A life dedicated to service
Dr. María Luisa Piraquive
Born in the municipality of Chipatá, in the department of Santander, Colombia, Dr. María Luisa Piraquive grew up in a humble and entrepreneurial family. During her childhood and youth, she lived with her parents, Obdulio Piraquive and María Corredor, and her seven siblings, being the third of eight children.
She completed her primary education in the municipality of Sáchica, Boyacá. Later, she moved to Bogotá, where she pursued her secondary education through a radio-based learning programme. From an early age, she was instilled with strong ethical and moral values. Her father was a man characterised by his love of reading and his entrepreneurial spirit, which enabled him to hold significant public positions. His example left an indelible mark on Dr María Luisa, inspiring her to become a self-taught learner.
In 1993, driven by her desire for self-improvement, she pursued professional study and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and Literature from Universidad de La Sabana in Bogotá. In 2000, she completed a diploma in Community Management and Social Administration at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, as well as a specialisation in Educational Management at Universidad Libre.
In 2016, Dr. María Luisa graduated with a Master’s degree in International Law, Human Rights, and International Cooperation from the European Institute Campus Stellae in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Additionally, in 2019, she was awarded a PhD in International Law from Universidad Central de Nicaragua, through its postgraduate faculty in Austria.
With a constant focus on the development of society and the wellbeing of individuals, Dr. María Luisa considers it essential to promote the importance of values and principles, such as respect for human dignity and the human condition, among others. She sees educational practice as the cornerstone for shaping individuals with a strong sense of solidarity.
Dr María Luisa sees education as the ideal platform for fostering values and developing patterns of behaviour grounded in equity, freedom, justice, respect, and social responsibility. She believes the educational environment involves key players—including families, teachers, schools, and the media—who play a fundamental role in ensuring individual and collective wellbeing.
TITLES AND HONOURS
Dr. María Luisa Piraquive’s effective leadership has been demonstrated through various social and educational activities benefiting vulnerable communities both nationally and internationally. Her exemplary work has earned her numerous titles and honours, including:
- Doctorate in International Law (Ph.D.) awarded by the Central University of Nicaragua (UCN) with a deanery in Austria, recognizing Dr. María Luisa Piraquive for her “exemplary and commendable dedication to promoting education, health, and social inclusion.” Presented in Geneva, Switzerland, 2019.
- The Development Secretariat of the Municipality of Gachancipá, represented by Secretary Jennifer Urrego, awarded recognition for the work of Dr. María Luisa Piraquive through the Foundation. 2019.
- Acknowledgment to the International María Luisa de Moreno Foundation for its social work with the elderly, people with disabilities, and children in Cajicá, presented by the municipality’s mayor, Orlando Díaz, 2019.
- “Distinguished Citizen” title awarded by Mayor Edgar Orlando Cuadrado Saba for the significant social work carried out in the Municipality of Sáchica, 2019.
- The “Gran Caucano Order in the Knight Cross Grade” by the Cauca Department Assembly, recognizing the remarkable social work carried out by the International María Luisa de Moreno Foundation in the Department of Cauca, 2019.
- Recognition for the International María Luisa de Moreno Foundation, for its contribution to improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations, awarded by the Municipal Government of Arbeláez, led by Jorge Alberto Godoy. May 2019.
- “Honor of Merit” Plaque from the Municipality of Murindó presented by Mayor Jorge Eliécer Maturana, in recognition of the humanitarian aid provided to the people of Murindó through a health brigade and donation deliveries in Murindó, Antioquia, 2018.
- International “Campus Stellae” Award for her thesis on the Triple Master’s in International Law, Human Rights, and International Cooperation. This award is presented annually by the European Institute Campus Stellae for outstanding research work. She was also named Godmother of the First Promotion of Master’s Degrees in 2016. Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- Recognition in 2016 by the Municipality of Samacá, Boyacá, for her tireless social work and commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
- “Zeus Task Force Shield” awarded in 2016 by the 20th Mobile Brigade of the National Army and the Municipality of Rioblanco, Tolima, for her valuable humanitarian support to vulnerable communities, bringing peace and hope.
- Honorary Title of “Distinguished Ibero-American Academic” awarded by the Honorable World Academy of Education, recognizing her significant human virtues, proven professional achievements, and tireless dedication to global education excellence. Presented at the XV Ibero-American Education Summit in Puebla, Mexico, August 2014.
- “Doctor Honoris Causa” academic title awarded by the YMCA University for her outstanding professional career and distinguished work as a social leader benefiting vulnerable communities. Presented in Mexico City, Mexico, 2013.
- Honorary “Master in Educational Administration” granted by the Ibero-American Council in Honor of Educational Quality during the XII Ibero-American Summit in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2012.
- Honorary Title of “Doctor Honoris Causa Summa Cum Laude” awarded by the Ibero-American Council in Honor of Educational Quality during the XII Ibero-American Summit in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2012.
- “Recognition and Exaltation,” awarded in 2012 by the Government of the Caquetá Department – Colombia, for the construction of a school in the Villaluz district, benefiting children’s education.
- “Coreguaje de Oro Award for Exemplary Citizenship,” awarded in 2012 by the Government of the Caquetá Department – Colombia.
- “Honor Roll for Environmental Care,” awarded by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for contributing to environmental awareness and education. Presented in Chicago, USA, 2011.
- Honorary Mention by the Latina University Institution, UNILATINA, for 40 years of social work benefiting underserved communities. Presented in Bogotá, Colombia, 2011.
