Fellow Spotlight: Luisa’s Drive for Peace through Sustainable Tourism

Giving By Robyn Burns August 7, 2024

The Western Union Foundation is proud to spotlight Luisa Romero, founder of Get Up and Go Colombia – a nonprofit that aims to transform communities most affected by armed conflict through safe and sustainable tourism opportunities. Luisa is a recent graduate of the Western Union Foundation Fellowship program where she participated in business training and received seed funding to help grow her venture.

Luisa began Get Up and Go Colombia with an innovative approach to revitalize former conflict zones by fostering socio-economic development through tourism. The income generated through these tourism activities is then invested in educational projects to develop and expand tourism to more communities. With a dedicated 6-member team, Get Up and Go has already reached more than 25,000 individuals.

“My experience in the 2023-2024 Western Union Foundation Fellowship has been transformative. It has provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage with a diverse group of individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact in the world. The learning experiences, mentorship, and collaborative pods have not only enriched my professional growth but also deepened my understanding of global issues and the power of community-driven solutions,” shared Luisa.

“The Western Union Foundation Fellowship has equipped me with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable growth. Overall, the experience has been a transformative journey. Thank you!”

The Western Union Foundation launched the Fellowship in partnership with Watson Institute in 2021 to provide burgeoning entrepreneurs with the resources needed to advance and grow their community ventures. The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is unique in that it’s tailored to people who have either been displaced themselves, or are working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities.

Click here to donate to the Western Union Foundation and support even more aspiring individuals who are changing lives in communities around the world.