“The road to success can be difficult, but with determination and passion, it is possible”
A woman heads the Coffee Growers Committee of the Huila department; This is Edna Yolima Calderón Ome, she talks about her personal values, her professional success and some necessary insights for the various areas of life.
Do you have one or several female role models who inspire you on a personal and professional level?
I have been fortunate to have the example of various women who have left an indelible mark and motivation on my path. On a personal level, my mother has been my greatest inspiration, her strength, her dedication and her ability to bravely face obstacles have been a beacon in my life; Likewise, my grandmother, who with her unconditional love and broad heart to help others, added to her tenacity, left me a legacy for my personal actions. Professionally, I admire women leaders who have challenged gender stereotypes and demonstrated their competence and leadership, women entrepreneurs, community leaders and pioneers in the coffee industry.
What is your opinion of the role that women leaders occupy today?
Women have advanced significantly in society and in the department of Huila, playing increasingly relevant roles and occupying spaces previously reserved mainly for men; We still face challenges in terms of gender equity and recognition of our work, although we have demonstrated the ability to lead and contribute to the development of the region, barriers still persist. It is essential to continue working to eliminate these barriers and promote equal opportunities so that women can reach our potential and contribute significantly to the progress of society.
What have been the biggest challenges of being a woman leader, who has achieved professional success and is in charge of such an important association?
I have faced challenging moments throughout my career. Each step along my path has been marked by obstacles that I have had to overcome with determination and perseverance. The biggest challenge has been to break the stereotypes and prejudices that still persist in our society, demonstrating that women are equally capable of successfully leading and managing unions as important as the Departmental Committee of Coffee Growers of Huila. My approach has always been to work with discipline, maintain integrity and seek the benefit of our producer families.
What advice would you give to women who have not yet achieved their desired life project?
That they believe in themselves, that they trust in their abilities and that they do not give up in the face of the challenges they may encounter. It is important to maintain determination and perseverance, and be willing to work hard to achieve goals. In addition, I would urge you to surround yourself with people who support and encourage you to seek growth opportunities that allow you to reach your maximum potential. The road to success can be difficult, but with determination and passion, it is possible.
What achievement are you most proud of and why?
Among the achievements that make me most proud in my career, I highlight my management at the head of the Biorgánicos del Sur del Huila Company. Together with a management team and collaborators, I managed to position the number one company at the national level and become a reference at an international level, supported by results that were highlighted by the DNP, UN, Ministry of Environment, Superintendence of Services, among other law enforcement institutions. National and international. During my leadership, we managed to implement innovative and sustainable projects that contributed to the economic and social development of the region, generating a positive impact on the community. This achievement is especially significant for me because it had a tangible impact on people’s lives and the development of the industry in Huila.
And actually?
In the Huila Coffee Growers Committee, I feel very proud to be the first woman to take on the challenge of the Executive Directorate, with important results, such as maintaining the leadership and productivity of the most important line of the department’s economy, and an actor vital for the development not only of the region, but also of the country. Just as my pride is also my family and being Juan José’s mother, he is my joy.
What future projections do you have regarding your personal and professional life?
My goal is to continue contributing to the development of coffee growing in the department of Huila and to continue growing professionally within the union. I aspire to continue leading initiatives that promote the growth and sustainability of the sector, and to continue being a reference for leadership and commitment in my community. Additionally, on a personal level, my priority is to continue cultivating meaningful relationships and fully enjoying my family and loved ones.
Do you want to share anything else?
I want to express my deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Departmental Committee of Coffee Growers of Huila and for the constant support of all those who have trusted me and my management abilities. My commitment is to work tirelessly for the benefit of coffee farmers and the region, and to continue fighting for a prosperous and sustainable future for all. Together, we can achieve great things and build a better tomorrow for future generations.
