Who we are FZFLC?
We are a non-profit organization that promotes job training, entrepreneurship, the popular economy, employability, corporate social responsibility, equity, climate change mitigation, and environmental protection.
We are located in Cartagena de Indias D.T. and C., and through our operations we aim to primarily benefit vulnerable communities located in the Mamonal Industrial Zone, especially those in the vicinity of Zona Franca La Candelaria. Among these, the Membrillal Village stands out, located approximately one kilometer from the industrial park.
We are committed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to compliance with the current development plans at the national, departmental, and district levels.
Impact, Efficiency, Investment, and Coordination
Zona Franca La Candelaria Foundation is characterized by:
- It has a socio-environmental impact-driven approach, as its purpose is not to develop initiatives that create “products” that do not truly improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable population groups, but rather to implement programs that transform communities with the greatest needs and promote sustainable development.
- To produce the best possible results with the least amount of resources; in other words, “doing more with less.”
- To prioritize socio-environmental investment in budget execution.
- To appeal to teamwork, shared value, and collective impact.
Executive Director
Richard Martínez
We are the first free zone in Colombia to hold Carbon Neutrality certification, and we continue to expand our commitments to the planet and our communities.
More about Richard Martínez
RICHARD MARTÍNEZ, A BARRANQUILLA NATIVE LEADING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
EAE Business School, Barcelona, España
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Sept. 2025
Ranked #1 in the cohort (GPA: 9.31/10)
Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
Diploma program:
Digital Transformation
Abr. 2023
Average: 4/4
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Massachusetts, USA
Diploma in Sustainability
Nov. 2022
Average: 4/4
Universidad de Los Andes (UNIANDES), Escuela de Gobierno, Bogotá, Colombia
Master’s in Public Management
Abr. 2022
Ranked #1 in the cohort (GPA: 4.81/5), awarded Cum Laude, and recipient of the Best Undergraduate Thesis distinction (4.8/5), published by Universidad de los Andes.
Universidad Externado, Facultad de Finanzas, Gobierno, y Relaciones Internacionales, Bogotá, Colombia
Professional in Government and International Relations
Sep. 2013
Ranked #1 in the cohort (GPA: 4.61/5). Recipient of 6 scholarships (awarded each semester to the top student in the program). Emphasis in Public Management.
American University, School of Professional and Extended Studies, Washington, DC
Diploma program:
Peace and Conflict Resolution
May. 2013
Average: 4/4
American University, School of Professional and Extended Studies, Washington, DC
Diploma program:
Community Transformation and Public Policy
Dec. 2012
Average: 3.75/4
Altamira International School, Barranquilla, Colombia
Jun. 2008
Recognition for academic excellence (“Salutatorian”). Outstanding score in the ICFES exam. Student Representative. Captain of the football team. Merit recognition in the Model United Nations. Ranked #1 in seven subjects.
Executive Director, Zona Franca La Candelaria Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia
Jan. 2023 – Present
Sustainability Director, Zona Franca La Candelaria, Cartagena, Colombia
Oct. 2022 – Present
Council Member (Edil), Riomar Local Administrative Board (JAL), Barranquilla, Colombia
Jan. 2016 – 2023
Policy and Development Advisor, Politízate Consultoría, Barranquilla, Colombia
Nov. 2021 – Mar. 2022
Founder and Director, ¿Qué hay por ahí Baq?, Barranquilla, Colombia
Aug. 2014 – Dic. 2019
Peace and Conflict Resolution Advisor, District Attorney’s Office (Personería Distrital), Barranquilla, Colombia
Jan. – Jul. 2014
Policy and Development Advisor, Terry Modling’s Campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives (Virginia), Washington, D.C.
Jan. – Abr. 2013
Research Assistant, National Coalition for the Homeless, Washington, D.C.
Aug. – Dec. 2012
Columnist, Diario La Libertad
Barranquilla, Colombia
Columnist, El Universal Newspaper
Cartagena, Colombia
Board Member, Board of Directors of Altamira International School
Barranquilla, Colombia
Contributors
The vast majority of contributors are companies located in the Mamonal Industrial Zone, especially within Zona Franca La Candelaria. The largest contributor is Zona Franca de La Candelaria S.A. – Free Trade Zone Operator, an organization that is also the founding entity of the Zona Franca La Candelaria Foundation.
Allies
The Zona Franca La Candelaria Foundation works in coordination with multiple stakeholders to develop various social and environmental initiatives. Among these, the following stand out:
