Who we are FZFLC?
We are a non-profit organization committed to promoting job training, entrepreneurship, the popular economy, employability, corporate social responsibility, equity, climate change mitigation, and environmental protection.
Based in Cartagena de Indias, D.T. and C., our work is primarily focused on supporting vulnerable communities located within the Mamonal Industrial Zone, especially those surrounding Zona Franca La Candelaria. Among these communities, Membrillal Village stands out due to its proximity to the industrial park, located approximately one kilometer away.
We are committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligning our initiatives with current development plans at the national, departmental, and district levels.
Impact, Efficiency, Investment, and Coordination
Zona Franca La Candelaria Foundation is guided by four key principles:
- We follow a socio-environmental impact-driven approach. Our purpose is not to develop isolated initiatives or short-term solutions, but to implement programs that truly improve quality of life, transform vulnerable communities, and promote sustainable development.
- We strive to achieve the greatest possible results with the most efficient use of resources — doing more with less.
- We prioritize socio-environmental investment as a key component of our budget execution and community development strategy.
- We promote teamwork, shared value, and collective impact through collaboration with communities, institutions, companies, and strategic partners.
Executive Director
Richard Martínez
As Colombia's first carbon-neutral certified free trade zone, we continue to strengthen our commitment to environmental stewardship and community development.
More about Richard Martínez
Richard Martínez: A leader from Barranquilla driving social responsibility and sustainability initiatives
EAE Business School, Barcelona, España
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Sept. 2025
Ranked first in the cohort. GPA: 9.31/10.
Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
Diploma Program in
Transformación Digital
Apr. 2023
Grade Average: 4/4
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Massachusetts, USA
Diploma in Sustainability
Nov. 2022
Grade Average: 4/4
Universidad de los Andes, School of Government, Bogotá, Colombia
Master’s Degree in Public Management
Apr. 2022
Ranked first in the cohort. GPA: 4.81/5. Graduated Cum Laude and received the Best Graduate Thesis distinction, with a score of 4.8/5. Thesis published by Universidad de los Andes.
Universidad Externado de Colombia, Faculty of Finance, Government and International Relations, Bogotá, Colombia
Professional Degree in Government and International Relations
Sep. 2013
Ranked first in the cohort. GPA: 4.61/5. Recipient of six academic scholarships, awarded each semester to the top-performing student in the program. Emphasis in Public Management.
American University, School of Professional and Extended Studies, Washington, DC
Diploma Program in
Peace and Conflict Resolution
May. 2013
Grade Average: 4/4
American University, School of Professional and Extended Studies, Washington, DC
Diploma Program in
Community Transformation and Public Policy
Dec. 2012
Grade Average: 3.75/4
Altamira International School, Barranquilla, Colombia
Jun. 2008
Recognized for academic excellence as Salutatorian. Achieved an outstanding score on the ICFES exam. Served as Student Representative and captain of the football team. Received merit recognition in Model United Nations and ranked first in seven subjects.
Executive Director, Fundación ZF La Candelaria, Cartagena, Colombia
Jun. 2023 – Present
Sustainability Director, Zona Franca La Candelaria, Cartagena, Colombia
Oct. 2022 – Present
Council Member, Riomar Local Administrative Board (JAL), Barranquilla, Colombia
Jan. 2016 – 2023
Policy and Development Advisor, Politízate Consulting, Barranquilla, Colombia
Nov. 2021 – Mar. 2022
Founder and Director, ¿Qué Hay Por Ahí Baq?, Barranquilla, Colombia
Aug. 2014 – Dec. 2019
Peace and Conflict Resolution Advisor, District Ombudsman's Office, Barranquilla, Colombia
Jan. – Jul. 2014
Policy and Development Advisor, Terry Modling's Campaign for the Virginia House of Representatives, Washington, DC
Jan. – Apr. 2013
Research Assistant, National Coalition for the Homeless, Washington, DC
Aug. – Dec. 2012
Columnist, La Libertad Newspaper
Barranquilla, Colombia
Columnist, El Universal Newspaper
Cartagena, Colombia
Board Member, Altamira International School Board of Directors
Barranquilla, Colombia
Contributors
The majority of our contributors are companies operating in the Mamonal Industrial Zone, especially those located within Zona Franca La Candelaria. Zona Franca de La Candelaria S.A. — Free Trade Zone Operator is our largest contributor and the founding organization behind the Zona Franca La Candelaria Foundation.
Strategic Allies
The Zona Franca La Candelaria Foundation works in coordination with multiple stakeholders to design, implement, and strengthen social and environmental initiatives. Key allies: LOGOS
