Maria Eugenia Garces Echavarria, president of the Alvaralice Foundation, was recognized with Valle del Cauca’s Grand Cross Order of Merit for her outstanding efforts in development, well- being and strengthening Valle del Cauca’s social network.
Over more than two decades, Maria Eugenia has shown exceptional leadership in fundraising for social projects and organizing events promoting peace. Among these events are the Symposium for Restorative Justice, and the Microfinance and Peace-building Symposium. Her efforts to raise and manage funds has led to implementation of programs reducing social inequality in the region’s most vulnerable sectors.
In addition, her efforts between 2009 and 2013 were essential for eastern Cali. During this period, she skillfully united public and private entities for construction of “Somos Pacífico” Cultural Technocenter, which provides training in the arts, culture and technology for the Potrero Grande neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Maria Eugenia Garces Echavarría has left her indelible mark on Valle del Cauca. Her work has not only transformed lives but has also inspired the Foundation’s beneficiaries to dream of a better and more just future.