BTN News: Yesenia Olaya Requene, the current Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Colombia, is a shining example of resilience, intellect, and social commitment. Her journey, which spans from Tumaco to Pasto, from Manizales to Mexico, and from there to Harvard, is a powerful narrative of overcoming the odds. Born and raised amidst the violence and racial discrimination of Tumaco, Yesenia’s life is a testament to how education can be a tool for both personal transformation and broader social change. Today, as one of Colombia’s youngest ministers, her work is guided by a deep understanding of the power of science and technology in addressing the country’s most pressing issues, including climate change, bioeconomy, and social justice. Her path, marked by curiosity, defiance, and an unyielding commitment to equity, serves as a beacon for a new generation of leaders in Colombia.
Growing up in the violence-stricken neighborhood of La Florida in Tumaco, Yesenia Olaya’s early life was marked by the harsh realities of Colombia’s armed conflict. Her father, an industrious man who juggled various jobs, including being a mototaxi driver and a shopkeeper, and her mother, a dedicated teacher working in the remote riverine areas of Tumaco, did everything they could to protect Yesenia and her siblings from the violence outside their door. They filled their home with photocopied books and historical documentaries on Betamax, providing a refuge from the dangers of the streets. For Yesenia, these materials were not just a distraction—they were the beginning of a lifelong love for history, philosophy, and learning.
From a young age, Yesenia was exposed to the world of academia. Accompanying her mother to classes at the Universidad Libre in Pasto, she was introduced to complex topics such as the World Wars, the feats of Attila, and the philosophical debates surrounding Aristotle and Plato. These early experiences with knowledge ignited a passion in her that would guide her through her impressive academic journey. With a degree in Sociology from Manizales, followed by a master’s and a doctorate in Social Anthropology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and a postdoctoral stay at Harvard University, Yesenia’s academic career is remarkable, particularly for someone who has only recently turned 35.
Yet, Yesenia Olaya’s life has been about more than just academic success. Her experiences growing up in Tumaco, witnessing the daily injustices of armed conflict, and facing the pervasive racism within Colombian society have deeply influenced her commitment to social justice. Even as a child, she was not content to accept the world as it was. When she saw former playmates drawn into criminal groups out of poverty, she questioned the fairness of a system that offered so few opportunities to those in her community. This early sense of injustice spurred her initial desire to become a lawyer, though her path eventually led her to sociology and activism.
During her time at the University of Caldas, Yesenia became involved with Palenque Vivo, an organization focused on Afro-Colombian identity and justice. This experience further solidified her commitment to fighting racism and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Her work with Palenque Vivo, where she and her peers studied thinkers like Angela Davis and Manuel Zapata Olivella, laid the groundwork for her later scholarly pursuits. These included her groundbreaking doctoral research on El Congal, a community in Tumaco’s mangrove swamps with deep historical ties to the resistance against slavery.
Her academic achievements eventually brought her to Harvard, where she proposed and helped establish a certificate program in Afro-Latin American Studies. This program aimed to bring together scholars from various disciplines to explore and democratize the history and contributions of Afro-descendant communities in Latin America. It was also during this time that Yesenia met Colombia’s current Vice President, Francia Márquez, with whom she shared a deep commitment to dignity and social transformation.
When the opportunity arose to join the “government of change” under President Gustavo Petro, Yesenia Olaya did not hesitate. Despite having no previous political experience, she saw the role of Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation as a chance to apply her academic and activist skills on a national scale. Her focus has been on using science and technology as tools for social change, particularly in Colombia’s most marginalized regions. She envisions a ministry that is not just about academic research, but one that is directly involved in the transformation of the country, addressing issues like climate change, renewable energy, and the development of equitable bioeconomy models.
However, her time as a minister has not been without controversy. Yesenia Olaya has faced accusations of inflating her academic credentials, particularly from congresswoman Jennifer Pedraza. Olaya, however, has robustly defended herself, attributing these accusations to a misunderstanding of the U.S. education system and to underlying racial prejudices. She argues that her presence as a young, highly educated woman from Tumaco in such a prominent role has challenged the established norms of Colombia’s academic and political elites, leading to discomfort and resistance.
Despite these challenges, Yesenia Olaya remains committed to her mission. She sees the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation as a crucial player in Colombia’s future, particularly in terms of regional development. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating local knowledge and perspectives into national scientific agendas, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement reach all Colombians, not just the elite. This approach is particularly important in regions like Tumaco, where the combination of historical neglect, ongoing violence, and economic marginalization requires innovative and context-sensitive solutions.
Yesenia Olaya’s journey—from the violence of Tumaco to the halls of Harvard, and now to the leadership of Colombia’s science ministry—is a powerful story of resilience, intellectual rigor, and social commitment. Her life and work embody the potential for science and technology to be harnessed as tools for justice and equity, particularly in a country like Colombia, where historical and structural inequalities remain deeply entrenched. As she continues to navigate the challenges of her role, her vision for a more just and scientifically advanced Colombia serves as an inspiration for many, and a reminder of the transformative power of education and activism.
