Basic Information

Early Life

Zelliana Linares was born on June 15, 1990, in Bogotá, Colombia, to Maria and Carlos Linares, both educators who deeply valued education and community service. The youngest of three children, Zelliana grew up in a close-knit family where discussions about current events and social justice were common dinner table topics. Her brother, Javier, who is now a software engineer, and her sister, Sofia, a doctor, both inspired her with their commitment to their respective fields. From an early age, Zelliana displayed a keen interest in social issues, influenced by her parents’ careers and her family’s emphasis on giving back to the community.

Education

Zelliana attended Colegio Santa Maria, a prestigious private school in Bogotá, where she excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities. In 2008, she graduated with honors and received a scholarship to study International Relations at the Universidad de los Andes. During her time at university, she became involved in student organizations focused on social issues and human rights, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors. Zelliana graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree and was recognized as the top student in her program.

Career Beginnings

After graduating, Zelliana joined a non-profit organization in Bogotá that aimed to support underprivileged communities through education and health initiatives. Over the next three years, she worked tirelessly to develop programs that provided scholarships and healthcare services to vulnerable populations. Her work led to measurable improvements in literacy rates and healthcare access in the regions served by the organization. In 2015, she was appointed as the program director, where she managed a team of over 50 individuals, impacting the lives of thousands of families.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In 2017, driven by her passion for social entrepreneurship, Zelliana founded her first business, “EduCafé”, a social enterprise aimed at providing job training and employment to young adults from low-income neighborhoods. The café not only served as a community gathering space but also offered barista training programs, significantly improving the employability of its trainees. During its first year, EduCafé generated revenues of approximately $250,000, with profits reinvested into the training programs. The success of EduCafé garnered attention, and Zelliana was invited to speak at various international conferences on social entrepreneurship.

Expansion and Philanthropy

Building on her initial success, Zelliana expanded her business ventures in 2019 by launching “ZL Impact Solutions”, a consultancy that advises businesses on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The consultancy quickly gained traction, securing contracts with major corporations in Colombia, such as Grupo Aval and Bancolombia, aiming to enhance their social impact strategies. By 2021, ZL Impact Solutions had become a leading consultancy in the region, generating annual revenues exceeding $1 million.

Zelliana has not only focused on her businesses but also on philanthropy. In 2020, she established the “Linares Foundation”, which aims to provide scholarships for higher education to students from underprivileged backgrounds. The foundation has successfully awarded over 500 scholarships, with a budget of $1 million allocated for educational programs. Zelliana is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented individuals from pursuing their dreams.

Personal Life

Zelliana Linares is known to maintain a balanced life despite her busy schedule. She enjoys hiking and often spends her weekends exploring Colombia’s diverse landscapes. In 2021, she married her long-term partner, Alejandro Torres, a fellow social entrepreneur, in a small ceremony in the Andean region. The couple shares a passion for travel and philanthropy, often participating in volunteer work during their trips abroad.

Net Worth and Future Plans

As of 2023, Zelliana’s estimated net worth is around $5 million, largely attributed to her successful ventures in social entrepreneurship and consultancy. She continues to reinvest her profits into her businesses and philanthropic efforts, aiming to expand her social impact. Zelliana envisions opening several more EduCafé locations across Colombia and expanding the Linares Foundation’s reach to other Latin American countries. Her long-term goal is to create a collaborative network of social entrepreneurs in Latin America, fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation and social change.

Conclusion

Zelliana Linares exemplifies how passion and commitment to social responsibility can lead to both personal and professional success. Her journey from a young girl in Bogotá to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist is a testament to the impact one person can have on their community. With her innovative spirit and dedication to social issues, Zelliana is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.