Enabling inclusive development through participatory planning and design processes that allow diverse stakeholders to find mutual recognition in indigenous communities.

For more than 25 years, Ana Maria Gonzalez-Forero has worked in Colombia organizing and advocating for the rights of vulnerable communities. Through her work with FEM, Ana helps rural ethnic communities secure the land ownership, self-governance, and resources guaranteed in Colombia’s National Development Plan. She has impacted more than 8,000 people who are now collective land title holders; an additional 7,000 that she has worked with are waiting for the state’s response. As a social entrepreneur, Ana Maria founded two companies, Volunteer Hostel Cartagena and Cartagena Insider Tours, and is now incubating other projects such as Cafe Stepping Stone and Ninha. She also leads TRAKTI, a consulting firm and incubator for diversity and inclusion. Ana received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Universidad Nacional de Colombia and her master’s degree in education from Universidad Pedagógica Nacional in Colombia.

Biography current as of 2018-2019 program year