Sustainable Growth
Axkana Rios-Martinez first heard the term “circular economy” when representatives from Suez Water Technologies & Solutions held a workshop at PSU. Simply put, the concept is all about sustainability. It’s about reducing waste, prolonging the life of products and cutting pollution.
This immediately struck a chord with Rios-Martinez, who, as a child in Mexico City, was raised with the importance of conserving resources.
“It was very uncommon where I grew up to see people wasting water like crazy,” he said. “If you own your own well, or share a community well, you don’t take long showers.”
Rios-Martinez knew he wanted to learn more, and Suez was happy to have him. The company offered him a six-month internship in its Richmond, VA office over the spring and summer and another one at its Bellevue, WA office that will overlap with his final academic year. This June, Rios-Martinez will have earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and supply chain logistics — then he's hoping to go to work for them full time.
When he graduates, he'll have a degree that he says fits with his mission.
“Whatever I can do with supply chain management to help companies think outside the box — that’s what I want to do.”
"I want to save the world. That's all — no biggie."
Rios-Martinez’ parents are college educated and had professional jobs in Mexico, but chose to move the family to the United States when he was 7 in search of economic opportunities. They started out in California before settling in Beaverton. Rios-Martinez graduated from Aloha High School in 2011, then went to Portland Community College where he earned his associate’s degree.
At PCC, he became a peer mentor in the college’s THRIVE program, which helps students navigate college, find resources and gain leadership experience.
“I felt if I could go to college, others could too,” he said.
When it came time to pursue his bachelor’s degree, he had his pick of universities. He chose Portland State because of its commitment to helping students from all backgrounds. PSU offered him grants and scholarships, and set him up with a mentor specifically assigned to Latino students like himself.
“Every other school is trying to promote diversity. But at PSU — and especially the School of Business — they’re actually investing in it. To me that’s more impressive than any flyer,” he said.
Through the School of Business, Rios-Martinez received several grants and scholarships, including occasional emergency grants to help him cover unexpected costs. And when he went to Richmond for his internship, the school lent him a laptop computer to take with him.
PSU has offered him tools for success in other ways too. He received mentoring during his first year through GANAS, a program that provides mentoring and academic assistance to Latino students. After his first year, he became a mentor to younger students.
He has also been part of the school’s Atmos program, which provides academic support and professional development to diverse students.
“When I came to PSU, I had no support...no network. Atmos gave me a network of not only peers, but professionals, to connect with and help me along,” he said.
With that foundation, Rios-Martinez is ready to get to work.
“I want to save the world. That’s all — no biggie.”