Juan Pablo Alvarado Herrera from Columbia is OD Young Person of the Month – October 2025 – YOA

The story of Juan Pablo Alvarado Herrera begins in Cali, Colombia, the place he grew to become the first in his household to graduate with two undergraduate levels—Law and Psychology—breaking generational obstacles and defying the limitations of his context.

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From an early age, Juan Pablo understood that training could possibly be the strongest device for transformation, not just for private development however for the empowerment of complete communities.

With perseverance and self-discipline, he gained entry to extremely aggressive worldwide fellowships and scholarships similar to the Hansen Leadership Institute, MCW Global Fellowship, and the Carolina Foundation Scholarship, every with acceptance charges of only one–3%. These alternatives not solely broadened his world perspective but additionally grew to become dwelling proof for different younger individuals in weak neighborhoods that it is potential to dream past rapid realities and succeed.

With greater than a decade of expertise in the social sector, Juan Pablo has mixed analysis, skilled service, and mentorship to strengthen communities via training and inclusion. Today, he serves as Coordinator of Alliances and Volunteering at the Leonardo Da Vinci Foundation, a corporation with over 40 years of legacy that serves 450 youngsters and adolescents yearly in Cali’s most marginalized areas, fostering creativity and management via artwork, tradition, training, science, and entrepreneurship. In parallel, he additionally works at the Social Outreach Office of the Faculty of Education and Pedagogy at Universidad del Valle, a public college that serves greater than 35,000 low- and center-revenue college students throughout southwestern Colombia. In these roles, Juan Pablo has designed and led initiatives that join civil society, academia, governments, and worldwide cooperation, amplifying assets and creating lengthy-time period alternatives for youth.

His Impact and Community Service:

Beyond his institutional obligations, Juan Pablo has devoted vital effort to mentoring younger leaders throughout the globe. He serves as a mentor with MCW Global, Latin America Leadership Academy, KAS, USAID/Acdi-Voca, DosPuntoDos, and the Global Shapers’ Project Curie, multiplying his affect by supporting youth-led initiatives that promote peace, human rights, and sustainability in various contexts worldwide.

The journey has not been free of challenges. Growing up in a metropolis affected by violence, poverty, and restricted entry to alternatives meant going through low expectations and systemic obstacles. Yet, it was exactly these situations that fueled his dedication to show that resilience, self-discipline, and world alternatives can redefine life trajectories and encourage others to consider in their very own potential.

Recognitions and Awards Received:

Juan Pablo’s dedication has been acknowledged via distinctions similar to the Napolitan Victory Award in 2023, 2024, and 2025; the Recognition for a Lifetime in Equality, Non-Discrimination, and Respect for Identities by the Mayor’s Office of Cali; and choice as one of the Top 12 innovators in the OPPORTUNITY Desk Impact Challenge 2023. These honors validate a profession devoted not solely to management but additionally to remodeling realities for over 1,500 youngsters, adolescents, and younger leaders in Colombia and past.

Ultimately, Juan Pablo considers his biggest achievement not the titles or awards, however the capacity to encourage others to dream and act. His journey demonstrates that even from contexts of vulnerability, it is potential to entry world management alternatives, create change, and construct the rule of legislation as a lived actuality of dignity, justice, and equality for all.

Connect to Juan right here, LinkedIn, Facebook

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Read about earlier YPOMs right here.