luz_maria_de_la_cruz

Colombian social entrepreneur empowering rural women through agroecology and microfinance

Luz María de la Cruz is a Colombian social innovator whose work has uplifted over 8,000 women in Colombia's conflict-affected regions. Founder of MujerTierra, she created the 'Agroecology Circles' program combining sustainable farming techniques with microfinance. Since 2021, participants have tripled their incomes while restoring 2,500 hectares of degraded land.

Her 2023 initiative 'Sabores de Colombia' connects rural producers directly to urban markets through blockchain traceability systems, ensuring fair trade practices. Luz's partnership with UN Women established the FemTech Colombia hub training 500+ women in digital agriculture tools annually. Recognized as Forbes Under 30 (2024), her work was highlighted in National Geographic. The documentary 'Seeds of Resistance' (2024) chronicles her efforts in the Cauca region. Luz now advocates for women's land rights through the Campesinas Collective, influencing Colombia's 2025 agricultural reforms.