Each year, Acumen’s Fellowship in Colombia selects a cohort of inspiring leaders who are committed to a lifelong journey of solving problems of poverty and building a world based on dignity.

From improving livelihoods through education in rural areas, to working with small coffee farmers, our 2024 cohort embodies moral imagination:the humility to see the world as it is, and the audacity to imagine the world as it could be.

Over the course of a year, the Fellows came together to learn with and from each other in a series of workshops and immersive seminars. Following their graduation from the Fellowship, they join the Foundry, Acumen’s growing alumni community, of over 1800 social innovators who accompany each other from across the globe to build a world based on dignity.

Join us in welcoming the newest cohort of Acumen Fellows into the Foundry.
 

Ana María promotes a fairer, more transparent, and more citizen-centered public administration. She leads open government strategies at the General Secretariat of the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá, fostering public trust through data access, transparency, and public innovation. A political scientist with a master’s degree in government and public administration, she bridges knowledge from the public sector and civil society to design projects and influence public policy with a territorial focus. She is also part of the Hablemos de Trabajo Doméstico Foundation, where she advocates for the recognition of care worker as a key element of gender equality.

As the executive director of the Ser Para Ser Foundation, Andrew has led programs for over 10 years that empower young people in Cali to achieve their dreams and transform their city. His focus on human development, commitment to social transformation, leadership experience, and sense of purpose make him a champion of personal growth and innovation in both the social and business spheres. His inspiring vision seeks not only to change lives, but also the world we live in.

Lucía is a lawyer specialized in constitutional law from the National University of Colombia and holds a master's degree in social work with an emphasis on international social work and poverty and inequality from the University of Chicago, in the United States.. Lucía has worked in research, teaching, litigation, and advocacy in human rights — especially on issues of forced migration and women's rights — with international cooperation agencies and non-governmental organizations in Colombia and the United States. She was a researcher of drug policy at Dejusticia, he was a researcher of drug policy, coordinator of research on migration and Venezuela topics, and currently leads the gender research at Dejusticia.

Ilse is the director of CHOCOMUEIC and a member of the Network of Afro-Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, and Diaspora Women. She supports organizational processes with rural and urban women, strengthening the social fabric by reducing gaps in access to economic opportunities, encouraging participation in decision-making, and promoting business development. She is the creator of the first cacao industry in the municipality of Guapi, contributing to sustainable development by providing opportunities for Black and Indigenous women heads of household and young people.

Andrea is a sound artist and urban luthier, founder of Latin Latas, a musical group known for its innovative instruments made from waste materials and its unique stage performances. She is also the co-founder of Residuo Cero Laboratorio Creativo, a creative and innovation space that transforms consumption habits and promotes environmental culture through art as a communication tool. She gives talks and workshops, and designs and leads environmental education projects aimed at closing knowledge gaps and empowering communities.

Coralia is a human rights defender for migrants, refugees, and gender equality. A law professional in both Colombia and Venezuela, she is also trained in Social and Community Services. Coralia has extensive professional experience in the implementation and management of projects with social impact in humanitarian contexts. She is a youth leader representing Venezuelan migrants in Colombia and a volunteer at heart. She is the founder of Fundación Mulier, an organization that supports women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Diana has over 15 years of professional experience in the education sector, focusing on public policy design, program creation, and operations management in Colombia and Latin America. She has worked in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including  Red PaPaz, UNICEF Colombia, the Ministry of National Education, and United Way Worldwide. She is also the founder of Fundación Mujeres Pro and AbaConsultores. Diana holds a degree in political science from Universidad de los Andes and a master’s in economics and education policy from Universidad Externado de Colombia.

Dur is a woman committed to social change whohas broadened her perspective over a decade of nomadism through volunteering in social projects across four continents. She has built bonds with diverse cultures facing challenges similar to those in Colombia. Her ability to bring leaders together in collaborative efforts has impacted over 3,000 people in Colombia, facilitating the exchange of best practices among more than 120 international peacebuilders. She has been recognized as an Ambassador of Medellín.

Enrique is a young Afro-Colombian leader and CEO and founder of Visaje Negro, a clothing brand that uplifts Afro-Colombian culture. At 27 years old and originally from Turbo, Antioquia, he has dedicated his life to strengthening Afro-Colombian communities through alternative media and fashion. His passion for equity and representation is reflected in his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Visaje Negro stands out as an ethno-educational fashion brand, promoting knowledge and appreciation of Afro identity. 

Licensed in theology and an international instructor at School Chess, Fernando has a broad trajectory in developing and implementing educational programs using chess as a tool for personal and professional growth. A specialist in leading school chess projects, he focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship to train and enhance cognitive and social skills. As a certified speaker, he inspires change and is committed to educating youth and adults in areas such as leadership, life purpose, and entrepreneurship.

Iván is a social entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience as a mentor and facilitator of innovation processes. His purpose is to eradicate the poverty mindset in new generations from emerging and rural communities by developing their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. He has redefined the traditional concept of a library, turning it into a laboratory for social innovation. He dedicates his efforts to replicating these practices in other libraries and supporting young entrepreneurs in developing sustainable ideas.

Jeimy is the daughter of hardworking parents who instilled in her the importance of social commitment, and was driven by her awareness of social inequality to study anthropology at the University of Antioquia. Thirteen years ago, she joined TECHO as a volunteer, working closely with communities in informal settlements. For the past four years, she has been formally part of the organization. Currently, as director of the Medellín office, she channels her passion and experience into leading projects that promote development in vulnerable communities.

Jenner is a professional of artistic and cultural education, a musician, researcher, pharmacologist, and legal representative of the Afro-Colombian Foundation for Integral Development, Dejando Huellas. He is a manager of partnerships and coordinator of community activities in Puerto Tejada, Cauca, serving as a bridge between volunteers, researchers, and philanthropic collectives. For the past 13 years, he has worked on practical advocacy initiatives addressing the needs of fractured social structures, seeking equity and helping communities reconnect with their cultural roots.

Kelly is a chemical engineer, with a master in environmental management, a mother, and a wife. She is passionate about environmental action where understanding, empathy, and co-creation allow circular economy, renewable energies, and inclusive recycling to effectively mitigate climate change. She currently supports around 35 municipalities and social organizations in Antioquia, Atlántico, Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Valle del Cauca in identifying and structuring sustainable projects to channel financial and technical assistance from climate finance sources.

Laura is the manager at Matteria, a social enterprise with  a purpose to support leadership that is changing the world, acting as a strategic talent ally. Laura has experience in strategic talent roles across various sectors. For the past five years, she has led talent projects and consulting processes for NGOs, foundations, and social enterprises. She holds a degree in international business from the Pontifical Bolivarian University and a master’s in international relations from the Free University of Berlin.

Laura has over 20 years of experience in development cooperation, strategic program and project design, knowledge management, evaluation, and training. She has worked with various civil society organizations, local and national government entities, international cooperation agencies, donors, and research institutions. She has experience in processes within intercultural settings across different regions of Colombia and other Latin American countries.

Leiner  is a teacher at the San Pablo Industrial Educational Institution, an environmental technician, and a leader of the Consejo Comunitario Mayor de la Asociación Campesina Integral del Atrato (COCOMACIA), an organization that brings together 124 local community councils across eight municipalities in the departments of Chocó and Antioquia. He has over 15 years of experience working with Afro-descendant communities, promoting territorial defense, the protection of ethnic and human rights, and environmental conservation. He also has over 10 years of experience as an ethno-educator at ICEMA.

Luisa is from the Castilla neighborhood in Medellín. She holds a degree in social work from the University of Antioquia and a master’s in political studies from the National University of Colombia. Her research focused on care-based citizenship. A connector of worlds and a lover of dance, her neighborhood, and the sea, she currently leads diversity, equity, and inclusion at COMFAMA, is the founder of MACUI, which is a consultancy that promotes gender equity and care work, teaches at the University of Antioquia, and writes for the independent media outlet Noapto.co.

Marcela works at the intersection of technology, education, and social impact. She is the founder of La Teacher, an edtech pioneer in WhatsApp-based education that helps social organizations scale their training initiatives through educational chatbots. From 21st century skills to free English courses, her goal is to democratize access to digital learning for those who have been traditionally excluded.She currently also serves as productdirector at Coschool, where she leads the development of technological solutions to strengthen social-emotional learning in educational communities.Inspired by her experience as a teacher with Enseña por Colombia, Marcela believes in the transformative power of the classroom and works to close social gaps through education.

Mariana attended a private school, where her privileges made her uncomfortable. She studied law and discovered her passion for education and activism. After applying to Enseña por Colombia, she became a teacher in the town of Barú. There, she encountered gender inequality and began a sexual education project that grew into PODEROSAS, a movement for sexual and reproductive rights. With a scholarship, she earned a master's in education from Harvard. Her nonprofit has reached over 10,500 people with its programs.

Mayra is a licensed language teacher, a project formulation technologist, and has studied economics, communication, culture, and digital marketing. She holds an international certificate in childhood and youth studies and a master’s in development management and practice from Universidad de los Andes, where she was a Manos Visibles fellow. She is a human rights advocate, cultural creator, and social entrepreneur. Mayra is the co-founder, president, and CEO of Corporación La Voz del Pacífico – JMD La Voz, and a coach for organizations focused on sustainability and territorial empowerment.

Natalia has experience in project coordination and public policy in crime prevention, rural security, armed conflict, transnational crime, and DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration). She has worked with the United Nations Development Programme, the International Organization for Migration, the Presidential Office for Stabilization and Consolidation, Bogotá’s Secretariat of Security and Coexistence, and Pan American Development Foundation (PADF). Her career has connected her with rural populations in Colombia where armed conflict has hindered development and well-being.

Noraida is a young artisan and leader who promotes cultural rootedness through the preservation of traditional expressions, the understanding of Indigenous law, and political advocacy for women in her territory. She works to strengthen youth and women’s leadership in Indigenous organizations, while promoting economic sustainability, environmental care, and the survival of her culture.

Yurleidy is an agroforestry engineer, graduated with honors from the Technological University of Chocó , and was recognized for academic excellence as the top student in her program. She holds a master’s in development management and practice and is a specialist in the implementation of good agricultural practices. She is passionate about organizational work, with eight years of experience working with ethnic communities on governance, sustainable development strategies, and environmental stewardship.

Síguenos en Twitter y Facebook durante las próximas semanas mientras destacamos el increíble trabajo de esta cohorte inspiradora.

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