Meet The Team
Vida Araujo – Director and Educator
Vida Araujo is an accomplished professional with a multidisciplinary background that bridges science, education, and social work. With dual specializations in therapy for children with special needs and in the sciences, her career has been defined by a profound commitment to human rights, gender equality, climate awareness, and animal protection.
As the foundation’s director, Vida leads project coordination and operations in the mornings while dedicating her afternoons to research. Her passion for teaching and science drives her tireless efforts to transform the lives of children and youth in vulnerable communities, helping them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
During her studies, Vida received public recognition from the university’s president and dean for her valuable contributions to the institution. Her dedication to education was also acknowledged by the mayor of Copacabana, who honored her for her commitment to the rural student community in the municipality.
Throughout her career, Vida has been an active advocate for social change, bringing her message to international platforms. She was selected to represent Colombian youth at COP28 in Dubai after winning a public contest organized by the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic Academy. There, she had the opportunity to train at Harvard Law School, focusing on international negotiations. She also participated in COP16 on Biodiversity, held in Cali, Colombia. Her dedication and work have earned her leadership roles in projects for international organizations, empowering youth in countries like Peru and the United States.
Vida began her scientific journey when she was nominated for the American Medical Future Leaders program, inspiring her to pursue a career in animal sciences. She is currently working on the conservation of endangered species and pursuing a postgraduate degree in preservation and conservation. Throughout her academic journey, Vida has earned numerous scholarships and distinctions, including ranking first nationally in Colombia’s university state exams (Saber Pro).
Additionally, Vida trained in Atlanta, Georgia, to assist children with special needs, complementing her education with years of experience as an English teacher. She is fluent in three languages—Spanish, English, and French—which has enriched her teaching and enabled her to connect with students from diverse backgrounds.
With a dual profile as an educator and scientist, Vida Araujo has established herself as a leader in scientific diplomacy and an unwavering advocate for education and conservation. She demonstrates that education, social commitment, and science are key to transforming society and protecting the environment.
John Michael Brown – Founder
Founder and owner of Farmer Brown Insurance Agency and the driving force behind Farmer Brown Cares. His commitment to the education and well-being of vulnerable communities led him to create the foundation with the goal of providing opportunities to those who need it most. Inspired by his travels to more than 58 countries, John developed a deep empathy for those facing difficult realities in resource-poor settings. His personal vision and genuine desire to make a difference gave life to this organization in Medellín, Colombia, with a focus on education and empowerment as key tools to transform lives and communities.
Sandra Milena Muñoz – Teacher at La Veta School
Sandra has a Bachelor’s Degree in Basic Education with emphasis in Spanish Language from the University of San Buenaventura and a Master’s Degree in Education from the Tecnológico de Monterrey. With 17 years of experience in public education, Sandra is passionate about rural education, and works actively in educational projects that take advantage of the context of her students and promote environmental care. She is part of the Education and Rurality study group at the University of Antioquia and a member of the SIATA Science Educators Network.
Ángela González – Teacher at El Noral School
She has a degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Antioquia, with a Specialization in Educational Informatics Administration and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology Management from the University of Santander. With 17 years of experience in the public sector, Ángela works in the rural school El Noral, where she is dedicated to designing and executing educational projects that seek to develop life skills in her students, preparing them to face the challenges of the future.
Gloria Eugenia Puerta Agudelo – Teacher at El Noral School
Gloria has a degree in Didactics and School Learning Difficulties from CEIPA and is a Specialist in Reflective Thinking and Creativity from the University of Antioquia. Currently, she is a teacher at the Rural Educational Institution Granjas Infantiles, El Noral, where she focuses on applying innovative methods to promote learning and creativity in students, especially those with special educational needs.
Natividad Estella Sierra Miranda – Teacher at El Divino Niño School
Natividad has a degree in Preschool Education from Tecnológico de Antioquia and a Master’s Degree in Education from Uniminuto. With an extensive experience in the education sector, both in the public and private sector, Natividad is the head teacher at El Divino Niño Rural School, where she works under the new school modality. She has stood out for her ability to adapt teaching methodologies to the specific needs of students, helping each child to advance in their academic and personal development.
Alejandro Rendón – Music Teacher (La Veta, El Divino Niño and El Noral Schools)
Professor of philosophy and human sciences at the University of Antioquia, specialist in gender policies and education by FLACSO, and with studies in music by the Tecnológico de Artes Débora Arango. With more than 20 years of experience, Alejo has dedicated his career to education and artistic and cultural manifestations as tools for social transformation. His pedagogical approach seeks to form autonomous, creative, empathetic and respectful beings, promoting respect for life through music and culture. At the La Veta, El Divino Niño and El Noral sites, its work with students focuses on fostering creativity, teamwork and the integral development of young people.
Ana Sofía Zapata Mendoza – Support Teacher
She is an early childhood and elementary school teacher and is in the process of obtaining her degree in Spanish and English at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. With continuous training in innovative educational strategies, Ana Sofía deeply values teamwork and the importance of enjoying the teaching-learning process. Ana Sofía works as a support teacher at the El Noral and La Veta sites, where she is dedicated to supporting students in their learning process, adapting pedagogical strategies to the needs of each student.
Naslyn Marcela Yepes – Support Teacher
Teacher specialized in preschool and elementary education, committed to the educational development of children and youth. Her pedagogical approach is based on learning mediation, designing curricula that are aligned with modern educational standards. Currently, Naslyn works at El Divino Niño and La Veta, where she teaches English classes and supports students in their learning process, contributing to their academic and personal development.
Maria Camila Atehortúa – Psychologist
Psychologist graduated from University CES, with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Universidad del Norte and a diploma in Childhood. As an expert in childhood and adolescence, she is dedicated to accompanying children and young people in their emotional and psychological development. Her approach is based on empathy, respect and trust, guiding each process without prejudice or labels. María Camila firmly believes in new beginnings and in the power of change, being always ready to be an ally in the path of learning and transformation.
Valentina Montoya Zuluaga – Graphic Designer
She redesigns school spaces to improve learning environments, adapting elements in English to facilitate the teaching of the language through tools such as “The Learning Board”, which offers weekly motivational phrases in English. I am passionate about using design to support others and make a meaningful contribution to the community
Angie Latorre – Project Manager
She is the manager of the foundation and a member of its board. She has a degree in Foreign Languages English-French and Spanish-Communication, with a Master’s Degree in Design, Management and Direction of International Cooperation Projects. Motivated by her passion for languages, she focuses her work in the foundation on bilingualism and motivated by her experience, she faithfully believes in the changes that education can achieve in an individual and that the guidance of a charitable heart can bring about for the future of children and people of all ages.
