Empowering Innovation in Colombia: Federico Perez’s Journey with the Ye! Community and YECO Programme
Federico Perez, a passionate advocate for youth entrepreneurship in Colombia, never expected a simple scroll through LinkedIn to shape the next chapter of his career. That’s where he first discovered the Ye! Community—a global network of changemakers, dreamers, and doers supporting young entrepreneurs around the world. What began as a curious click turned into a mission-driven journey to help unlock opportunities for young innovators across his region.
“I was looking for ways to connect Colombian youth with better opportunities,” Federico shared. “The Ye! Community stood out—not just as a platform, but as a living, breathing ecosystem of support.”
As a Ye! Advisor (Colombia), Federico’s role has been both dynamic and deeply personal. While he wasn’t a direct participant in the YECO Programme himself, he engaged closely with the community and contributed to gathering and sharing the stories of emerging youth ecopreneurs. Through this storytelling process, he encountered some truly inspiring individuals who left a lasting impact on him.
“One of the most memorable moments for me was meeting a young participant working on a biotechnology project, and another using drone technology for environmental restoration,” he said. “These young people aren’t just talking about change—they’re building it.”
Federico emphasized that while much of the program was conducted online, it was the in-person workshops and sessions that brought the energy and innovation to life. “There’s something powerful about being in the same room—seeing the passion in their eyes, hearing their stories firsthand,” he said.
Beyond the inspiration, Federico believes the Ye! Community plays a vital role in bridging gaps that many youth face—particularly in Latin America. “What makes Ye! unique is the level of access it provides—to mentorship, networks, and visibility. That kind of support can be life-changing.”
When asked what advice he would give to young entrepreneurs or future Ye! Advisors, Federico didn’t hesitate: “Be open. Don’t just join the community—get involved. Share, listen, connect. The more you give, the more you grow.”
His message is clear: programs like YECO are more than just opportunities—they are launchpads for lasting impact.
This story has been compiled and written by Zaid Khudhur Salih (UN Volunteer June 2025) as part of an effort to highlight the inspiring journeys of youth within the YE! Community. Based on a personal conversation and interview with Federico, the narrative reflects his unique experiences, challenges, and the impact he has created as a young changemaker.