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!