Juana de J. Sarmiento

She began her political career by participating in the creation and organization of civic committees in the municipality.

In the 1930s, she founded a women's organization called Colombia Democrática, also becoming its president.

During the 1940s, she continued to lead activism campaigns for the benefit of her municipality and the rights of women and the underprivileged.

In this way, she became a notable and respected citizen in Sabanalarga, consolidating her political career.

On May 15, 1951, Sarmiento became the first elected mayor of a municipality in the entire history of Colombia.