after a long journey, they became U.S. citizens, voting in their first election that November. “It fulfilled our dream, to be able to participate in an important democratic system,” said Eduardo.
Right after graduation, the Camposes decided they wanted to remain involved at the Evans School and became engaged volunteers and supporters. “We wanted to help other people realize their dreams to serve the community,” said Eduardo, who has served on various Evans School boards including the Advisory Committee since 2017 and the Dean’s Council since 2021. Erica is a member of the Evans School’s Community of Ambassadors.
“As Dean of the Evans School, I’ve had the privilege to see the impact that Erica and Eduardo have made here at the school—their strategic guidance, their support for our campaign to renovate Parrington, and their hands-on partnerships with our programs, like hosting our Junior Summer Institute scholars for a site visit to Microsoft,” said Jodi Sandfort. “We thank them for their unwavering commitment to our mission and the next generation of leaders.”