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Working in a Danger Zone


Alberto Imberton LL.M. '01 believes AES must satisfy the current electricity demands in a socially responsible manner, "not only for the present," said Imberton, "but most importantly, for the generations to come."

"Think for a moment about what it would be like to live without electricity. We would not be able to use technology, that's for sure, and there would be no running water," said Imberton. "Now think about all that it takes to satisfy the world's electricity demands. Try to imagine how those needs increase as the population grows, as economic development happens. All of our electricity comes from the transformation of natural resources, such as hydropower, fossil fuels, wind, sun, etc. Some technologies produce cheaper electricity, others more environmentally friendly."

Imberton assures high ethics and integrity in all AES dealings and transactions, as well as safeguarding its legal interests. "My job is definitely fulfilling," said Imberton. "It has aggressive corporate goals, environmental duties, and deals with a politically sensitive and extremely hazardous product in a field still under development."

AES has a passion to help continue to meet the world’s increasing energy needs while providing communities and countries with the capability to grow through the availability of reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy.

"When you work at AES, you also work for and with the community where you operate," said Imberton. "It is not only about providing electricity to every home, it's about creating opportunities for competitive industries, caring for the environment, and, since we deal with an extremely dangerous product, it's about making sure all our colleagues get back home safe and sound to their families.

It's about believing in the countries [in which] we operate and accompanying social and economic growth."

Imberton is also currently pursuing a Ph.D. in law and economics, a joint degree program at both the Universidad Dr. José Matías Delgado and the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. "Even though law and economics have been around for a long time, there is still much conscience to be built and much work to be done," said Imberton.

Imberton hopes that through his Ph.D. research, he can contribute ideas to make El Salvador a better place to live. "El Salvador is a very small country, densely populated and currently undergoing a wave of criminality similar to the rest of the northern portion of Latin America," said Imberton. "But most importantly, its people have taken on regional leadership roles, showing their potential."

When Imberton was choosing which school to attend for his LL.M. degree, he looked for a school with a good reputation that could place him in the heart of American culture and its legal system. That is how he opted for The Dickinson School of Law. "The Penn State Dickinson School of Law expanded my horizon and contributed to the consolidation of my legal skills and reasoning," said Imberton. "Once I completed my LL.M. I was competent enough to be admitted to the New York Bar, but most importantly, I have been able to share my life experiences with many people from all over the world."

Imberton currently assists the Law School by promoting its LL.M., program throughout Latin America. "I am very grateful to the Law School for its contribution to my life," said Imberton.

"I feel other people should also be given the same opportunities and resources to succeed in life. That is why I want to promote the Law School and make it known in Latin America, especially Central America."

Imberton's determination to succeed in life and to change lives for the better comes from his deep-rooted virtues and morals, as well as overcoming obstacles in his life. As a cancer survivor, Imberton believes it is important to have a well-plotted chart "since the tides and currents of life are constantly deviating our heading."

Imberton lives in El Salvador with his wife and three children.

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