The Australian Colombian Business Council (ACBC) is proud to announce Eliana Katherine Molina Ramírez as the inaugural recipient of the Marianna Boza Scholarship, an award that honours the legacy of the late Marianna Boza and her vision of a mining sector that is sustainable, inclusive, and transformative.
Eliana’s story is one of resilience, vision, and leadership. Born in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining district of Cauca, she experienced firsthand the environmental and social consequences of mercury use and illegal mining. These early experiences fuelled her determination to become a geologist, dedicating her career to advancing sustainable practices in Colombia’s extractive sector.
“A transformational leader goes beyond just securing outcomes, she challenges the status quo, creates a vision for the future and fosters collective growth by empowering others to embrace change. This is the role I see myself embodying as Minister of Mines and Energy in the coming years.” – Eliana Molina, Scholarship Application
Her academic and professional journey reflects this vision. From her MSc research at the University of Exeter’s Camborne School of Mines demonstrating groundbreaking mercury remediation techniques to her work with Pure Earth, the World Gold Council, and Colombia’s environmental authorities, Eliana has consistently combined technical excellence with social empathy. Today, she is the Environmental Project Director in the Armed Forces Welfare System (Military Club) managing projects on environmental restoration and climate change mitigation while mentoring a team where women make up the majority.
Recognition and Inspiration
The announcement of Eliana’s scholarship was met with admiration and celebration across the sector.
In her closing remarks at the award ceremony, the Australian Ambassador to Colombia, Anna Chrisp, highlighted:
“The Marianna Boza Scholarship was created with the intention of working toward a Colombian mining sector that is more diverse, safe, and inclusive. A sector where women hold leadership roles, are recognised, and become agents of transformation in their communities, companies, and territories. Eliana, congratulations. Your profile and your work represent the highest standards of impact, development, and capacity that we seek to promote with this scholarship. I am certain that Marianna would be very proud.”
Similarly, Alberto Mejía, former General of the Colombian Army and former Ambassador of Colombia to Australia, added a heartfelt message:
“Eliana, thank you for becoming an inspiration for Colombian women. This scholarship is one more step to fulfill your dream of becoming a Minister of Mines in our country in the future. Keep building your dreams under the inspiring beacon of our beloved and remembered Marianna Boza.”
A Catalyst for Transformation
As Eliana departs for Australia to begin her studies at Holmesglen Institute, she describes the scholarship as more than an academic opportunity:
“This scholarship is more than a stepping stone. It is a catalyst for transformation. It represents the opportunity to expand my technical expertise, create strong networks, and get world class training to contribute to Colombia’s mining sector with sustainability, equity, and vision. As someone who rose from the heart of Artisanal & Small Scale Gold Mining communities to lead environmental restoration efforts, this support fuels my mission to embed lasting change into policy and practice. It is not just about advancing my career. It is about building a bright future for the industry where communities, ecosystems, and women thrive.”
Collective Effort and Gratitude
This milestone would not have been possible without the generous support of the scholarship sponsors: Relianz, Orica, and Holmesglen, whose commitment to advancing diversity and sustainability in mining has made this dream a reality.
We are also happy to announce that, thanks to the collaboration between Australian Pacific College and Blue Studies, all applicants to the scholarship have been granted a virtual scholarship to strengthen their English. So far, 24 women have taken up this opportunity. We extend our sincere appreciation to Andrea Palacio for her dedication and support in coordinating these women on their journey to study with an Australian institution.
ACBC also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of our supporting partners:
- Study Melbourne, for coordinating the placement and structure of the scholarship
- Australian Embassy in Bogotá, for their diplomatic support throughout the process
- The Ideas Factory, for marketing and communication
- Women in Mining, for selection support and sharing with their community
- Asociacion Colombiana de Mineria (ACM), for hosting the announcement and amplifying the message
- Fenalcabón, for hosting the launch and diffusion across Colombia
- Temptum Hub, for PR efforts
- Blue Studies International, for logistics, visa, and travel coordination
Honouring Marianna’s Legacy
What began as an idea has now become a reality: a scholarship that celebrates Marianna Boza’s legacy in a meaningful and lasting way. By supporting women like Eliana, the program not only fosters personal and professional growth but also strengthens the bridges between Colombia and Australia in building a mining sector that is safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive.
