Paula Marcela Moreno Zapata

Paula Marcela Moreno Zapata is a Colombian engineer, professor, philanthropist, and politician. She served as the 8th Minister of Culture of Colombia under President Álvaro Uribe Vélez from 10 May 2007 to 7 August 2010. Moreno made history as the first Afro-Colombian woman and the youngest person to hold a Cabinet position in Colombia. Throughout her career, Moreno has been dedicated to promoting cultural and social initiatives. She is the president of Corporación Manos Visibles, an organization committed to supporting social and cultural projects that empower marginalized communities. Additionally, she serves on the boards of the Ford Foundation and the African Diaspora World Association (ASWAD) and is an active member of the Inter-American Dialogue, which fosters collaboration and dialogue across the Americas. Moreno is also a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow in the Special Program for Urban and Regional Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This non-degree fellowship provides professionals with opportunities for development through courses, conferences, networking, and hands-on experiences during a year-long program. Most recently Paula is fellow of Skoll foundation.