USF Global Citizen Hailey DeMessa Champions Climate Finance During Study Abroad in Indonesia

Meet Hailey DeMessa, an accounting student at the University of South Florida with a passion for sustainability and finance. This year, with the support of our friends at the Climate Finance Fund and the University of South Florida, Hailey is diving into the world of climate finance through an immersive study abroad experience in Indonesia with The GREEN Program. Join us as we explore how her unique blend of accounting skills and environmental commitment is shaping her understanding of global efforts to address climate change.

Tell us about yourself!

I am deeply passionate about environmental sustainability and am eager to gain firsthand experience in how sustainable practices can be implemented on a global scale and how I can be a part of this change.

Studying abroad has been one of my biggest dreams for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a deep love for learning about new cultures and ways of life. I’ve always believed that real wisdom comes from lived experience, not just from books or classrooms. What I didn’t realize when I was younger was how much those experiences would shape my passions and guide my future.

I’ve always considered myself a strong, independent woman. I naturally gravitate toward leadership roles and love stepping up when needed. But it wasn’t until I joined The GREEN Program that I truly understood the impact I could make.

My academic journey at the University of South Florida has fostered my commitment to environmental awareness by providing courses related to the topic. In my first year, I took an environmental science course to learn more about the scientific principles behind sustainability. Additionally, this year I am participating in an art in the environment class. I had the opportunity to engage with and develop creative solutions to raise awareness. Through one of my many passions, art and painting, a team and I created an orchid mural in the botanical garden on USF’s campus to showcase environmental awareness and the importance of protecting our natural environment.

My career aspirations lie at the intersection of business and sustainability. As a second-year accounting major, I aim to leverage my skills in finance and leadership to drive sustainable business practices in the corporate world. I currently serve as the President of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) chapter at USF, where I am growing my impact to bring more opportunities to our members. This role has sharpened my leadership and ability to manage resources effectively, skills I plan to apply to sustainability-focused organizations or companies.

As a participant in the Global Citizens Program, I have continued to develop my interests in understanding how diverse cultures approach global challenges, and I have been very excited to explore Indonesia’s unique environmental needs.

I have a strong pride in my Chinese Jamaican heritage, as it has been an asset in understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from others with different backgrounds who are enthusiastic to enhance our knowledge in climate finance, renewable energy technologies, and real-world problem-solving.

Why were you interested in joining The GREEN Program in Indonesia?

I am committed to integrating sustainable financial practices into my future career, whether through advising companies on green investments or helping organizations adopt more environmentally-conscious business models. The GREEN Program provides me with valuable exposure to global sustainability practices, allowing me to gain insight into how environmental solutions can be implemented across industries. By combining my background in accounting with the hands-on experiences I gained through the program, I hope to contribute to making sustainability a core focus in business decision-making.

What were your takeaways from your study abroad?

What I loved most about the program was how grounded it felt in local impact. Being immersed in several communities where sustainability is lived and practiced helped me see how personal and necessary this work is. One moment that stuck with me was our visit to the Klasik Beans coffee farm in Bandung. Seeing the connection between sustainable practices, clean energy, and the well-being of local communities made something click for me. I realized that not only can I make an impact, but I truly want that impact to be part of my career.

The corporate visits during the program opened my eyes to how many pathways exist within the world of sustainable business.

During our time at the Indonesian Stock Exchange, it was the first time I heard about carbon accounting. I found it interesting that entire teams are dedicated to helping companies understand and reduce their emissions. That information led me to start researching sustainability and climate change roles at the accounting firms I hope to work with one day. I have also been looking into ESG accounting, which can look like supporting top companies track their climate action, improve their ESG strategies, and align their operations with global sustainability goals.

The GREEN Program showed me that sustainability isn’t just a hobby I want to pick up, but it’s a lens I can bring into my work moving forward. It gave me the tools, the clarity, and the confidence to explore this space with purpose.

I’m incredibly grateful for the experience and excited to be part of a community of young professionals who are passionate about building a more sustainable future together.

What skills and lessons are you bringing home from your learnings in Indonesia?

This trip exceeded my expectations on all levels. I left Indonesia empowered and confident in my future endeavors.

I know that this trip has not only sparked a fire in me to take on more sustainable actions and investing, but also how to fully connect this to my career in the future.

We were dropped into a new country, surrounded by people from all over the world, from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. And yet, somehow, we all clicked. I think it was the shared intention that brought us together. We were all driven by passion and purpose, and that created a kind of unity that I hadn’t experienced before. This experience was unforgettable and a big part of why was because of the people I was introduced to and the connections that we built.

That program didn’t just broaden my worldview, but it showed me what I’m capable of and reminded me why I chase these experiences in the first place.

Recognizing the value of this program, I’ve gained several skills:

1. Interpersonal Communication: This program not only introduced you to about 20 individuals with different backgrounds but also opened doors to talk with corporate business leaders and local individuals who provided valuable insight through connection and communication.
2. Initiative & Independence: Taking the initiative to travel to a new country to create these new experiences develops your independence, as you are the only person you know going into this 10-day journey.
3. Entrepreneurial Leadership: You are required to complete a capstone project, which is an entrepreneurial and leadership-based project that will support sustainability through the focus of climate finance. This program is built on applying skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication, collaboration, and finding common ground to achieve a collective goal.

The GREEN Program brought everything to life in the best way. From corporate visits to hiking in the coffee farms – it hits home and shines light on how I can make a difference and be a voice of impact.

I am so grateful to have been chosen for this opportunity and have conversations with the other GREENies as well as the people we were introduced to on the site visits. Thank you so, so much, I hope to help further the advancement of this program in any possible way, and also joining other programs as well (Belize/Iceland) sounds very near in my future.

Thank you to The GREEN Program, truly.

What advice do you have for other business students who want to explore making an impact in sustainability?

During my time in Indonesia with The GREEN Program, I learned that real change happens when people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives come together around a common purpose. As business students, we have a special opportunity to shape how businesses address global challenges and create impacting progress.

If you’re even a little curious about sustainability, follow that interest. You don’t need to know everything about climate change to jump in. Just be curious and intentional about the steps you take. Start by asking questions in class, bringing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) thinking into your projects, and rethinking how businesses can create long-term value.

Getting involved starts with exploring.

I’m part of the University of South Florida’s Global Citizens Program, and that’s actually how I first heard about The GREEN Program. Opportunities like this often come through programs, professors, or networks you’re already connected to. Join student orgs focused on sustainability or social impact, and talk to professors who are doing research in this space.

Even simply paying attention to what’s happening in the world around you can lead you toward new ideas and opportunities. And don’t wait until graduation to take action. Many campuses offer grants or resources for student-led initiatives; you just have to ask. The most important part is taking that first step towards understanding change.

Interested in learning more about The GREEN Program? Explore our upcoming sustainability study abroad experiences and Apply Today!