By Daniela Paola Trillos Gutiérrez
Founder and director of I Know and Act
When we talk about leaders, we sometimes forget that behind those leaders are human beings. Human beings who feel and who experience their own processes and struggles. Therefore, when we want young people in Colombia and around the world to take initiative and assume leadership roles for good causes and noble purposes, let's first remember the human being we want to see leading, and ask ourselves how we can empower that human being. First, by recognizing their value as a person (who has rights and responsibilities), and second, by creating spaces where they can identify and strengthen their personal capabilities and soft skills, allowing them to develop more holistically.
Human beings are social beings by nature, and how we relate to others is key to having a more empathetic and supportive society. In this respect, classrooms become ideal settings for discussing and working on topics such as assertive communication, teamwork, support networks, time management, building trust, conflict resolution, and developing a life plan. These are skills that young people need to become leaders who embody the values of empathy, solidarity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging to their communities.
Soft skills as a basis for connection and social transformation
Recognizing the importance and value of knowing how to connect with others will allow us to focus on encouraging young people to seek meaningful connections that motivate them to be in environments that truly generate well-being and opportunities. Therefore, it is relevant to highlight the role played by parents or caregivers, academia, the public sector, the private sector, and even civil society in general (including neighbors and city residents) in this process, as this will enable them to identify opportunities for young people, both educationally and professionally.
Furthermore, it is important to investigate the contexts in which young people are developing. Alarming statistics reveal the challenges they face in mental health and socio-emotional well-being, prompting us to teach them self-awareness and how to navigate life in uncertain circumstances. Therefore, it is not only about equipping young people with technical knowledge, but also about empowering the individuals who will assume leadership roles, providing them with an environment that listens to them, supports them, and guides them through the process of self-discovery and access to information and opportunities aligned with their goals.
As indicated in the Annual Report “Panorama of Youth in Barranquilla 2025” by GOYN Barranquilla and Nuestra Barranquilla: “…Evidence shows that activities such as socio-occupational guidance, training courses or internships allow the 'unintentional' creation of valuable connections that expand the opportunities of young people.”
This report also highlights that 6 out of 10 young people in Barranquilla seek employment through family and friends, demonstrating the importance of social connections for accessing jobs or achieving well-being.
In today's world, it is not enough to know how to do things; you also have to know how to be. For this reason, and with total conviction, the "I Know and I Act" Leadership Program was created, aimed at young people to generate spaces and encounters in which they themselves can identify and recognize their skills, their talents, and their passions, while also identifying and recognizing the value of social connections and support networks.
Our purpose is to promote values such as kindness, respect, teamwork, solidarity, and empathy, making them central to our conversations. Fostering these skills will drive the development of a more humane and collaborative society, where we will have not only leaders with technical knowledge, but also human beings who exercise purposeful leadership for the collective good.
#YOCONOZCOYACTÚO.