Volunteer Roles: Chapter President, Board of Directors (Vice President), NQT Training Team, ICL Workshop Facilitator, Project Coordinator
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Dina’s journey with AFS began as a scholarship recipient to USA, an experience that deeply rooted her commitment to AFS’s values of interculturality, inclusion, and global learning. For over 50 years, Dina has exemplified these values, dedicating herself to the AFS community and inspiring others through her roles as a chapter leader, board member, and facilitator.
As President of the Popayán chapter, Dina fostered a sense of unity and growth within her community. Under her leadership, the committee made strides in inclusion and cultural diversity, making an impactful connection with families, participants, and schools. Her service on the board of directors, including multiple terms as Vice President, has allowed her to drive meaningful strategic decisions that benefit both volunteers and the organization.
Dina’s achievements extend beyond local impact. Her leadership in projects like the Exchange between Indigenous Guambia and Embera Communities promoted respect for Indigenous cultures, aligning with AFS’s mission to foster mutual understanding. She coordinated the Ashoka Waste Sorting Project in Caldas Park, encouraging environmental responsibility, and led the Getup and Go Project to support communities affected by conflict through sustainable tourism. During the pandemic, she implemented Virtual Exchanges between Schools in Popayán and Mexico, showing adaptability in fostering intercultural experiences even during crises.
Her contributions in training, particularly through the AFS Leadership Program and intercultural learning workshops, have been instrumental in building intercultural competencies among volunteers and educators. Dina has also facilitated global virtual programs, such as the AFS Global Up Abroad and At Home program, enhancing global awareness among students and teachers.
Dina’s profound impact lies in her ability to inspire and mobilize others. She has fostered a culture of inclusivity and respect, championed projects that reflect AFS’s educational mission, and strengthened the national office’s decision-making processes. Her leadership, vision, and dedication make her a deserving recipient of the Galatti. Dina’s work embodies the essence of a global citizen, leaving an indelible legacy on the AFS community and advancing our impact goals in developing active global citizens, globalizing schools, and expanding intercultural education.
“Dina has left a mark on AFS with her dedication and commitment to its mission. For over 50 years, she has been involved in various activities that have impacted participants, volunteers at both the national and international levels and AFS Colombia.”—Juliana Erazo Prado, AFS Colombia
AFS Galatti Award
Established in 1983, the AFS Galatti Award honors AFS volunteers whose longtime commitment, dedication and exceptional journey with the organization have advanced the AFS mission and created an impact. It is awarded in honor of Stephen Galatti, who was Director General of AFS for more than 28 years (1936-1964) and who built and transformed AFS into a world-wide organization that promotes peace and global awareness through intercultural learning experiences.