Who we are
The bridge between Colombia and New York
The digital media and community platform that connects, represents, and empowers Colombians and Latinos in New York. Eight years informing, supporting, and celebrating who we are.
Our mission
More than an account: a community that opens doors
Colombianos en New York was born to strengthen our collective identity. We create content that informs, inspires, and entertains, and we open real opportunities for artists, professionals, entrepreneurs, businesses, and brands that want to grow and take an active part in this community.
We're a bridge between cultures, a place to grow together, and a showcase for what it means to be Colombian away from home.
Connect
We bring Colombians and Latinos across the five boroughs and the Tri-State Area together with the information, plans, and people they need.
Represent
We give voice and visibility to the stories, businesses, and talent of our people in this city.
Empower
We open real opportunities: training, partnerships, and a showcase for those building something of their own.
Reach and impact
From the five boroughs to the Tri-State Area
We operate across the five boroughs and the New York Tri-State Area, with cultural events, digital campaigns, and strategic partnerships alongside small businesses, corporations, and local and international organizations. We celebrate Latino diversity, resilience, and opportunity in the heart of the Big Apple.
8
years building community
5
New York boroughs
3
states: NY, NJ, and CT
6
active channels
Where we publish
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
Multi-format content —video, reels, and stories— plus our ColombianosenNY podcast. One message, on the channels where the community already is.
Our story
From starting over to bringing thousands together
- 2016
Starting from zero
Carlos Vaca arrives in New York with a thousand dollars he had borrowed. Restaurants, five years in construction, and a workplace injury teach him firsthand what a newcomer really needs.
- 2018
The idea is born
Carlos and his wife decide to put their experience at the service of others. After searching for a name of their own —one that respected the work already being done— ColombianosEnNY is born.
- 2019
The first post
On July 19 we publish for the first time. We start by sharing events and soon add nonprofits, services, businesses, and the Colombian corners of the city.
- 2020
Showing up when it hurt most
In the middle of the pandemic we took to the streets: handing out food as volunteers alongside organizations like América Viva, giving a platform to businesses fighting to survive, and gathering donations for Providencia. Our first commendation followed.
- 2022
A stronger identity
On July 20, Colombia's Independence Day, we unveil a new logo. The form changed, not the essence: yellow, blue, and red still sit at the center.
- 2024
Partners to institutions
The New School recognizes us as one of the community organizations that helped share its research on independent workers in western Queens.
- 2025
Traditions that bring us together
On December 7 we host Día de las Velitas in Queens. Content turns into gatherings: whole families around a tradition that is ours.
- 2026
Large-scale gatherings
World Cup watch parties at SOB's, Passport to Paterson, and a major Independence Day celebration at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium. Carlos receives a recognition from Paterson's mayor for his community leadership.
- Today
Eight years and counting
To inform, to serve, to connect, and to celebrate. A platform born for the community, grown thanks to it, and still opening doors.
The founder
The story behind the platform
Carlos Vaca
Founder of Colombianos en New York
I arrived in New York in 2016 with a thousand dollars I had borrowed. I worked in restaurants and in construction, got injured, and learned the hard way what it costs to start over. That's what holds this platform up: behind every immigrant there's a story of hard work that deserves to be heard.
From New York,
Carlos Vaca
The team
A multidisciplinary team
Led by Carlos and Mónica, our team combines creativity and strategy: narratives that connect, campaigns that travel far, and experiences the community remembers.
Carlos Vaca
Founder and executive director
- Community leadership and the voice of the platform
- Partnerships with brands, organizations, and institutions
- Event production and community turnout
Mónica
Co-founder · Strategy and community
- Digital strategy and campaign planning
- Content and day-to-day audience relationships
- Support for entrepreneurs and partners
What we do
Communications and storytelling
Authentic narratives that connect emotionally with the community.
Digital marketing and strategy
Campaigns designed to maximize reach on every channel.
Social and business development
Training and formalization programs for entrepreneurs.
Event production
Memorable cultural and community experiences, from idea to setup.
Work with us
We're always looking for paisanos eager to give back to the community. Write to us and tell us what you do.
What drives us
Four things we don't negotiate
Closeness
We speak like neighbors, not like a brand. What we publish comes from living this city, not from a playbook.
Community first
When the community needs us, we show up. We did it during the pandemic and for Providencia, and we haven't changed.
Trust
Eight years of consistency. We respect the work of everyone building alongside us and only recommend what we know.
No barriers
Clear information, in Spanish, within everyone's reach. No one should miss an opportunity for not knowing where to look.
Our events
See what our events look like
Photos from the festivals, meetups, and workshops we host in New York.
Ready to connect with your community?
Join over 600 Colombians who are already part of COLENNY.
Join now