Juliana Gutiérrez appointed Minister of Sports in Colombia's new government

Juliana Gutiérrez Zuluaga, sister of Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez, has been named Minister of Sports by President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella for his administration starting August 7, 2026 Source: El Colombiano. She is an administrator with a master's in risk management and has worked with vulnerable families in Antioquia Source: Infobae.

Personal background

Gutiérrez's entry into public service was shaped by personal tragedy. Her son Jerónimo died of cancer at age four after extensive treatment. She described the experience as 'demoledor' and subsequently began supporting families of children with cancer Source: El Colombiano. She and her husband made a promise to her son: 'Te prometemos que vamos a ser felices, pase lo que pase' Source: El Colombiano.

Political trajectory

Her first political candidacy was for the Senate in 2026 with the Creemos movement, but she did not win a seat, receiving 96,438 votes Source: Infobae. In an interview, she defended her entry into politics, stating, 'Siento que en la política no hay una carrera que se tenga que ir construyendo' Source: Infobae. Her agenda focused on women, children, and family, including proposals to strengthen laws against sexual violence and increase penalties for crimes against minors Source: Infobae. Despite her family ties, she emphasized her independent path: 'No soy un clon de Federico' Source: El Colombiano.