María del Carmen Cuyares Rodríguez has spent more than two decades helping people develop technology skills, driven by the belief that education, dedication, and continuous learning can transform lives and create better opportunities.
Today, as a SENATIC instructor in Villavicencio, Colombia, she supports young people in strengthening digital and socio-emotional skills that prepare them for an increasingly digital world of work.
Through SENATIC, an initiative led by Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies, SENA, and the International Labour Organization, learners across different regions are gaining the technical abilities needed to adapt to future employment challenges.
Cuyares’ journey in technology began with a strong commitment to education. Born in Villavicencio, Meta, she studied in public institutions before pursuing Systems Engineering at Antonio Nariño University. She later expanded her academic knowledge through postgraduate studies and a master’s degree.
With more than 20 years of experience, she has worked on technology projects, digital transformation initiatives, software development, and training programmes across Colombia. Her career has included roles as an analyst, consultant, project leader, and educator.
For Cuyares, the most valuable part of her work is helping young people discover how technology can improve their futures. She believes digital education is not only about learning tools but also about developing problem-solving skills, creativity, teamwork, and the ability to adapt.
While teaching areas such as telematics systems, programming, and mobile application development, she has seen both the enthusiasm and challenges faced by students. Many young learners are interested in technology but must overcome barriers such as financial pressures, limited resources, and the need for strong discipline to complete demanding training.
She emphasizes that technology requires constant learning because new tools and challenges continue to emerge. Skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning remain essential even as technology changes.
Cuyares also recognizes that access to connectivity, electricity, and digital resources can affect training opportunities in some communities. Despite these challenges, she continues to see strong motivation among young people who want to build new skills and improve their career prospects.
As artificial intelligence and automation reshape the workplace, she believes continuous education is more important than ever. Her own commitment to learning reflects the message she shares with her students: progress comes through persistence, dedication, and a willingness to keep growing.
Through her work with SENATIC, María del Carmen Cuyares is helping prepare a new generation for the future of work while showing how digital education can expand opportunities for communities and individuals.
