Cecilia Rodriguez

Colombian social entrepreneur bridging tech access and education in marginalized Amazon communities

Cecilia Rodriguez founded Ciberpueblos Amazónicos in 2021 to bring digital literacy and connectivity to indigenous groups in Colombia's Amazon region. Her initiative provides solar-powered computer labs and training programs in 12 remote communities, enabling youth access to online education and global markets. This work empowers communities to document ancestral knowledge digitally while creating opportunities in eco-tourism and sustainable crafts. Wired Magazine highlighted her project as a finalist in the 2023 Global Tech for Good Awards.

Rodriguez developed a unique curriculum combining traditional ecological practices with digital skills, now adopted by 8 regional governments. Her partnership with MIT Media Lab produced Amazon Digital, an open-source platform preserving indigenous languages through AR/VR storytelling. By 2024, her network had trained over 2,000 community members and connected 150+ artisans to global buyers via an e-commerce portal. The EU's Horizon 2020 program funded her 2025 project expanding drone-based internet coverage in rainforest zones. Her documentary 《Amazon Unplugged》 won a 2024 environmental film festival award.