Cultural Team Lead & Interviewer - Colombian Truth Commission - Toronto, ON
(2019-01)
- Conducted deep psychosocial, trauma-informed interviews with over 30 exiled victims of armed conflict residing in Canada, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
- Managed a diverse team of 10 researchers to collect data and analyze systemic inequities, poverty, and displacement affecting Afro-Colombian diaspora communities.
- Co-authored the international final reporting section submitted to the Canada Node, providing actionable recommendations to address structural racism and systemic barriers.
- Led community advocacy and public outreach campaigns to promote the implementation of human rights recommendations across Canada.
Founder & Project Manager - Etnias Collective / Vortex Living Arts - Canada & Colombia
(2013-01)
- Built and sustained cross-cultural artistic and educational networks bridging Canadian and Colombian community organizations.
- Directed community participation in 16 major cultural festivals, elevating the voices and visibility of underrepresented, equity-deserving artists.
- Secured vital institutional funding and partnership agreements by writing successful proposals for international NGOs, cultural bodies, and government agencies.
- Utilized participatory arts and Forum Theatre as alternative tools for youth empowerment and public education.
Project Coordinator - ACONC (Association of Community Councils of Northern Cauca) - Colombia
(2012-01 - 2019-12)
- Designed and executed high-impact advocacy strategies for land and human rights projects safeguarding Afro-descendant community councils.
- Managed strict project monitoring, compliance metrics, and technical financial reporting directly submitted to the Ministry of Social Protection and USAID.
- Facilitated community-based participatory diagnostics to identify structural barriers and evaluate project interventions.
High School Teacher – Political & Cultural Education - Ministry of Education - Cauca, Colombia
(2015-01 - 2019-12)
- Delivered human rights, land rights, and civic education to over 1,000 students (Grades 6–11), achieving an 85%+ top academic performance rate.
- Designed anti-oppressive and culturally relevant curricula centered on ethnic identity, human history, and community leadership.
- Founded a youth-led community radio station to train youth in public speaking, active citizenship, and local advocacy.
Founder & Executive Director - Youth Colombian Organization - Colombia
(1991-01 - 2019-12)
- Spearheaded institutional development, strategic planning, and operational funding for a grassroots youth empowerment organization.
- Designed and delivered popular education workshops to prepare young leaders to engage with municipal governance and human rights networks.
Municipal Culture Coordinator - Mayor's Office - Villa Rica, Cauca, Colombia
(2010-01 - 2012-12)
- Drafted municipal public cultural policies focused on social integration, diversity, and resource accessibility.
- Coordinated large-scale public workshops and arts programming to foster community reconciliation and youth engagement.
Organic Community Gardening Volunteer - Romero House - Toronto, ON
(2020-01 - 2021-12)
- Supported grassroots food security and sustainable agricultural initiatives for a prominent refugee settlement community house.
- Engaged actively with newcomer families and claimants, fostering cross-cultural connections and mutual support.
