Educational Access
Scholarships, English bridge programs, academic guidance, and support for eligible educational opportunities.
Puertas Colombia Foundation
Opening doors.
Transforming lives.
We believe Colombian talent deserves opportunity without borders. Puertas opens doors for Colombian women to pursue education in the United States, develop as leaders, and build futures of lasting impact.
1–3Planned inaugural scholars
2 nationsOne educational bridge
1 missionExpand opportunity
LifetimePuertas network
Our Mission
Talent should never remain behind a closed door.
Puertas Colombia Foundation seeks to expand educational access for Colombian women in the United States through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and strategic partnerships.
We intend to do more than fund education. We want to support each scholar from preparation through professional development and connect her to a lifelong community that, over time, opens doors for other women.
What We Do
More than a scholarship: a pathway.
Leadership
Development in leadership, communication, decision-making, and personal and professional growth.
Mentorship
Connections with academic, professional, and eventually Puertas alumni mentors.
Career Development
Internships, employer partnerships, career preparation, and professional networks.
The Puertas Pathway
One door leads to the next.
1
IdentifyTalent and potential2
PrepareAdmissions and English3
EducateAcademic support4
ConnectMentorship and career5
MultiplyOpen doors for othersWhy Puertas Exists
One open door can change generations.
Puertas Colombia Foundation was created by Blanca Margarita Aristizábal Westgate in honor of her uncle, Javier Aristizábal, and his wife, Alicia Aristizabal Vasquez. Javier sponsored Blanca when she came to the United States.
That act of trust and support inspires the Puertas mission: an opportunity given to one woman can, over time, become opportunity for many more.
One person opened a door for Blanca. Puertas Colombia exists so that, generation after generation, Colombian women can find a door open for them.
Read Our StoryFlagship Program
The Puertas Scholars Program
We seek women with leadership potential, integrity, initiative, financial need, and a clear vision for how education can create broader impact.
Inaugural Class
Build With Us
Opportunity grows when it is shared.
Universities
Admissions collaboration, institutional aid, mentorship, and academic opportunity.
Explore partnerships →Companies
Named scholarships, mentors, internships, employment pathways, and leadership development.
Become a partner →Individuals & Families
Help build the first generation of Puertas Scholars and the legacy that follows.
Learn how to support →Stay Connected
Follow Puertas from its first open door.
Contact us to express interest as a future scholar, mentor, university partner, corporate partner, or founding donor.