Our Team
Meet the Origin + Culture Team
Our team is proudly Colombian-led and deeply rooted in the communities we serve. With representation from across the country, our team brings diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to uplifting Afro-Colombian culture. We are on the ground, actively engaged, and passionate about creating meaningful connections that foster cultural pride, community empowerment, and lasting impact.
Andrea Ardila, Founder
Born and raised in Miami, to Colombian parents, Andrea Ardila served 12 years in the Marine Corps, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and embassy duty in Venezuela, Cambodia, and Indonesia. As one of the few women—and even fewer Latinas—in a conservative, white-male-dominated space, she developed a deep awareness of systemic inequities. This awareness, coupled with her growing understanding of the injustices faced by Black communities in the U.S., led her to rethink patriotism and dedicate herself to social justice. She became active in the Black Student Union at Montgomery College and the Movement for Black Lives in D.C. before pursuing a double major in History and Political Science at Howard University. There, she deepened her understanding of the global Black diaspora and the power of unity across borders.
Andrea founded Origin + Culture to serve as a bridge between cultures, connecting travelers to the rich traditions of Afro-Colombian communities while creating opportunities for Afro-Colombian youth to engage in language learning. Through travel, education, and cultural exchange, she is committed to amplifying Afro-Colombian voices, preserving traditions, and fostering global solidarity.
Juan David Arias Caycedo, Founder
Born in Apartadó and raised in Turbo, Juan David Arias Caycedo has always been deeply connected to his Afro-Colombian roots and community. With a background in Systems Engineering and over 15 years of experience in the banking sector, he has balanced a career in technology with a strong passion for culture, entrepreneurship, and social impact. In 2019, he co-founded Origin + Culture alongside Andrea, driven by the vision of connecting communities through cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and storytelling. His leadership, strategic mindset, and dedication to uplifting the Afro-Colombian community continue to shape O+C’s mission and initiatives.
Beyond his work with O+C, Juan David is a proud father, an advocate for diaspora connections, and a lifelong learner who believes in the power of resilience. Whether mentoring entrepreneurs, navigating the challenges of community-driven projects, or simply enjoying a good plate of patacones with cheese, he remains committed to fostering spaces where Afro-Colombian culture is celebrated, preserved, and strengthened for future generations.
Steve Steele, Co-Founder
A Raizal native of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providence, and Saint Ketlina, Steve is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Afro-Caribbean culture. As a professor of African and Caribbean literature at the University of Antioquia, his work highlights the rich histories and narratives of the African diaspora. With a background in Political Science and a master's in Project Management, Steve integrates academia, activism, and community engagement to advocate for intercultural education and social justice. He serves as the general coordinator of diversity at University of Antioquia, an initiative promoting intercultural education, and is a member of the Colombian chapter of the Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM).
Beyond his academic and advocacy roles, Steve is a co-founder of Dii RUUTS Projek, a collective dedicated to strengthening Raizal identity and fostering cultural resilience. As a team member of Origin + Culture, he actively contributes to initiatives that empower Afro-Colombian communities through storytelling, education, and entrepreneurship. Passionate about grassroots movements, he works to create meaningful opportunities for historically marginalized groups, ensuring their voices and traditions remain a vital part of Colombia’s cultural fabric.