Jorge Acevedo Pallares
“Stop focusing on expected outcomes and start appreciating how far you have gone in this journey”
Jorge Acevedo
Country of origin: Mexico
Year of arrival to Australia: 2008
Occupation: Carbon and Sustainability Director at the Mexican Agency of Antarctic Studies
State of Residency: VIC
Favourite place in Australia: Palm Cove beach, Cairns
Upon arrival: Surprised by seeing people walking barefoot in the shopping mall
Edited by Cristina Ponce-Abela. Socials by Juan Camilo.
Jorge loves life, dancing and traveling. Earth protection is the job he loves as Carbon and Sustainability Director at the Mexican Agency of Antarctic Studies. His achievements include a TEDx Talk, by Monash University on the importance of building homes compatible with the biosphere (and how he made one!); speaking at a conference in front of 2,500 people and producing; and conducting the first ever Mexican podcast dedicated to Antarctica. He also volunteers with Mexbourne, a Mexican folkloric ballet based in Melbourne where he performs Mexican traditional dancing in cultural events, fostering positive Mexican culture.
TELL US YOUR STORY
When I was 28, I moved to the Gold Coast, Australia (2008) to learn English at an academic level, so I could apply for a Master’s degree at the University of Queensland (UQ). My drive to leave Mexico was my environmental career. I knew I had to look for a better place to learn from the best in my field, so between Canada and Australia, I chose Australia. After accomplishing my postgraduate degree, I started volunteering for the Queensland Office of Clean Energy. Then, I got my first paid job as Environmental Consultant for the firm E3 in Brisbane, not because my CV submissions but because of dancing in a charity event for Africa. Yes, someone in the crowd approached me after the show to compliment me for my dancing performance, but I said “I am truly seeking an environmental job”. Turns out this person got me an interview in her workplace and I secured the job. Not long after, politics changed in Australia and sustainability was not a focus for the new government as they scrapped the carbon tax and other environmental policies. So, I was made redundant. Nonetheless, having attained local experience, it was easier to be hired in other jobs. I managed to get my dream job in climate action at South Pole. I truly enjoyed it; however, my dream job was killing me was harsh. However, I love myself more than I love any career. Therefore, I quit and pivoted to an area based on my strengths: environmental communication. I produce and host the oficial podcast for the Mexican Agency of Antarctic Studies and I am launching my personal brand with media channels and a website for environmental solutions.
Australia can be a tough teacher, but it allows you to reinvent yourself and contribute if you got what it takes. I have learnt that behind inspiring stories, there are raw experiences that people hide. For me meant to doing jobs I didn’t want to do; feeling awful for my studies not being recognised in Australia; dancing for money whilst I was studying; realising my English was not good enough; being hungry, tired, and cold at times; being abused by an Australian ex-partner; withstanding uncertainty about my visa for many years; quitting the job of my dreams; and so on. Life is hard, migration is brutal sometimes and yet, I feel I am one of the privileged ones. I have since built a loving and stable life and contribute to Australia in different dimensions:
1) Breaking stereotypes: People interacting with me have found that Mexicans are not only about soccer, food or drug cartels; but also about science, arts and innovation.
SoUTH POLE CLIMATE LEADERS FORUM
2) Entertainment and Culture: I started a dance company ‘Bailalo Latino’ to support myself financially whilst studying my Environmental Management Master’s degree at UQ. I taught and performed Latin dancing in Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay and Byron Bay, Sydney, Melbourne, Bendigo, and many more cities.
3) Advance Climate Action: It took me 10 years to become part of one of the most successful international companies leading the space on climate action and carbon project development – South Pole. I was rejected 2 times but hired at the 3rd attempt. With them I was able to compensate for about 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide and assist many Australian companies in their climate journey towards Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero emissions. Also, when working at EarthCheck as Manager of the Sustainable Building and Design Standard, I contributed to the certification of Mexican tourism such as the famous Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
4) Promoting Australia in Mexico: I constantly speak at virtual conferences for Mexican institutions curious about climate action, environmental science and sustainable building.
CHALLENGES
Uncertainty - Nothing can guarantee your migration outcome. Many of us go from visa to visa until you finally can stay permanently. Not knowing how much longer you must wait for a result can be exhausting. While waiting, life will change your plans, many times. At some point I decided to go with the flow; that helped me to suffer less. Never lose sight of your goal but be flexible on how to get there - trust the process.
Trust - Migrating can feel like a constant exercise to prove you can be trusted. Putting yourself in the position of others will help you to understand that it is not a personal attack but a process of growth. Every time you attempt something new, prove that you can: rent a place, own a credit card, study a course, speak the language fluently, be hired for a job, be cool, etc.
ArtVo Melbourne 2022
Loneliness - The culture is individualistic. Australians need space. I feel lucky when strangers respond to a good morning greeting on the street. Making friends or community can be hard and can take time. For me dancing, volunteering, and opening a business allowed me to be perceived differently and generate a network that satisfied that gap whilst true friendships built up.
CONTRASTS AND SIMMILARITIES
Multiculturalism - In Mexico we are diverse but very similar in culture. Conversely, living in Australia is like living in the United Nations. Therefore, it will demand to open your mind to new ideas, religions, languages, habits, food, etc.
Spontaneity - Latinos are making life on the go, but Australians have almost everything scheduled. In contrast to Latin America, in Australia life can be predictable, which can make it boring at times. A good balance is key.
Shoes - In Latin America, not wearing shoes is a sign of concern, it is perceived as dangerous, unhealthy, and even as a sign of poverty. In Australia, not wearing shoes can be considered a sign of connection, health and freedom. You will be constantly asked to remove your shoes before entering a house. I have found giving new significance to concepts learnt is a powerful exercise.
PIECE OF ADVICE
Don’t overthink it - If you wait for perfection, it will never happen. Get your basics together and move. The rest will fall into place as you move through. Adversity will make you grow in ways you never expected. Be open to step out of your comfort zone, constantly.
Network - People make the world go around. Opportunities will come through people, so make sure you invest time socialising, meeting up and letting them know what you are here for. It is not about who you are in your country, but about who you interact with in Australia.
Focus on the process - Australia can be a hard teacher. Stop focusing on expected outcomes and start appreciating how far you have gone in this journey. Change perspective, recognise how much you have changed, what you have learned and build upon that. Often, the journey is more valuable than the result.
Performance at Teatro Degollado 2017
IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS…
Jorge sees himself becoming a leader of opinion in sustainability for the Spanish speaking market, giving conferences and workshops. He is writing a book and in 2024 he would like to have it published and be of value in the climate journey for companies and communities.
If you want to know more about Jorge, find him here:
Webiste > https://www.jorgeacevedopallares.com/
Instagram > @jorgeacevedopallares
LinkedIn > www.linkedin.com/in/jorgeacevedop/
Twitter > @Antropoceno21
Tik Tok > @jorgeacevedopallares
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With love and gratitude - Latin Stories Australia team