Lizbeth Guerrero Cuan – ICLD mentor in Colombia

Lizbeth Guerrero Cuan from Colombia is a political scientist who currently works as an independent consultant in areas such as local governance, gender equality, citizen participation, and peacebuilding. She is also a mentor in the ICLD Network for Gender Equality. Learn more about Lizbeth through this short interview.

  • How long have you been a mentor and how did you learn about the ICLD?

I’ve been a mentor since 2023. I became familiar with ICLD through my previous work on a project implemented by a Swedish organization in Colombia. So, I’d heard about ICLD and I recognized the work of this organization. 

  • Area of Expertise?

Local governance, gender equality, citizen participation, peace building.

  • Why did you became a mentor?

Because it’s a great way to share knowledge while learning from municipalities’ experiences, and I really appreciate that. Additionally, I’m deeply committed to gender equality, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Becoming a mentor in this Colombia-Guatemala-Sweden network is an opportunity to contribute to causes that are important to me both professionally and personally. 

  • Why do you like to mentor?

I enjoy being a mentor because it’s not just about teaching; it’s about providing guidance and collectively constructing knowledge. I believe this approach is crucial for achieving tangible and meaningful changes.

  • What are the success factors for building dynamic, inclusive and professional mentoring culture?

Listening carefully to the interests and challenges of the mentees, building a relationship based on trust so they know you’re open to their questions and listening to them. Creating open spaces to share experiences. Always remembering that we’re all in a learning process, so mistakes are a natural part of it and can be a source of learning, not something to be ashamed of.

  • What is the most challenging thing while being a mentor?

Incentivizing team commitment, convincing them that working on these topics may solve significant challenges in public management. And finding the perfect balance between supporting mentees and allowing them to discover the answers to their challenges. 

  • What is your passion in life?

I love learning from various sources about how people live, how their societies function, and the values of different communities. I’m genuinely interested in thinking, learning, and experiencing new ideas on how to make significant changes to build democratic, inclusive, and equitable societies. And I’m also passionate about reading literature and dancing.