Colegio Nueva Granada Alumni

Meet Paula García, Class of 1985, and Elena Navarrete, Class of 2017!

Mother and daughter. Two CNG alumni. Three decades apart. One shared passion: literature as a way to understand the world more deeply.

Paula:
“After graduating from CNG, I studied Economics at Universidad de los Andes and later earned a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. I began my career in macroeconomic research, but over time, my path led me toward literature — first as a personal exploration, and eventually as a lifelong engagement with great works of fiction as a way to reflect on history, culture, and the human experience.

I have participated in literary studies in Bogotá and abroad, and 12 years ago I founded Tardes Literarias, a space dedicated to meaningful conversations that go far beyond the text.

CNG played an important role in this journey, shaping both my love of reading and my ongoing curiosity about the world.”

www.tardesliterarias.com

Elena:
“After CNG, I studied Comparative Literature and Computer Science at Columbia University, then worked as a technology consultant in New York City. Today, I run Close Reading NYC, where I offer small-group reading series and workshops on classic literature, held in person in New York City.

What CNG gave me was a rich and connected understanding of the world. Through classes across disciplines and in two languages, I learned to connect ideas rather than keep them in separate boxes, and gained the confidence to move between fields and build something of my own.

It was also at CNG, especially in AP Literature, where I first learned to read closely. I discovered that sitting with a paragraph long enough can unlock the hidden harmony between what it says and how it says it. That practice is now at the heart of my work.

If you’re in New York, I’d love to have you!”

www.closereadingnyc.com

Looking ahead, Paula and Elena are developing a shared project: Leyendo desde el territorio / Reading in Place — bringing reading and travel into conversation.

A beautiful example of how CNG connections can span generations — from mother to daughter, from Bogotá to New York, and from the classroom to meaningful work in the world.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to: [email protected]

They would love to connect!

This is Edgar Lenis, alum from Class of 2006!

"I was deeply impacted by the people I met at CNG — friends, teachers, and staff. One memory that still comes back to me is the encouragement I received from Ms. Figueroa, my Spanish teacher. Before I graduated, she gave me a book and words I can’t fully remember, but I know they reflected a belief in something I couldn’t yet see in myself.
Years later, while studying Law at Universidad de los Andes and feeling deeply unhappy, I rediscovered that book during a late-night study session. The main character’s internal conflict felt similar to my own, and it gave me the courage to change paths. I left law school and went on to graduate as a Film Director from Universidad del Cine de Buenos Aires — easily the best decision I’ve ever made.

My life since then has been a great adventure with ups and downs, triumphs and defeats. I have travelled around the world working on different projects and fulfilling different roles. I have gone from being a director to a production assistant, an editor to a prep tech, a photographer to an “audio guy” (my least favorite). At times, it has felt like I’m going backwards, like I should be much more “successful” by now. But with time, it eventually all makes sense, or somehow fits into the bigger picture.

The more I live, the more I realize it’s all about the people. My favorite part has always been the people, meeting them, getting to know them, and sharing a part of this mysterious journey together. Every human being has a fascinating story to tell if you simply listen. The way you perceive, and the way you are perceived by fellow human beings, shapes your reality. Always do your best at being empathetic and understanding. Love, fear not, and love you shall find.

I am currently in an art contest decided by popular vote. I’d love for you to check out my profile, and if my work resonates with you, I’d truly appreciate your vote here: https://peoplesartist.org/2026/edgar-lenis-par-zofO
Thank you!"

Gorgeous pictures and inspiring story Edgar. Thank you for sharing!

You can reach Edgar at: [email protected]

This is Camilo de Guzman, alum from Class of 2001!

"Looking back, CNG has had a profound impact on how my life and career have unfolded.
In 1998, my family, like many others, was forced to leave Colombia. During that difficult time, what CNG gave me wasn't just a bilingual education, but the ability to adapt and move seamlessly between cultures, take in new viewpoints, and embark on a global trajectory, while remaining proudly Colombian.

After CNG, I spent two years at Ashbury College in Ottawa and senior year at Gulliver Preparatory in Miami, before heading to McGill University in Montreal, where I studied Economics and graduated with Distinction. I then moved to Washington D.C. to attend law school at GW Law, where I fully absorbed the legal, political, and historical weight of the capital.

After obtaining my J.D. and passing the NY Bar in 2008, I moved to New York and started my career at Proskauer, one of the top law firms in the world, where I learned the rigorous practice of law working on high-stakes cross-border disputes and transactions for Fortune 500 clients, leading sports organizations, and emerging companies.

In 2012, I returned to Colombia, hoping to contribute to its growth. I started a family with my wife Natalia and founded a strategic advisory firm (which I later sold), where I worked on landmark matters across LatAm including Millicom's (Tigo) acquisition of UNE, Maersk's acquisition of terminals in Cartagena & Buenaventura, and CONMEBOL turnaround following FIFA-gate.

In 2019, I ventured to build a biopharmaceutical startup's legal, regulatory, and compliance functions from the ground up, as General Counsel & Head of Regulatory, leading the GMP-certification (FDA) of a contract development and manufacturing organization, located outside Bogotá, serving the highly-regulated cosmetics, wellness, and pharma export markets in the U.S. and Europe.

This year, I launched DE GUZMÁN Law & Advisory, a U.S.-focused practice serving founders, funds, companies, and family offices navigating corporate, regulatory, and estate planning complexity across the Americas. Prior to launch, I studied AI Strategy at Stanford Law and sat for the Florida Bar, embracing an AI-first approach and adding a second bar admission to better serve my clients.

As I write this, I realize CNG has shaped all of it. The discipline, the curiosity, the ability to move across borders, and the appetite to take on the great opportunities the U.S. and the world have to offer, all while building a better future for Colombia.

My two daughters attend CNG today. Every day, I'm very happy to experience school again through their eyes, rooted in Colombia but always looking ahead towards what's beyond the horizon."

Awesome experience Camilo, thank you for sharing!

You can contact Camilo at: [email protected]

This is Kathy Gamble Pilugin, alumna from Class of 1974!

“Although I attended Colegio Nueva Granada for only one year, from 1971 to 1972 for tenth grade, my time there left a lasting impression. Some of my favorite memories include playing on the volleyball team and spending fun moments playing ping-pong during study hall.

Growing up, I moved around the world and had already lived in Burma, now Myanmar, New York, and Mexico before arriving in Colombia. After CNG, my family moved to Nigeria, and I went on to attend boarding school in Switzerland. I continued playing volleyball there, and one of the most special surprises was traveling to other schools for games and unexpectedly reconnecting with several old friends and teammates from CNG.

After graduating from college with a degree in Spanish Literature, I found myself in Moscow, Russia, where I lived from 1993 to 2001 and witnessed history unfolding firsthand. The experience was unforgettable, though not without its challenges.

I later spent 13 years in Washington, DC, working in the IT department of a nonprofit organization before retiring to St. Paul, Minnesota. I moved there because my family had settled in the area. My parents have since passed away, but my brothers still live here.

In August of 2025, I published a memoir/travelogue – “Echoes of a Global Life”. A story of survival from Burma to Moscow and beyond. Memoir. Travel stories. Living in interesting times. More information on my book can be found on by website here: https://expatalien.blog/new-book-echoes-of-a-global-life/“

Awesome story Kathy! Best of luck with your memoir!

You can reach Kathy at: [email protected]

Together, we did something extraordinary! 💙

Through the CNG Class Challenge, our community raised more than $714 million COP in support of the CNG Innovation Center — a powerful reflection of the generosity, pride, and love our community has for CNG and its future.

To every parent, alum, grandparent, and CNG friend who gave, shared, encouraged, and showed up for their class: thank you! Every gift mattered. Every participation counted. And every act of support helped make this incredible result possible.

A very special congratulations to our top classes in each category:

🏆 Most Raised
🥇 Class of 1985
🥈 Class of 2030
🥉 Class of 2034

🙌 Highest Participation
🥇 Class of 2025
🥈 Class of 2038
🥉 Class of 1985

Thank you, Class of 1985, winner of Most Raised, for your extraordinary generosity and leadership.

Thank you, Class of 2025, winner of Highest Participation, for your incredible spirit, unity, and participation.

You rose to the challenge — and we couldn’t be prouder!! ✨

This is Alan Wagenberg, alum from Class of 1997!

"Growing up at CNG shaped how I see the world. Being part of such a diverse community made international collaboration feel natural from an early age, particularly having gone on to live in the UK, the US, and Spain. CNG also taught me that complex problems are best solved when you bring different perspectives to the table.

After graduating CNG I went to Babson College, where I studied Business Administration, and later completed a Master's in Communication, Culture and Technology at Georgetown University. The combination gave me something I've relied on ever since: the entrepreneurial instinct to build practical tools and the analytical lens to understand complex systems. That balance has proven essential in the kind of work I do, where the goal is to influence large-scale change, but the real work happens through tools, knowledge, and practices that businesses and people can actually use.

Over more than 20 years, my work has focused on a single question: how do you build businesses and economies where capital, knowledge, and institutions actually work together to create social and environmental impact? That's taken me across the US, Latin America and Europe, advising businesses, governments, and organizations on sustainability, social innovation, and impact investment strategies. I currently work at GSG Impact, a global organization working to grow impact investment in over 40 countries. My role focuses on connecting and equipping each country with the best practices, knowledge, and tools needed to shift policy and mobilize capital toward impact.

Ahead of Colombia's 2026 elections, I've also been building VotoBien.com, an AI-powered application designed to cut through the noise of electoral campaigns and help voters identify the candidate that best aligns with their values, priorities, and vision for the country. I'd encourage the CNG community to give it a try!"

Thank you for sharing your story Alan!
We love your focus on impact and congratulate you on VotoBien.com - so crucial for our upcoming elections!

You can contact Alan at: [email protected]

This is it — Final Day! Last chance. Time to rise! 🏁⏳🚀
The CNG Class Challenge ends today!

If CNG has been part of your story, this is your moment to give back with pride, honor your class, and help shape the future through the Innovation Center. 💙❤️

Stand with your class. Honor your legacy. Make your gift count before the day is over. 🏆

Give today. Leave your mark. Rise to the challenge. ⚡

www.giving.cng.edu

This is Gabriela Montoya, alumna from Class of 2014!

"After graduating from CNG, I studied law at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and began my career at EY. After two years in corporate law, I realized my true passion was elsewhere and joined my family business, GRUPO FLORES COLON, a company dedicated to exporting flowers worldwide.That experience led me to spot a clear opportunity in Colombia: although our country is known for producing some of the most beautiful, high-quality flowers in the world, most of them are exported, leaving limited premium options in the local market. That is why I created LA FLORERIA BY FLORES COLON in Bogotá — to offer Colombians farm-fresh, top-quality flowers at better prices. Today, we work with event planners, create our own floral events, design bouquets, and supply flowers to hotels, restaurants, and buildings. In short, we bring the best flowers from the farm directly to our clients for every kind of occasion.

In addition to flowers, I have always been passionate about sports, fitness, and healthy living. After my father passed away, exercise became an important part of my healing process. During that time, I was given what felt like a gift from heaven: the opportunity to create a wellness center. That is how Rise Wellness Center was born — a space designed to give clients a complete approach to exercise, nutrition, recovery, and overall well-being, all in one place. Our goal is to help people achieve effective, lasting results both inside and out. At Rise, we offer functional training, weight training, and Pilates classes, along with a wellness area that includes a sauna, cold plunge, and recovery massages. We also have a team of nutritionists and a café with a menu created exclusively for our members. In addition, we host sound healing, yoga, and meditation events, reflecting our philosophy that we are not just a gym, but a space dedicated to true well-being.
We currently have one location and another under construction. It has been an incredible journey because, beyond being my work, it is the fulfillment of a dream built from my deepest passions. We are growing quickly, have built a loyal community, and hope to continue expanding across Colombia and beyond, bringing health and well-being to more people.

CNG has had a huge impact on my life, both personally and professionally. It is a school that truly focuses on each individual, helping students develop their talents, explore their interests, and become who they want to be. One of the things I treasure most is that the friends I made in K4 are still some of my closest friends today. These friendships have helped me professionally, and I know it's all thanks to my school, which I adore!"

Thank you Gaby for sharing your story!
We wish you the best of luck with all of your entrepreneurships. Very impressive!

Would you like to contact Gaby? You can reach her at: [email protected]

So proud of our incredible alumni!

We’re proud to celebrate three inspiring CNG alumni making their mark on the future of fashion in Colombia: Daniela Amitai, Class of 2015, Ana María Cano, Class of 2017, and Manuela Cordovez, Class of 2017!

They will be featured in Next Generation, a panel bringing together Colombian women entrepreneurs under 30 who are transforming the fashion industry through creativity, vision, and purpose.

Their stories will explore entrepreneurship, brand-building, international growth, differentiation in competitive markets, and the move toward more sustainable models.

Join this inspiring conversation and support this new generation of women leaders in fashion!

Register here:
https://www.tejidofashionmart.com/event-details/next-gen-fashion-founders-colombia-under-30/form

Congratulations! YOU make us SO PROUD!

With profound sadness and a great sense of loss, we share the passing of our alumna Ilana Ospina, from the Class of 1991.

Ilana’s kindness, warmth, and loving essence will forever be remembered, as will the way she inspired us to follow our dreams and celebrate the beauty of life. She paved her way with heart and courage, showing us what it means to live and love fully. Her journey and spirit were so uniquely her own. From her work as an international DJ to her calling as a mindfulness teacher and coach, she touched countless lives. And above all, her deep care shone through in her devotion to her children and as a loving daughter, sister, and friend. We are so grateful Ilana’s generous spirit, peaceful presence, and beautiful light will continue to shine in our hearts and in her music and guided meditations for generations to come.

We extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to her mother, Diana; her sister, Paula; her children, Gael and Cloe; and to all her family members and friends.

We invite our community to join Ilana’s family on April 17th at 11:00 am at Gimnasio Moderno for a special mass in her memory.

Ilana, may you rest in peace.
You will remain in our hearts forever. ❤️

We are entering the final stretch of the CNG Class Challenge! 🚀

On April 21, we cross the finish line — and there is still time to be counted! ⏳

Parents, alumni, and grandparents are coming together to support the future of CNG through the Innovation Center. More than a competition, this is a chance to show class pride, strengthen our community, and help create something meaningful for current and future students. 💙⚡❤️

Will your class rise… or be left behind? 🏆

👉 Join your class today, make your gift, and let’s build the future together before April 21!

www.giving.cng.edu