Diana Salamanca, board member of Corporación María Perlaza for over a decade, shares her experience helping the organization grow from a modest school into a foundation that empowers students and families through education and opportunity:

How long have you been involved with the Corporación María Perlaza?

I’ve been involved with the corporation for approximately ten years. My contribution has mainly been from a commercial standpoint: I’ve helped structure the corporation’s portfolio to generate greater profitability, and in this way, optimize the resources we have.

I joined thanks to an invitation from Esperanza to be part of the board and share ideas. I believe that if one has had certain privileges in life, giving something back to society is part of the responsibility we all share.

What is your best memory or experience?
Seeing how we’ve grown, how we’ve expanded, and how the corporation now supports not only elementary school students but also those continuing into high school is truly exciting. We went from being a corporation that ran a small school to becoming an organization that shares knowledge and creates value — not only for students but also for their families. Watching those children grow into professionals is, without a doubt, the greatest reward for the small contribution one can make.

Is there a valuable lesson you’ve learned?
You always learn more than you give. When you’re here, you realize that opportunities are what shape great human beings — and that fills your heart. Seeing happy children looking toward a brighter future through education is the greatest satisfaction we can have.

Is there something you’d like to say to your fellow alumnae from Liceo Benalcázar?
Many people ask themselves, “What can I do? How can I help?”
Here’s the answer: the Corporación María Perlaza. It’s so easy — it’s right here in Cali, part of our own roots. We’ve even expanded to other regions of Valle del Cauca.

It’s so close to us, so much a part of who we are, that I want to extend a special invitation to all Liceo Benalcázar alumnae: I urge you to get involved with this wonderful initiative, led by Esperanza and the entire team who work tirelessly every day for the education of our children.