Our Team
An American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Michael Porter has dedicated his career to building and transforming organizations — and altruistically transforming lives. With more than two decades of experience in private equity, operational restructuring and corporate leadership, Michael redirected his expertise toward global philanthropy, driven by a deep commitment to creating measurable, lasting social impact and changing the lives of those in need in a profound way.
In 2010, he founded Steps of Hope Foundation, inspired by the belief that every child deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to dream. Today, he works alongside his wife, Liliana Gómez, to expand the foundation’s reach through innovation, accountability, and cross-border collaboration.
Michael is fluent in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Japanese, and is currently learning Russian and German. He divides his time between Switzerland, Miami, and Colombia, continuing to invest in both human potential and the hope that fuels it.
Michael Porter
Founder & Chairman
Born and raised in Colombia, Liliana Gómez has built her life with a singular purpose turning compassion into action. After establishing a successful career in international business and real estate where she has appeared on CNN and was ranked as one of the top real estate executives under 35 by the Real Deal in 2014. She shifted her focus from commerce to contribution, transforming her professional success into a platform for meaningful impact.
As Founder and President of Steps of Hope Foundation (Fundación Pasos de Esperanza), Liliana leads initiatives that provide medical, educational, and other life changing support to children in vulnerable conditions across Colombia. Her leadership combines business efficiency with human empathy bridging continents, mobilizing partnerships, and redefining what sustainable philanthropy looks like in Latin America.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and currently learning German, Liliana divides her time between Switzerland, the United States, and Colombia, continuing to build a foundation that embodies both strategic vision and the power of hope.
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Liliana Gomez
Co-Founder & CEO
Manuel is the operations manager for the International Real Estate Group. Together with Andrés, he has worked to position this real estate company in the Latin American market. Manuel is in charge of all the company's commercial aspects. Through technology and social media, he makes initial contact with clients and keeps them informed of the various changes in the real estate market.
Manuel studied and received his degree in International Business Administration from the Pontifical Bolivarian University of Colombia. His synergy and excellent teamwork led him to work together at The Solution Group in Miami, Florida.
Currently, Manuel resides in Colombia and has distinguished himself throughout his life for his genuine commitment to serving others. From a young age, he has felt a deep calling to lend a hand in difficult times, motivated by the conviction that a small gesture can transform realities. Today, that calling is reflected in his work as director of the Pasos de Esperanza Foundation, where he leads projects aimed at providing comprehensive support to vulnerable children. Their work not only seeks to meet immediate needs, but also to generate opportunities for growth, education and well-being that allow them to build a more dignified and hopeful future for the children who need it most.Manuelz@pasosdeesperanza.comManuel Zapata
Director
Tatiana was born in La Ceja, Antioquia, and from a young age has felt a deep calling to serve and help others. With training as an administrative assistant, she has developed organizational and management skills that she now puts at the service of our foundation, leading the design, implementation, and monitoring of our programs and projects.
Beyond her professional role, Tatiana has found in the foundation a space where she can contribute not only with her work, but also with her heart. Her greatest motivation is the positive impact that each effort has on the lives of the children we support.
Passionate about children's well-being, Tatiana firmly believes in the power of empathy and solidarity to transform lives. For her, children represent the purity, hope, and love with which we should all see the world. Every day at the foundation is a new opportunity to sow hope, provide support, and demonstrate that, with small actions, we can generate great changes.
Tatiana Rojas
Marketing Director
Born and raised in Colombia, Andres Gómez has built a career defined by purpose, discipline, and a deep commitment to lifting others. After earning his bachelor’s degree from "Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana" and his MBA from the "University of Miami", Andres established a successful career in finance in New York, one that sharpened his analytical mindset and strengthened his belief in using economic opportunity as a force for good.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Andres divides his time between New York and Colombia, bridging both worlds to champion causes that matter most to him. For over a decade, he has collaborated closely with Steps of Hope Foundation (Fundación Pasos de Esperanza), contributing not only his professional expertise but his deep personal devotion to improving the lives of children in vulnerable conditions across Colombia.
His work with the foundation is grounded in the belief that every child deserves safety, joy, dignity, and the opportunity to build a better future. Through hands-on involvement, strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment, Andres has helped shape programs that bring medical care, education, emotional support, and hope to countless young people. His long-standing dedication has made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of many children, and continues to fuel his mission to expand opportunity, restore happiness, and open doors to brighter possibilities throughout Colombia.Andrés Gómez
VOLUNTEER
I currently work in New York City, and from a young age, I've felt a deep passion for helping those most in need, especially those from a country that holds a very special place in my heart: Colombia. Throughout my life, I've had the opportunity to volunteer in various places in South Florida, experiences that have taught me the true value of solidarity and service.
However, the Pasos de Esperanza Foundation holds a unique meaning for me. Not only because it's a family-run foundation, but because the work done there transforms lives in a real and tangible way. Every action, every smile, and every act of kindness is a testament to the power of empathy and unity.
Volunteering with this organization fills me with pride and joy, as it allows me to contribute to a cause that transcends borders and connects with my roots. Colombia, the country my family comes from, is also part of my identity, and supporting the children there who face great challenges is, for me, an honor and a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly.