Leadership

Helda Yinet Vélez Zapata

Country President, Colombia

Helda Yinet Vélez Zapata is a seasoned legal professional and academic from Medellín, Colombia, with expertise in Labor and Social Security Law, Family Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. She holds a honorary doctorate in Human Rights and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Management and Innovation.

With over a decade of experience in higher education, Helda has led academic accreditations, curriculum reform, and legal research across several Colombian universities. She is the founder of Lex Consultores, a firm providing legal and business consulting, with a strong focus on training women entrepreneurs and supporting community development.

A dedicated social leader, Helda works on rights restoration for children and adolescents, environmental advocacy, and legal support for indigenous communities. Her career reflects a deep commitment to justice, education, and empowering women across Colombia.