How Nydia Quintero Brought Hope To Colombia

Colombia—a land of contrasts. Once shrouded in the shadows of civil conflict and drug-related violence, the country has undergone a transformation. Today, it increasingly shines as a sought-after destination, celebrated for its warm hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty, and rich cultural tapestry.

At the heart of both Colombia’s allure and its turbulent history is its value of diversity—a vibrant blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences that infuse its cuisine, festivals, and architecture. This cultural tapestry is best showcased by the Caminata de la Solidaridad festival, which will next take place on Sunday 25 August. This is more than just a parade; it’s a vivid celebration of Colombia’s cultural mosaic and a powerful statement for equality and human rights across the nation. Celebrities including Pele and Shakira have taken part in the past.

This year’s free event, bursting with colorful floats, lively troupes, and talented artists, marks a special milestone: the 50th solidarity march and anniversary of the Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia (The Solidarity for Colombia Foundation), founded by former First Lady Nydia Quintero Turbay.

Nydia Quintero – inspiring generations

During my visit, I had the immense privilege of spending time with 94-year-old Nydia, whose life story mirrors the complexity and resilience of her country. Her journey, marked by personal tragedy yet driven by a profound sense of hope, has inspired generations—including her granddaughter, María Carolina Hoyos, who is now President of the Foundation.

Nydia’s childhood in Neiva was deeply shaped by a strong sense of family and a passion for social causes. From an early age, she understood that values are the foundation from which all actions grow, and her character became inseparable from the strength of these deeply rooted principles.

For five decades, Nydia – the ex-wife of former Colombian president César Turbay – and her family have been devoted to ensuring that Colombia’s diversity translates into educational opportunities and equal rights for almost 68,000 families.

Programmes offering free education and values-based training to children from low-income families have equipped young Colombians with the tools they need to forge brighter futures. The foundation’s university scholarship scheme, named in memory of Nydia’s late daughter Diana, empowers students to become transformative leaders who will drive progress in Colombia’s communities for generations to come.

The kidnapping of Diana Turbay

The spirit of the Caminata—marching forward with purpose and unity, even in the face of difficulty — is deeply ingrained in the Turbay family through personal experience.

Nydia’s eldest daughter and María Carolina’s mother, Diana Turbay, was not just a devoted journalist but also a pivotal figure in her father’s life – his “right and left hand” as María Carolina describes to me.

In August 1990, Diana was famously captured by drug lord Pablo Escobar’s cartel, lured under the pretense of an interview with guerrilla leaders. She endured 147 harrowing days in captivity, during which she kept a diary filled with her struggles, a poignant mix of pain and unwavering hope. Tragically a rescue attempt failed, resulting in Diana’s death.

The family recalls Diana as a person deeply committed to her values, driven by a strong moral compass and a determination to do good that she inherited from her father. Her diary, written during those dark days, reflects her resolve, as she penned to her father, “Pitico, we both know you won’t do anything that is not correct to liberate me.”

Diana Turbay is remembered as a courageous and talented journalist who dedicated her life to informing the public and defending democracy. Her story, one of bravery and sacrifice, has been immortalized in several works, including News of a Kidnapping by Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez, a close friend of the Turbay family.

Doing the right thing when it is difficult

Diana’s legacy has fueled the foundation’s mission and continues to inspire her mother Nydia, daughter María Carolina, and the countless lives they continue to touch. The Caminata march – first started in 1975 – didn’t stop, even when Diana died. In fact the drive to bring together communities through education become even stronger for Nydia.

Nydia’s mantra of doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult…especially when it is difficult…has guided her life’s work. This is perhaps best exemplified by her decision to adopt two homeless boys she found hiding in a tree after a devastating earthquake in 1978. These two brothers became her sons, living alongside her four children in the presidential palace.

María Carolina’s story of forgiveness

María Carolina’s own story is one of profound loss and extraordinary resilience. At the age of 17, after watching her mother die in hospital, she promised she would never smile again. She had once dreamed of living in a small house with her mother, a simple wish that was shattered by the violence and hatred of Colombia’s drug wars, which claimed the lives of several family members, including Diana. She remembers the pain when her wisdom teeth needed to be removed and not wanting to do this with her father – instead holding out for her mother. At that point she tells me she learned how to transform pain.

However, amidst this pain, María Carolina’s journey is one of forgiveness. She has channeled her grief into a legacy of reconciliation and through her ability to forgive Diana’s captors has been able to smile again, with her two sons serving as her greatest inspiration for this path of healing.

While in Colombia, it was wonderful to spend time with María Carolina’s sons, Matteo and Thomas. Matteo, at 19, is about to embark on an exciting journey to Madrid for his MBA, while 21-year-old Thomas, inspired by Muhammad Yunus, is poised to create and run Colombia’s first microcredit bank with a focus on social impact.

These ambitious young men still live at home with their mother, María Carolina, who has woven them into every aspect of the Foundation’s work. Her guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “I need you and you need me—we need each other.”

The unwavering dedication and love of her own grandmother, Nydia, despite unfathomable tragedy, have also been a beacon of hope and strength for María Carolina. Nydia, a trailblazer in her own right, founded the Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia three years before becoming First Lady, driven by a vision to celebrate Colombia’s diversity and level the playing field for those without access to educational opportunities.

María Carolina shares how people often told Nydia “You should be President,” however Nydia chose a different path focused on long-term impact. As a result, the foundation has endured for three generations, with Tomas and Matteo now actively involved in its mission.

A brighter future for Colombia

Since its inception, the Fundación Solidaridad por Colombia has touched nearly 6 million lives, awarding over 47,000 educational scholarships. Its mission is to create pathways to opportunity, foster community, and build life skills through education.

The annual Caminata de la Solidaridad, or Walks of Solidarity, have allowed the foundation to spread a message of hope, unity, and diversity across the country. Even in the darkest times, Colombians have come together, offering unconditional support to those who need it most.

One of the few loved and remembered first ladies of the nation, Nydia’s work for the country did not end after her husband’s term as president. Through a life marked by hard work, loss, love, and forgiveness, Nydia Qunitero, her granddaughter María Carolina, and now her great-grandsons, have built a legacy in Colombia that will endure for generations. Their efforts ensure that each new generation will be better off than the last.

For Nydia and María Carolina, the language of love knows no boundaries, and their story, like Colombia’s, is one of resilience, compassion, forgiveness and an unwavering commitment to a brighter future for all.