Our purpose
We strengthen capacities for social development through cooperation, technology, and innovation.
Who we are?
The Makaia Group is a business group focused on social impact solutions, made up of two entities: Makaia Corporation and BeTek.
The Makaia Corporation It is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social development through innovation, technology, and cooperation.
Our name comes from Miskito, an Indigenous language of Honduras, and means “to build” or “to make.” We work with people, communities, organizations, and companies to strengthen capacities, build partnerships, and create solutions that improve quality of life while promoting a positive impact on society.
BeTek, for its part, it specializes in transforming organizations’ human talent to face the challenges of the digital age through customized training solutions. It combines expertise in advanced technology training, digital transformation consulting, and future skills development.
We promote
social development
We innovate
to strengthen capacities
Our purpose
We strengthen capacities for social development through cooperation, technology, and innovation.
Vision
Every person and organization has the information and knowledge needed to increase opportunities that allow them to transform themselves comprehensively and transform their environment.
How do we do it?
We connect technology, knowledge, and partnerships to develop solutions that strengthen capacities and create sustainable social impact.
We use technology for social change
We believe in the transformative power of technology to close gaps. We bring technology closer to people and organizations in a friendly way and through proven methodologies, helping them strengthen their capacities and gain access to new opportunities and knowledge.
Digital
Transformation
We support social organizations and companies in their growth and digital transformation process through training, consulting, and innovative methodologies that enhance their sustainability and impact.
Resource mobilization and partnerships
We strengthen national and international resource mobilization capacities to create social impact.
Corporate values
At Makaia, our values reflect who we are and how we work — principles that inspire us to build solutions with social purpose.
Social commitment: we generate self-sustaining actions that promote equity and social transformation. Our programs and projects are always aligned with meeting real needs and strengthening the capacities and assets of communities.
Innovation and forward thinking: we maintain an open and curious attitude, never dismissing an idea no matter how crazy it may seem. We’re always one step ahead because we’re willing to learn and go beyond.
Diversity and inclusion:
we embrace and strengthen collaboration with people from different ways of thinking, cultures, beliefs, and social, physical, and sexual conditions. The first step toward social inclusion is acceptance and respect for diversity.
Integrity and transparency:
we act with ethical awareness and in alignment with our values and convictions.
Global mindset:
we understand different realities, needs, and cultures to carry out our work.
Nuestra trayectoria
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting social development through innovation, technology, and cooperation. Founded in Colombia, we work with individuals, communities, organizations, and companies to strengthen capacities, build partnerships, and create solutions that improve quality of life and promote a positive impact on society.
2006
Makaia was founded on June 3, 2006, as the result of the entrepreneurial decision of its three founders: Catalina Escobar, Camilo Mondragón, and María Claudia Camacho. These three Colombians, after studying and working abroad, decided to create an organization aimed at contributing to the country's development by leveraging their knowledge, experience, and networks.
2007 - 2012
Between 2007 and 2012, we established ourselves as a benchmark in social entrepreneurship, forming strategic partnerships with key national and international actors. We implemented a social entrepreneurship pilot program in the city’s telecenters and contributed to the conceptualization of Medellín Smart City. In addition, we launched training processes in international cooperation and built relationships with organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and IREX.
In collaboration with Beyond Access, we worked to position libraries as key players in social development. At the same time, we strengthened our training offerings, conducted opportunity mappings for social organizations, and continued collaborating with Colnodo and MinTIC on ICT appropriation initiatives, positively impacting various local communities.
2013
In 2013, we launched our cloud-based online platform, designed to meet the administrative, internal and external management, collaboration, and knowledge-generation needs of social organizations. This solution provides tools for institutional strengthening, enabling them to increase their social impact and improve efficiency in achieving their goals. Its development was made possible through joint efforts with strategic partners such as Colnodo, the Sofía Pérez de Soto Foundation, and the Fraternidad Medellín Foundation, among others.
2014 - 2016
Between 2014 and 2016, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States recognized Makaia as a registered civil society organization. During this period, in partnership with TechSoup, Google, and Microsoft, we launched the software donation program for the social sector. Internally, we strengthened our strategic direction. As we celebrated our tenth anniversary, we consolidated our international presence and expanded the donation program. In addition, we launched Nodoká’s Beneficiary and Indicator Management module.
2017 - 2020
Between 2017 and 2020, we explored new opportunities in the Internet of Things (IoT), open data, and connectivity through TV white spaces. In addition, we began working with coffee growers in Meta in collaboration with ALO&Partners and Lavazza.
During this period, we strengthened our corporate governance through a strategic transition that led to the creation of the Strategy Directorate. We also expanded our impact on girls and young women in vulnerable situations by providing them with opportunities for technology training. Likewise, we launched the School of Programming and Coding, aimed at young people who are neither studying nor working.
Today, Makaia is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in institutional strengthening and for its innovative programs and projects focused on the development of the social sector.
2021 –2024
Between 2021 and 2024, we advanced the renewal of Nodoká with the launch of an updated version of the platform. This new version provides a more intuitive and robust user experience, optimizing information management and opportunity mapping for resource mobilization.
In addition, we consolidated BeTek as a Makaia spin-off, turning it into an independent business unit. BeTek emerged as a technology talent accelerator, identifying high-potential individuals, training them in tech roles, and connecting them with job opportunities.
After several editions held entirely online, Tikso returned to an in-person format, bringing together more than 680 attendees in a hybrid event. Within this framework, we also celebrated the first edition of the Cooperation and Partnership Roundtable, strengthening strategic connections and collaboration opportunities.
Work team
Camilo Rodríguez
Said Fernando Ali Martínez
Andrea Chajin
Laura María Arboleda Chaverra
Laura Arboleda Tenorio
Mariana Roldan
Gabriela Franqui
Juan Camilo Rueda Marin
Isabel Cristina Castro Orozco
Katherine Shirley Mejía
Juliana Naranjo
Jorge Llano Ríos
Corporate governance
Our organizational structure is designed to ensure transparency and management based on the best governance practices. In addition to our operational team, we have governing and oversight bodies such as the Assembly of Founders, the Board of Directors, and their advisors.
Council of Founders
Board of Directors
Clara Inés Restrepo
Carlos Vásquez
Where we are
We develop projects and/or programs in 27 departments of Colombia and 27 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Transparency and accountability
Find our management reports here.