Our Team

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).

PhD in Language Sciences, Master’s in Philosophy and Contemporary Cultural Criticism, Master’s in Spanish Linguistics from the Caro y Cuervo Institute, and Specialist in Cultural Studies. Associate Professor in the Department of Language Studies at the Pontifical Xavierian University since 1994. He was a guest professor at the Free University of Berlin in 2017. He served as Director of the Department of Language Studies at the Pontifical Xavierian University between 2016 and 2022. With over 20 years of experience in the public sector, he has served as head of the Communications Office of the Ministry of National Education and as an advisor to ICFES and the Secretariats of Education of Bogotá, Cartagena, Cundinamarca, and Caldas on curriculum and evaluation in the field of Language.

Industrial Engineer graduated from Icesi University, with additional training in Systemic Lean Management. Passionate about social projects, he has actively participated in initiatives such as the Chocó Robotics School and the Manos Visibles Corporation. He has experience as an intern at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the Andean region, where he conducted portfolio analysis, strategic research, and provided logistical support for projects. He has worked as a monitor, teaching assistant, and logistics coordinator for regional events. He possesses skills in project management, leadership, and collaborative work. Currently, he serves as Process Coordinator, supporting the identification, structuring, and articulation of key processes that ensure the efficient and sustainable operation of the center.

Public Accountant and Master in Financial Management, with experience in the planning and management of corporate financial projects. Specialist in investment project feasibility analysis, focusing on resource optimization, profitability, and supporting strategic decision-making.

Lawyer specializing in Labor Law and Constitutional Law, with a master’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health. He is currently furthering his education with studies in Political Marketing and Government and Public Policy. He has over 12 years of experience in the Colombian public sector, with a career spanning entities such as the Judiciary, the Ombudsman’s Office, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, and DANE, among others. He has held management and legal advisory positions, consolidating a comprehensive vision of the State and developing competencies in regulatory analysis, public policy, administrative law, and institutional management. At the Center, he leads the legal support, ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework and supporting strategic decision-making with technical and legal criteria.