Make a difference
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
A future for Colombia’s youth starts with a chance.
Our Mission
MOCA Colombia strives to address the fundamental needs of small, underserved communities in Colombia and promote economic independence through agriculture. Through our agricultural initiatives, advocacies, and partnerships, we elevate standards of living and foster an environment where education, medicine, and economic empowerment create lasting change. We unlock the full potential of our farming communities and their children. We provide nutritious meals, academic support, medical care, and promote agricultural prosperity. Our efforts begin in La Argentina, with MOCACAO, and will grow to include other underserved communities of Colombia.
My Story
Olivia Ospina-Lerner, Founder & President
My name is Olivia Ospina-Lerner. I was born in 2007 and raised in New York City on delicious rice and beans, and dancing (admittedly unrhythmically) to the energetic sounds of salsa and cumbia. Growing up, my family and I visited Colombia constantly; it is the birthplace of my mother and grandparents.
I have enjoyed the beauty of this magnificent country and its joyful, hospitable people, both with family and friends, and also through my immensely important interactions with marginalized communities.
My memories are a mix of joyous and profoundly moving events and sobering moments. My sister’s and my Quinceañera celebration will forever be a highlight in my life, and so will the meaningful time I spent with those less fortunate.
As long as I can remember, as early as four years old, my family and I would spend days in orphanages, homes for children suffering from cancer, and the poverty-stricken comunas of Medellín.
When I was 16, I visited an isolated, impoverished farming community deep in the mountains of Antoquia, and there I was inspired to create MOCA Colombia.
A lifetime of journeys to Colombia has kept me connected to, and deeply grateful for, my Colombian heritage, and I welcome – wholeheartedly- the opportunity to bring you with me on this journey of MOCA Colombia.
Thank you for taking the time to read and care about our mission!
Who We Help
La Argentina, Colombia
Reaching La Argentina, home to just 273 people and isolated by miles of the Andes mountains, is an adventure. Yet, those who make the journey discover a place rich in resilience and potential. At the heart of La Argentina lies its school, a humble building that serves as the community’s center and the focus of MOCA Colombia’s efforts.
The school faces immense economic hardships and a lack of resources, as access to basic necessities is limited. In La Argentina, the challenges are many, but so is the spirit of hope. With its vibrant culture centered around coffee and cacao, the community dreams of a brighter future where education, health, and prosperity are within reach. Through the efforts of MOCA Colombia and the indomitable will of La Argentina’s people, that future is being forged.
Local Partnership
At MOCA Colombia, we are proud to partner with Fundación Clínica Noel, a distinguished pediatric medical institution with nearly 100 years of experience serving Colombia’s most vulnerable children. Based in Medellín, Fundación Clínica Noel specializes in providing life-changing medical care, including surgeries and treatments for children with craniofacial and musculoskeletal conditions.
Through this partnership, we ensure that children in La Argentina receive essential medical support, regardless of their economic circumstances. Together, we are making quality healthcare accessible and building a healthier future for Colombia’s youth.
