Stefanny Pardo

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My name is Stefanny Pardo, I am born and raised in Medellin. I grew up in Belencito, a neighborhood in “La Comuna 13” as a kid growing up in the 90’s it was not easy. There was a lot of violence due to political warfare occurring and you could always feel the tension. At the age of 15 I became a mother shortly after losing my own Mother. These challenges forced me to leave my childhood behind and mature very quickly, they also lead to me become a very independent women at an early age. I have always been very hard working due to my struggles of being a young mother and always kept studying knowing that education is a key to success. These core values are the reasons why I can help the new generation who are in similar position as I once was. 

Before creating projects with Niños Del Futuro I did a lot of social work with homeless people. We always went out with a couple of friends and began to hand out food packages for those in need. After visiting the projects of Niños Del Futuro I created the idea to start a shoe project “Kicks4Kids” where we provide shoes for the children in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of Medellin. I believe shoes are one of the most basic needs to build our children’s self-confidence.

¨Es posible que ayudar a una persona no cambia el mundo entero, pero sí puede cambiar el mundo de una persona.¨