Valentina Wiñay Wara Quispe Isnado

Valentina Wiñay Wara Quispe Isnado, a young indigenous woman from Bolivia's Aymara community, has dedicated her life to empowering indigenous youth, especially young women, and promoting sexual and reproductive rights. At the age of 16, she founded Soy Warmi, a non-profit organization focused on these issues, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Soy Warmi provides reliable information, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), and access to quality health services. Recognizing the significant barrier posed by the lack of CSE in schools, the organization addresses issues like school dropout due to unplanned pregnancies, which in turn affects employment opportunities for young girls. 

Valentina has worked with over 150 volunteers from eight countries, impacting more than 40,000 people through a range of projects. One notable example, Warmi Ambassadors, involved six young Bolivian women under 30 working with medical professionals to deliver workshops on CSE and free medical services in peri-urban and rural areas, reaching 1,450 young people across six departments in Bolivia. Currently, Soy Warmi is preparing KurmiApp, a mobile application designed to provide a safe space for young people to explore their sexuality, connect with health professionals, and access trusted resources in Aymara, Quechua, and Guaraní. The app is set to launch in 2025. 

Valentina's academic achievements are impressive, with consistent top performance throughout her school years. She was on her school's honour roll for eleven consecutive years and participated in academic Olympiads to earn multiple certificates and medals. She also completed an English program and postgraduate degrees in grammar, alongside a program in Aymara, her ancestral language. Her academic achievements and leadership skills earned her several prestigious scholarships, including the Youth Ambassadors scholarship and the Opportunity Funds scholarship from the U.S. Department of State, which saw her accepted to Centre College in the U.S. as a Lincoln Scholars Fellow. 

Valentina's commitment to mentorship started in sixth grade when she supported classmates struggling academically. This experience inspired her to continue mentoring, and she now offers guidance to current students at her former school, helping them apply for scholarships and programs like Youth Ambassadors. This mentoring has extended beyond the classroom, supporting students through personal challenges and fostering their growth and independence. 

As an activist, Valentina has led numerous initiatives through Soy Warmi and beyond. She is involved in research on sexuality and gender within indigenous communities and is co-authoring an article on LGBTQ+ indigenous youth in El Alto, Bolivia, with a Harvard professor. She serves on the Advisory Council for Adolescents and Girls of the Global Fund For Women, representing Bolivia and Latin America in decision-making on fund distribution and supporting gender equality initiatives. 

Valentina had to overcome personal and economic challenges to see these achievements. Growing up with significant responsibilities, she understood early on that education was the key to a better future. International collaboration has been a hallmark of Soy Warmi, with volunteers from multiple countries contributing to its initiatives. The organization fosters a sense of community among its volunteers through weekly virtual meetings, creating a global network of young people committed to social change. Valentina's involvement in the Global Fund For Women's Advisory Council further amplifies her impact on promoting gender equality worldwide.