Redcol is the largest private school network in Colombia, committed to transforming education through innovative models and a caring culture that puts students at the center. With nine schools in seven cities, we lead the way toward quality education with a global vision and solid values.
Now, together with Cognita, one of the most prestigious educational networks in the world, we are expanding our impact. This alliance allows us to strengthen our methodologies, connect with international communities and continue to innovate.
Jairo Augusto Rey Vesga
CEO Cognita – Redcol
Partner and Board Member of OPL Carga, as well as a Board Member of the Bucaramanga Chamber of Commerce and Prosantander.
Business Administrator with a specialization in Financial Management, complemented by studies in Senior Management, Executive Leadership, and the Presidents of Companies Program at Universidad de los Andes.
Over 20 years of experience leading financial processes in the education sector and 14 years of experience serving as President of Redcol, Colombia’s first network of private schools.
David Castro
Financial Vice President
He is an Industrial Engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Finance from Universidad de los Andes. He has also completed executive education programs at the Wharton School and INALDE Business School. He previously served as a naval officer.
He has 17 years of professional experience across various sectors of the economy, as well as in private equity, corporate finance, value creation, and corporate development.
He joined Redcol in March 2020 and is responsible for Treasury, Accounting, Financial Planning, Corporate Finance, Legal & Corporate Affairs, and Business Intelligence.
Liliana Medina
Director of Educational Management
Liliana Medina is an educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in the education sector and currently serves as Director of Educational Management at Redcol. Throughout her career, she has led institutional transformation and strengthening initiatives, supporting educational teams in consolidating standards of academic excellence and holistic development.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, a specialization in Educational Management, and a Master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Education from the University at Buffalo, NY. Her experience in bilingual education and academic leadership has enabled her to drive strategies focused on innovation, educational quality, and the growth of school communities.
Claudia Andrea Rincón
Human Talent Director
Claudia is an Industrial Engineer from Universidad del Valle with an MBA in Human Talent Management from Universidad ICESI. With more than 20 years of experience, she has led Human Resources teams at companies such as Coca-Cola, Essity, and AB-MAURI Latin America, driving talent management strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
Her career includes expertise in talent planning, organizational development, corporate culture, and performance management. She also has experience in labor relations, union management, and compensation. Her leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in the growth and development of the organizations she has worked with.
Oscar Rey Vesga
Director de Redcol Impact
He is a native of Bucaramanga, the son of educators, a husband, and a father of three. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, an MBA from ITESM-UNAB, and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
He is the founder of Colegio Nuevo Cambridge and the creator of Cecam International, an English institute established in partnership with the British Council. As a school principal, he promoted the Cambridge international curriculum, English language certification, and the integration of technology into education. He led Vermont School in Medellín and contributed to the creation of Redcol, Colombia’s largest private school network. He currently leads Redcol Impact, developing affordable educational solutions for vulnerable populations.
Gabriela Casanova
Headmistress of Santa Francisca Romana School
Gabriela Casanova is an educator with more than 20 years of experience in Colombia and Germany, both in teaching and school leadership. Her academic background includes studies in Modern Languages, Philosophy of Science, International Relations, Education, and Executive Leadership, providing her with an ethical and global perspective on education.
She has led strategic projects as Primary School Director at Las Pachas, standing out for her ability to connect, transform, and inspire. As an educator of teachers and an advocate for innovative practices, Gabriela promotes a holistic education that nurtures each girl’s talent, strengthens her wellbeing, and fosters authentic leadership.
Jay Subramanian
Headteacher Vermont School
Jay Subramanian is an educational leader with more than 15 years of experience leading prestigious educational institutions, including The English School, Colegio Los Nogales, and Instituto Educativo Olinca.
Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams and institutional transformation processes focused on academic excellence and international accreditation, including CIS, NEASC, and IB standards. His leadership has been characterized by fostering cultures of continuous improvement and promoting high standards of educational quality.
He holds a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of Madras, a Master’s degree in International Business from London South Bank University, and a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) with an emphasis on Educational Leadership from Acacia University.
His background combines analytical thinking, strategic management, organizational leadership, and a deep understanding of educational leadership, enabling him to drive innovative institutions committed to academic excellence, holistic student development, and globally minded education.
Carolina Charry Reyes
Headmistress New Cambridge School Bucaramanga
Carolina Charry Reyes is a bilingual speech-language pathologist from the Universidad de Santander. She holds a postgraduate degree in Organizational Communication Management and a Master’s degree in Administration. With over 13 years of experience leading high-impact projects in the education sector, she is also a consultant for the prestigious Global Innovation Management Institute.
Her focus on innovative education earned her the “Innovators of Santander” award in the education category. As our rector, Carolina fosters a culture of excellence, dedicated to equipping our students to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving world and to shaping them into global citizens.
Luisa Guzmán
Headmistress Colegio Británico de Cartagena
Luisa Fernanda Guzmán is an educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in the education sector and currently serves as Principal of Colegio Británico de Cartagena. Throughout her career, she has led pedagogical transformation, institutional development, and team-building processes, with a strong focus on academic excellence and the holistic development of students.
She holds a degree in Psychology from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and has additional training in educational leadership, the International Baccalaureate, curriculum development, visible thinking, and quality management. Her leadership combines a strategic vision with a strong commitment to transforming learning experiences and fostering a globally minded education centered on each student’s potential.
Patricia Escobar Bedoya
Headmistress New Cambdrige School Cali
Patricia Escobar is an anthropologist from Universidad del Cauca, with a specialization in Family Counseling from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. She also holds a Certificate of International School Leadership from the Principals’ Training Centre (PTC) in London.
She served as Director of the Preschool and Primary sections at New Cambridge School Cali for three years before being appointed Principal of the institution.
She has more than 30 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, she has focused on deepening her expertise in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs, particularly the PYP, MYP, and DP. She has been a member of leadership teams involved in accreditation processes, including PYP and CIS, as well as evaluation visits for the three IB Programs.
She currently leads the implementation of the HighScope program in the Preschool section at New Cambridge School Cali.
Edward Ortega
Headteacher of Gimnasio del Norte (Valledupar)
Edward Ortega, a native of Barranquilla, has more than 20 years of international experience and serves as Principal of Gimnasio del Norte, with a commitment to further strengthening the school’s academic excellence and its distinctive bilingual and global approach.
Throughout his career, he has led academic initiatives at institutions in the United States and Colombia, with a strong focus on using technology to enhance learning, multilingual education, and the development of pedagogical practices adapted to culturally diverse environments. His profile combines extensive academic expertise, strategic vision, experience in technologically advanced settings, and a passion for education that places students at the center of learning.
Edward holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from Universidad del Atlántico and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from High Point University in the United States. He has held various educational leadership roles in both countries. In North Carolina, he served as a teacher, vice principal, and principal, leading school teams, strengthening institutional practices, and fostering rigorous and collaborative learning environments. His administrative experience has been characterized by strategic pedagogical decision-making, the implementation of continuous improvement processes, and close support for students and teachers.
Adriana Ortiz
Headmistress Arboleda School
Adriana Ortiz Maldonado, has more than 15 years of experience leading bilingual and international schools in Colombia. Throughout her career, she has headed high-performing educational institutions in cities such as Medellín, Rionegro, Santa Marta, and La Guajira, driving academic excellence, educational innovation, and holistic student development.
She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Universidad de los Andes, as well as a second Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Teaching from the same university. She has also complemented her academic background with studies in Finance for Non-Financial Professionals at Universidad EAFIT, combining strong pedagogical expertise with a strategic approach to institutional leadership.
Patrick Bauch
Headteacher Bureche School
Patrick holds a degree in United States History from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire. He decided to pursue a career in education and worked at a bilingual preschool for students with disabilities while studying at St. John’s University in New York, where he completed his first master’s degree, earning degrees in General Education and Special Education.
He later attended Stony Brook University, where he earned his second master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Since 2014, Patrick has been based in Colombia and has worked at Bureche School. He has held various positions, including Elementary School Teacher, member of the Academic Council, elected member of the school’s Board of Directors, Elementary School Team Leader, and, for five years, Secondary School Director, where he oversaw the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Aida Castañeda
Headmistress Newport School
Aida Castañeda is an educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in the education sector and currently serves as Principal of Newport School. Throughout her career, she has led educational institutions and teams, strengthening processes focused on educational excellence, student well-being, and social-emotional development.
She holds a specialization in Educational Senior Management and has completed further studies at Universidad de los Andes and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Her leadership is characterized by a human-centered and strategic approach, focused on strengthening institutional culture, building meaningful relationships with families, and transforming educational environments through trust, collaboration, and holistic development.
