“With the ILO, I’m designing my future”: Aris Gisela and her journey from technology to the world of fashion
From Quibdó, Chocó, 16 year old Afro Colombian student Aris Gisela Martínez Palacio is in her final year of secondary school while combining her passion for fashion design with the tools provided by technology through the SENATIC Project led by the ILO in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and SENA.
17 June 2025
Aris Gisela Martínez Palacio was born and raised in Quibdó, a lively and musical land nourished by the amphibious cultures that flourish along the Atrato River. From an early age, she enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by the affection of her mother, two brothers, and the neighbours with whom she shared games and laughter. She has always been a responsible, dedicated and enthusiastic learner. “Starting secondary school was very exciting for me because I felt like I was getting closer to my dreams,” she says with enthusiasm.
Today, at 16, Aris is in grade 11 at Antonio María Claret Educational Institution and is also part of the school’s handball team. In addition to her love of sport, she enjoys music especially songs by Romeo Santos though she laughingly admits she’s not great at singing or dancing.
At present, Aris is enrolled in a Software Programming course through the SENATIC project, a technical training initiative aligned with secondary education. She describes the experience as enriching and enjoyable. “At SENATIC, you have fun, you learn a lot, and you’re better prepared for the future,” she says confidently. For her, technology is a key tool for learning more about the world, generating new ideas, and forging a path in any profession.
Her true dream, however, lies in fashion design. Since childhood, she has been fascinated by the art of dressing and creating. While for now she experiments only with her own style, she is determined to pursue this career. She is working hard to earn a strong score in the national exams and take the next step towards the professional and working life she envisions.
Aris represents the hope and talent of Chocó’s youth. Her story shows that education, art and technology are not opposing paths, but rather powerful allies in building a life project. With support from the ILO and its partners, her creativity has found a new stage on which to flourish.
