About Us
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Our Structure
Our Structure
The Tertulia Project operates as a program initiative in collaboration with Executive Tourism & Transportation (ET&T), a locally based company in Colombia’s Coffee Region that supports logistics, transportation, and on-the-ground coordination.
Tertulia’s curriculum, partnerships, and program design are independently developed and guided by principles of ethical engagement, reciprocity, and community collaboration.
Meet the Founders
Vanessa
Co-Founder, The Tertulia Project
Vanessa is an educator, operations and program strategy professional, and student of macro social work dedicated to building meaningful cross-cultural connections through dialogue, service, and ethical travel. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Anthropology.
With over a decade of experience in operations and program development, Vanessa’s work spans higher education and entrepreneurial ventures, including supporting small business growth in the Boston area. She has designed and led initiatives focused on leadership, community engagement, and organizational effectiveness. She holds a Certificate in Leadership and Social Change from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice at Tufts University.
Raised in the United States within a Colombian family with roots in the Coffee Axis of Colombia, Vanessa brings a bicultural perspective to her work that informs her commitment to connection across communities.
Her international experiences across the United States, Europe, Central America, and South America—including service-learning in Nicaragua and South Dakota—have shaped her approach to global engagement grounded in reciprocity, cultural humility, and mutual learning.
A a co-founder of The Tertulia Project, Vanessa leads the design of its curriculum and dialogue-based model, integrating community-led volunteering, cultural immersion, and structured reflection. Her work focuses on connecting participants with communities in Colombia’s Coffee Region while supporting locally rooted initiatives and fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange.
Get in Touch:
Vanessa@thetertuliaproject.com
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Mario
CEO, Executive Tourism & Transportation | Co-Founder, The Tertulia Project
Mario is a Colombian entrepreneur and operations professional based in the Coffee Region of Colombia. With a background in Business Administration, he brings over 15 years of experience in tourism operations throughout the Eje Cafetero.
Mario is the CEO of Executive Tourism & Transportation, a regional tourism and logistics company under which The Tertulia Project operates. Through this work, he has developed extensive experience coordinating transportation, tourism services, and operational logistics across the region. His background also includes management of property renovation companies and large commercial spaces. Known for his strong attention to detail, Mario specializes in organizing complex logistics and ensuring that programs run smoothly and safely for visitors.
Having worked closely with communities across the Coffee Region, Mario is familiar with many of the social and economic realities facing local families. He has observed firsthand challenges such as limited educational opportunities and the need for sustainable local employment, which has strengthened his interest in initiatives that support community wellbeing and local opportunity.
Within The Tertulia Project, Mario leads regional logistics, transportation coordination, and local partnerships. His deep knowledge of the region and strong relationships with local providers help ensure that programs operate responsibly while connecting visitors with the culture, landscapes, and communities of Colombia’s Eje Cafetero.
Get in Touch:
Mario@thetertuliaproject.com
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