My father’s from India, my mom’s from Bogotá, and I was born in Florida where they met. Making me a walking embodiment of the American melting pot. But Colombia was never just “heritage” to me. It was my summer vacation destination, my abuelita’s stories, the mountains and aguas termales that filled my favorite childhood memories.

Growing up, my family spent summers visiting relatives in Bogotá who chose not to immigrate to the U.S. Once my abuelita started spending more time in the States, those trips became less frequent. But I always felt a pull to return and spend real time in Colombia – not just a week here and there.

In my mid-20s, I made it official: I applied for and received my Colombian citizenship as the child of a Colombian citizen. I didn’t have a specific move date in mind, but I knew I wanted to live here eventually. I also figured citizenship would make that transition infinitely easier than navigating visa applications. (And it definitely has!)

The truth is, I always knew I wanted to raise kids in Colombia. It was important to me that they grow up close to our roots. Celebrating through dance, food, holidays, speaking Spanish, and exploring Colombia’s incredible biodiversity. After years of running a local experiences business in Orlando and living in the Rocky Mountains, my husband and I finally made the leap three years ago.

We arrived in Medellín with one child and have since welcomed two more. My kids are growing up bilingual, experiencing the same cultural richness that shaped me. I’ve built a life that honors both my cultures: the American hustle and systems-thinking I grew up with, and the Colombian warmth, family values, and connection to place that runs through my veins.