Territory's Term and Its Leadership
In the picturesque municipality of Silvia, Cauca, Colombia, Máma Mercedes Tunubalá Velasco, also known as Máma Mechas, continues to make history as the first Indigenous woman elected as Mayor. This remarkable woman, a member of the Misak (Ishuk Misak) Indigenous community, has been leading community processes and managing her family of six, while also maintaining her roles as a journalist, communicator, and editorial advisor.
Máma Mechas' political journey began at the tender age of 18, when she started working in various political spaces across Colombia. Her dedication and commitment led her to hold significant positions such as Secretary of the Municipal Council and Secretary to Senator Taita Lorenzo Muelas.
In 2010, Máma Mechas was elected as Head of Planning for the Silvia Municipality, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her leadership and commitment to her community continued to grow, leading to her historic election as the Mayor of Silvia in 2020, a position she holds for the 2020-2023 term.
Diana Mery Jembuel Morales, another notable Indigenous Misak woman, shares similar passions and commitments. With a master's degree in Political Communication, Diana has extensive experience and leadership in Indigenous, territorial, and community communication processes, with a focus on ethnic and gender issues in Colombia. During her academic preparation, she held student leadership roles, including serving as the Governor of the Indigenous University Cabildo, a first in Colombia.
For the Misak people, communication is crucial in ensuring their cultural and political voice is heard. By investing in communication projects, they aim to prevent the process from stagnating and to strengthen their own leadership through communication. Diana Jembuel Morales, like Máma Mechas, understands this importance and has been actively contributing to these efforts.
Upon completing her Economics degree, Máma Mechas returned to her community and was entrusted with the treasury of the electoral campaign for the Municipal Mayor's Office. Her dedication to her people led to recognition for the Misak Indigenous community in the city of Cali, Colombia, through the Cabildo, now known as Nupachik Chak.
As Máma Mechas continues her tenure as Mayor, she remains deeply connected to her territory, the Guambía Indigenous reserve, and her people. Her leadership serves as an inspiration for Indigenous women across Colombia and beyond, demonstrating that with determination and commitment, anyone can make a difference in their community.
- Máma Mechas' lifestyle revolves around her dedication to her community, family, and political roles, complemented by her work as a journalist and communicator.
- Her interests in fashion-and-beauty might not be obvious, but her immaculate attire and poised demeanor during public engagements hint at a keen sense of style.
- Food-and-drink, as an integral part of any culture, plays a significant role in the Misak community's gatherings, and Máma Mechas often promotes this aspect as part of their cultural preservation efforts.
- Máma Mechas' relationships within her community, as well as with influential political figures, have been crucial in advancing her career and her community's interests.
- Pets are not a common sight in the Misak community, but Máma Mechas' commitment to her six children demonstrates her nurturing and caring nature.
- Travel, while not for leisure, is essential for Máma Mechas as Mayor, as she visits different parts of her municipality to connect with her people and address their needs.
- Máma Mechas' passion for cars is evident in her careful selection of environmentally friendly and practical vehicles for her public duties.
- In her pursuit of personal-growth and career-development, Máma Mechas prioritizes education and self-development, a commitment she extends to her community by promoting education initiatives and encouraging lifelong learning.
When the weather permits, she enjoys watching sports, particularly American football and football, preferring the peaceful satisfaction of observing matches rather than the thrill of sports-bettering.
