Ambassador Spotlight ‘Evi De La Rosa Ricciardi’

Welcoming Evi De La Rosa Ricciardi from Western Puerto Rico! Let’s learn some more about her:

How did you get into surveying? I discovered my path into the geospatial industry in an unexpected but deeply meaningful way. From a young age, I was drawn to design and spatial thinking—sparked by a moment when my mother asked me to sketch the house we hoped to build on a newly acquired piece of land. Although I initially dreamed of studying art, architecture, or graphic design, life led me to pursue Civil Engineering at a very young age. Those early university years were challenging and filled with uncertainty about my direction. Everything changed when I took a Geomatics course with a special professor. In that class, I found a natural connection with surveying—where numbers, shapes, and the land seemed to speak a language I intuitively understood. That experience ultimately guided me toward the geospatial field, where I discovered both passion and purpose.

What are your plans as a Brand Ambassador? As an ambassador, I plan to lead with authenticity, purpose, and a deep commitment to growth both my own and that of others. I want to inspire by example, sharing my journey to show that perseverance, faith, and continuous learning can open meaningful opportunities. I am especially committed to building bridges across communities, creating connections that strengthen and project the future of the surveying profession. I hope to share my experiences in a way that motivates others, while also contributing to a broader vision of what a surveyor can become in the evolving geospatial world. Through mentorship, outreach, and collaboration, I aim to empower others to believe in their potential, stay curious, and pursue their paths with confidence and determination.

Tell us a bit about what you do: I am a geospatial professional and educator with a strong commitment to advancing geomatics through both practice and teaching. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Topography from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, followed by a master’s in Geomatics Engineering from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in Civil and Coastal Engineering from the University of Florida, focused on applied geomatics, land management, and land tenure. As a professor, I am dedicated to developing the next generation of professionals while continuing to expand my own knowledge including recently completing a second bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. My work spans leadership in complex surveying projects particularly coastal boundary delimitation—along with active participation in professional organizations at both local and international levels. I also advocate for the profession in high-level forums and contribute to global conversations on geospatial education. Beyond the technical field, I value continuous growth, mentorship, and purpose-driven work, striving to create impact through knowledge, leadership, and service.

Anything else you’d like to add? Opportunities often come at unexpected moments, and we must be willing to embrace them with courage and purpose. For surveyors, teachers, and parents alike, the impact we make goes far beyond technical skills or academic achievements, it lives in the people we inspire and the paths we help shape. Today, surveying is at the forefront of transformation, driven by emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, opening new possibilities for how we understand, manage, and interact with land and data. This evolution makes our role even more meaningful, as we help shape the future with innovation and responsibility. I believe that when we lead with faith, character, and determination, every experience becomes a chance to grow and uplift others. As I often say, “The path may already exist, but each of us is responsible for what we choose to do with the opportunities in front of us.”

If you’d like to get in touch with Evi for a outreach event, please email hello@getkidsintosurvey.com and we shall forward her the information in order to respond (does not have LinkedIn).