Six Exchange Alumnae Make the Forbes’ 50 Most Powerful Women in Colombia List

Congratulations to six exchange alumni who made Forbes Magazine’s first-ever list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Colombia! Representing different areas and sectors of Colombian society, these alumni were recognized for their leadership and the impact they have had on their respective communities in Colombia.

Claudia López, Mayor of Bogotá and a Fulbright Program 2011 alumna, was among the noted alumni. Elected in 2018, López became the first woman to be elected mayor of Colombia's capital. She has played an influential role in developing the city’s economy, and advancing human rights and rule of law.

Also included on the Forbes’ 50 List: Paula Moreno, Humphrey 2010 Fellow and former Minister of Culture and founder of Manos Visibles; Marcela Vaca, Fulbright 1997 alumna and current General Director of GeoPark; Brigitte Baptiste, Fulbright 1991 alumna and President of Universidad EAN; Marta Lucía Ramirez, IVLP 1997 alumna and Vice President of Colombia; and Jineth Bedoya, IVLP 2012 alumna and journalist/leader of “No es hora de callar.”

The selection criteria for the list was based on specific metrics, including resources the women manage, as well as the impact and spheres of influence they hold in culture and society. While Forbes looked at impact in regard to areas of business, media, finance, politics, philanthropy, and the arts, they also assessed how each woman used her influence to shape the economy and their wider communities for the better.