Juan Pablo - Testimonial
[note: The Abraham Magid Educational (AME) Scholarship was created by SBIF founder Richard to honor his father.]
“Being awarded the Abraham Magid Educational (AME) Scholarship as part of its inaugural cohort was much more than financial support—it was a powerful act of trust in my potential to lead real change through social impact. This scholarship, created to honor Abraham Magid’s legacy and his commitment to education and justice, allowed me to pursue a Specialization in Social Management at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali. This academic journey equipped me with practical tools to design people-centered solutions, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable development. Being part of this first cohort alongside inspiring young leaders from Ghana and Sierra Leone made me feel truly connected to a global network of changemakers. It reminded me that leadership begins with listening, caring, and acting with heart. This opportunity made me believe even more in the transformative power of community and that when someone believes in you, everything becomes possible.”
“Finishing this chapter by delivering the graduation speech and receiving the Javeriano Academic Merit Award was an incredibly emotional and meaningful moment. Not just because of the honors, but because they reflected the growth I’ve experienced as a professional and as a community leader. During my time in the program, I was serving as Coordinator of Alliances and Volunteering at the Leonardo Da Vinci Foundation, where we impact over 450 children and youth every year in some of the most socially excluded areas of Cali. The knowledge I gained in social management helped me design more inclusive and sustainable projects, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and lead a fundraising strategy that mobilized over $50 million COP in cash and in-kind donations in just six months. It also equipped me to train young leaders, advocate for human rights, and mentor emerging changemakers across Latin America. This academic journey didn’t just enhance my resume—it transformed how I lead, how I listen, and how I act. Thanks to the AME Scholarship, I now feel more prepared and more connected to a global community of purpose-driven leaders who believe in the power of empathy, collaboration, and service to create lasting change.”
