Diana Basto: A CEO’s Charge for Transformative Education in Colombia

In 2024, Diana Basto took over as CEO of Alianza Educativa, one of Colombia’s leading educational foundations. By June, under her visionary leadership, one of the foundation’s schools had been nominated for the prestigious T4 Prize for the Best School in the World. Then, in July, none other than the Vice President of Colombia introduced Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to the school—an endorsement that spoke volumes about its impact.

But for me, my reconnection with my friend Diana was even more remarkable. After a 20-year gap, I found myself back in Bogotá in August 2024. As fate would have it, I mentioned her name at breakfast with Alejandro Delgado, a key figure in Colombia’s AI strategy. To our mutual surprise, Diana was Alejandro’s neighbor of two decades. In mere minutes, she joined us—proof that some friendships are destined to stand the test of time.

A Journey That Shaped the Future 

Twenty years ago, I had been selected to join a prestigious program called The Stage, which took place in Brussels and was designed for top graduates from across the globe. It was an opportunity to work at the heart of the European Union and meet top global talent with vision, perspective and purpose. That’s where I met Diana Carlos Basto, a brilliant Colombian woman who was also exploring her career on the international stage.

Diana had recently graduated from the United States, and her career path was poised to make a global impact. It was Diana’s connection to her roots that first drew me to Colombia. Her warmth and generosity made my visit memorable—parents were loving and her younger sister became my own. Diana borrowed her parents BMW and took me everywhere, her hospitality opening my eyes to the country’s beauty and complexity. She introduced me to the Colombian game tejo, which I later covered for the BBC World Service, and which today enjoys a renaissance, even in company culture. She also introduced me to a wide spectrum of society, from presidents and first ladies to those with much humbler roles. Each encounter added layers to my understanding of Colombia’s diversity.

A Visionary Leader 

Fast forward to today, and Diana’s passion for education and social impact has become her life’s work – an example for other CEOs of how genuine passion and focus on a higher cause  can lead to success.

After completing her studies in the United States, she was drawn back to Colombia, determined to use her talents to uplift her country. Education, especially in Colombia, is a powerful tool for social change, where the gap between public and private schooling is significant, and where the Andean geography often leads to the isolation of rural communities.

Alianza Educativa’s work focuses on addressing these challenges head-on. In 2000, Major Peñalosa and Colombia’s Minister of Education Cecilia María Vélez launched a project with five inner-city public schools. Over the years, the initiative expanded, with new schools added in 2018 and 2022. The program is designed to bridge the gap between public and private education, and under Diana’s leadership, it’s clear that the foundation is reaching new heights.

Nominated for the World’s Best School 

The T4 Prize for the Best School in the World is divided into five categories, each highlighting a unique project. The school under Diana’s care stands out for its innovative approach to social-emotional learning.

The school centers around a “social-emotional gymnasium,” a concept that helps students, parents, and teachers build emotional resilience just as one would strengthen physical muscles in a traditional gym.

The social-emotional gymnasium is a unique space with five stations, each designed as a complete sensory experience to promote emotional well-being. From punching bags that offer a physical release for pent-up emotions to restorative circles where conflicts are resolved through dialogue, the gym offers students a safe space to process feelings.

One station is based on the Pixar film Inside Out, where an emotion is not deemed positive or negative – you just deal with it in a personal and collective manner.  There is a cuddly character representing different emotions; embarrassment, fear, disgust, anxiety, joy, sadness. Whichever emotion lands in your hands – you share, and express share how you could deal with it more effectively.

Perhaps the most powerful station is the mirror, where students see themselves as capable, strong, and filled with potential.

The gymnasium doesn’t just serve the students but also offers a haven for the surrounding community—a place of safety in a neighborhood where many face significant risks.

This initiative fosters a growth mindset within the school community, showing that change is possible when all three pillars—students, parents, and teachers—work together. It’s this holistic approach that sets the school apart and positions it as a contender for the global prize.

Like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, I was deeply moved by the school’s approach and mindset. We were invited to plant a tree, seeding our hopes, dreams and spirit into the mother earth, to then nurture its growth along with the children of the school.

A Leader for the Future 

Diana Basto’s leadership is a testament to the power of values-based leadership. Together with the school’s principal and the project director, Santiago, she has built a community that fosters not only academic excellence but also emotional resilience and mental well-being – topics close to her heart.

As the school competes for the T4 Prize, there is no doubt in my mind that its impact will continue to grow. Diana’s commitment to education and her dedication to social change, through creating safe spaces for emotional and intellectual growth are shaping the future of Colombia’s children.

All CEOs can learn from Diana’s leadership —my own children and I have certainly benefited from her influence, and we hope to see this model expand to schools worldwide.

May Diana’s work inspire others to build safe spaces for all, and may her school take home the prize, scaling this emotional gymnasium model to impact future generations.

Written by Dr. Mandeep Rai.

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