Meet our Board Members!

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 Hi, I’m Ben, and I’m passionate about youth empowerment, social inclusion, and bringing people, cultures, and communities together. I’m originally from Villavicencio, in the beautiful region of Los Llanos Orientales in Colombia. I moved to Darwin, Australia, in 2015, and despite the many challenges that Latin America faces, I’m incredibly proud to be Colombian. I’m committed to showcasing the amazing things my country has to offer and changing the narrative about Colombia by highlighting our culture, traditions, sport, music, resilience, and the kindness of our people.

I’m privileged to be part of federal and state government committees focused on multiculturalism and foreign relations between Australia and Latin America. As the President of the Colombian-Australian Association of the Northern Territory (COLANT) and the head of the Office of Youth Affairs with the NT Government, I dedicate my work to empowering young Territorians and multicultural communities, particularly international students and those from Latin America. I have experience in project management, policy writing, and stakeholder engagement, and I find joy in initiatives like the Colombian Festival and the Kindness Festival, which bring a piece of my homeland to Australia, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.

I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition and several awards, but what truly drives me is making a positive impact on the lives of others. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me playing soccer, pushing myself in CrossFit, or enjoying a delicious Bandeja Paisa—my favourite Colombian dish. I’m committed to creating lasting change for future generations and remain optimistic, continually inspired by the community around me.

Join us in making history!

 Hi! I'm Diana, and I’m very proud to be part of COLANT’s executive committee as the vice president. I’m originally from Cali, Colombia, and a passionate supporter of Deportivo Cali. I moved to Australia in 2012 and made Darwin my home 7 years ago. When I talk about Darwin and Colombia, I can’t help but feel love, passion, pride, and the warmth of the tropic weather! 

Darwin welcomed me with open arms and showed me its beauty, the kindness of its people, unity in its diversity, and inclusiveness in its opportunities. Thanks to this place that I now call home, I completed my master’s degree in accounting, work in a field I’m passionate about (taxation in a leadership role), and I found a community and friends whom I now consider family.

When I think about what drives me, two things stand out: growing together and inspiring others. With the responsibility that comes with it, I always give my best, and that’s what led me to become a member of COLANT. I see an opportunity to help my community progress together, support those starting out, those on their way, and those yet to come. I’m motivated to inspire and show that dreams and goals can be achieved when the path is clear. Darwin is full of opportunities!

One of my favorite places in Darwin is Cullen Bay; it’s a magical spot to watch the sunset.

I’m an “early bird” and love starting my day at the gym, swimming, running, or doing a CrossFit class.

 Hello, my name is Lina Sánchez, and I am the Treasurer of COLANT. I am originally from Medellín, Colombia. I arrived in Australia in 2019 and moved to Darwin in 2020.

I currently work as a Project Officer with the Northern Territory Government at (ITSNT), supporting community engagement and awareness of interpreting and translation services for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. I have a background in administration, finance, logistics and community support.

I am proud to be part of COLANT because it helps me stay connected to my country, my culture and my community. I believe we can support each other as Colombians, make the migration journey easier and show the positive contributions Colombians bring to Australia.

In my free time, I enjoy rollerblading, going to the gym and watching Darwin’s beautiful sunsets at the beach.

Originally from Colombia, I was born in Bogotá and raised in the small mountainous town of Gambita, Santander. Growing up in a close-knit community, I developed a deep respect for education, resilience, and curiosity. I often remember studying under the clear night skies at my grandfather’s adobe home and walking 45 minutes through forests and muddy paths each day to reach school, experiences that shaped my belief in education as a pathway to opportunity and social progress.

In 2019, I arrived in Australia’s Top End as an international student and volunteer, embracing the chance to learn and build bridges between cultures. Since then, I have applied my experience in program strategy within the fairs and exhibitions industry to the Northern Territory’s events and multicultural sector, contributing to major public celebrations and initiatives that strengthen belonging and cultural pride.

I currently hold a leadership role in a not-for-profit organisation focused on client engagement and community impact, and serve as a community member of the Minister’s Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs (MACMA), representing the Colombian and Latin American community.

Deeply connected to my heritage, I am Secretary of the Colombian Australian Association of the Northern Territory (COLANT), where I led the creation of the Viva Colombia Festival 2025. I also perform Colombian folkloric dance with the Macondo Dance Group, sharing the traditions of my homeland while promoting cultural connection and diversity in the Northern Territory.

I'm Brazilian by birth, but my heart also belongs to Colombia! – A country that I have an amazing opportunity to visit and fall in love with. I often say that my nationality is simply 'Latina,' and I'm proud to work for my community here in Australia where I see how important and needed is to bring knowledge to people about Latin American Culture. I arrived in Darwin in January 2019 to pursue my Visa dream. As a Marketing Specialist with experience across many industries, my passion for my profession only continues to grow. I'm also a proud committee member of both COLANT – the Colombian Australian Association NT – and LAAD – the Latin American Association Darwin. Through these roles, I've discovered a new passion: representing and supporting my community. You can find me around town enjoying a good coffee, walking with my dogs, spending time with friends, watching sunsets and also training at the gym. Please come to say “hello” as I enjoy making new friends.

Hi! I’m Valentina Chona Aristizabal, a committee member as an international student!  I’m from Bogotá, Colombia, I’ve been living in Darwin for 8 months, having arrived directly from Colombia. I’m studying English at International House and came to Darwin to start a new chapter in my life, which I’m achieving with the support of the local community. I love dancing and cycling, and my favorite Colombian food is definitely changua! #TeamChangua 

You can count on me🤘🏻

I am from Caucasia, Antioquia, Colombia. Since I was 16, I felt an inclination towards technology and electricity, a passion that led me to study electrical technology in Medellín, Colombia. This passion took me across continents to continue my education in Australia, where I started by studying English and later obtained a Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control.

Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to live in wonderful places such as Melbourne and Darwin, Australia. These experiences have not only allowed me to grow professionally but also enriched my personal perspective, providing broader and more diverse thoughts about my career and life.

Among the values that represent Julian are honesty, respect, and effort. I believe these principles are the fundamental foundation for achieving true success in life. Exercise, especially table tennis and soccer, is an integral part of my life, not only for the pleasure it brings but also for the values of discipline and teamwork it teaches. My family, on the other hand, is my greatest treasure. I owe everything I am to them, and I feel immensely grateful for the values and teachings they have passed on to me since childhood.

One of the most memorable and fun moments of my current life was when I confused the terms "union" and "unity" in English. I thought they meant the same, but I discovered that "union" refers to an association or joining, while "unity" conveys the concept of togetherness. This confusion happened recently when I was looking for a name for our Latin American football team.

 Jessica is a social worker with extensive experience in community development and volunteer coordination. In Colombia, she led community projects in partnership with local government, focusing on youth engagement and social initiatives. 

In Australia, she has coordinated volunteer teams for cultural events such as the Latin American Festival, bringing strong leadership, empathy, and organisational skills. 

At COLANT, Jessica leads volunteer coordination, creating inclusive and supportive environments where volunteers feel valued, connected, and empowered to contribute.

 Katherine is a dedicated events professional with hands-on experience in the planning and delivery of large-scale cultural events. She has played a key role in COLANT’s festivals, contributing to event design, decoration, and stage management, ensuring smooth coordination of performers and program delivery. 

Originally from Medellín, Katherine brings a background in accounting, administration, and project management, combined with a strong passion for community engagement and cultural celebration. 

At COLANT, she leads major event coordination, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, engaging, and culturally rich experiences for the community.

 Cristhian is an experienced operations and events professional with a strong background in hospitality and large-scale event coordination. He has managed major corporate events in Colombia for organisations such as BBVA, Ecopetrol, and Citibank, overseeing logistics, vendors, and artist coordination.

In Australia, Cristhian has held senior operational roles, including Groups Manager of Hanuman Restaurant and Operations Manager at Rydges Palmerston, where he leads large teams across multiple departments and event delivery.

At COLANT, he contributes to the planning and delivery of events, bringing strong leadership, organisation, and a solutions-focused approach to ensure high-quality experiences for the community.

Maricela is a passionate cultural leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate with extensive experience in arts, community engagement, and business development. She has been actively involved in organisations such as the Macondo Colombian Dance Group, the Australian Red Cross, and the Latin American community in Darwin. 

As the founder of MA Collective, she delivers art and wellbeing workshops that promote creativity, cultural expression, and social connection. 

At COLANT, Maricela leads cultural programming and artistic initiatives, bringing Colombian culture to life through music, dance, and creative experiences that enrich the multicultural landscape of the Northern Territory.

 Sebastián brings experience in hospitality and team coordination, with a strong ability to support event delivery and manage people in dynamic environments.

He has been involved in COLANT’s Colombian Festival in Darwin, contributing to the organisation and delivery of community events. 

At COLANT, Sebastián supports events and community initiatives, bringing leadership, teamwork, and a strong commitment to serving and connecting the community.