Aurora Vergara-Figueroa

Aurora Vergara-Figueroa is a sociologist, executive leader, and former Minister of National Education of Colombia, recognized for her track record in leading systemic reforms with a focus on educational equity, public policy, and institutional strengthening for social justice. She was the first Afro-descendant woman to hold this position, from which she led the national higher education policy and promoted strategic partnerships to expand access and strengthen public systems.

She has more than a decade of experience in academic leadership and in the social sector. She led the Center for Afrodiasporic Studies (CEAF) between 2012 and 2022, positioning it as a benchmark in research on the African diaspora worldwide. Recognized in 2024 by Forbes as one of Colombia’s most influential women, she stands out for her ability to bring together government, academia, civil society, and philanthropy to drive structural change.

She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts and is an affiliated researcher at Harvard University’s Institute for Afro-Latin American Studies (ALARI).