María del Pilar Agudelo M. is an artist and entrepreneur based in Cali, Colombia, dedicated to shaping cultural landscapes through art and community engagement. Currently, she is working on the development of Galería Principal, an upcoming art gallery set to open this year. Galería Principal will work with and showcase both local and international artists, with a special focus on Latin American art. Galería Principal is a space for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.

María del Pilar’s entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Calathea, an artisanal ice cream shop in Cali, Colombia, in 2009. As the founder, she developed and curated a unique range of flavors while also empowering women from marginalized communities through employment opportunities. This socially engaged approach is the foundation of María del Pilar’s work, reflecting her commitment to using entrepreneurship as a vehicle for positive social change.

María del Pilar studied Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute in New York and holds an AAS in Painting/Drawing, a BFA in Printmaking and a Minor in Art History from Pratt Institute, where she graduated with Highest Honors and received an international scholarship. María del Pilar has done volunteer work as a family counselor at Fundación Plan de Apoyo Familiar in Cali, Colombia, providing guidance to families from low-income communities, reflecting her commitment to social engagement.