Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Liliana Armero Guerrero / Colombia

Province: Nariño
Town: Pueblo Inga de Aponte
Age: 21

Class of 2012-2015

Scholar: Estefania Vega Vargas Scholar: Marianela Chaves Cubero

Liliana comes from an indigenous community belonging to the Inga people of Aponte, who deeply value the land and respect Mother Earth as a necessary space for existence. She appreciates that the University not only offers technical training in agriculture, but also guides students in leadership.

When she graduates, she wants to continue strengthening the traditions of her indigenous culture, including the Inga language, dress, rituals, and narratives.

At the same time, she dreams of sharing the knowledge she acquires at EARTH in her community´s meetings (called “mingas,” in her language). She plans to focus on sustainable production and ways of helping her community members to produce and sell their harvests in a more prosperous way.