Mentor Spotlight: Ingrid Ahumada
At Five One Labs, connecting entrepreneurs to experienced and supportive mentors is a core element in many of our programs. Our mentors bring invaluable expertise, guidance, and encouragement to participants navigating the challenges of launching and growing their enterprises. To learn more about the value of mentorship from the perspective of a mentor, we sat down with Ingrid Ahumada to hear about her experiences supporting several entrepreneurs in Colombia.
A seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience, Ingrid’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship began in operations before she transitioned into digital technology and data analytics. As a natural communicator with a passion for sales, marketing and developing go-to-market strategies, Ingrid now focuses on leveraging data-driven strategies to drive business growth. But beyond her professional accomplishments, Ingrid has found deep fulfillment in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs through Five One Labs.
“What I love about mentoring with Five One Labs is that I consider myself like a continuous learner,” Ingrid shares. “I also have something to bring, but it's like a whole loop…I learned so much, it's unbelievable”
Laura Perdomo, Ingrid Ahumada, Mauricio Burgos
Ingrid’s involvement with Five One Labs began when she received a call from Five One Labs staff members Mauricio and Laura, who were building the organization’s presence in Barranquilla. Without hesitation, she stepped up to support. From day one, Ingrid understood the importance of creating a space where entrepreneurs feel supported. “We just needed more spaces and more communities and more efforts like this one in the city”, she says.
She has mentored participants in both our Incubator and FEM (Female Founders Fellowship) programs in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, Ingrid has served as a pitch competition judge and a speaker at several of our CEO Talks, sharing her experiences and insights with program participants. Over the past two years, she has mentored four women entrepreneurs, helping to create meaningful impact for their businesses and personal growth.
One of Ingrid’s mentees that stands out is Thiana Longa the founder of Gopi Yogurt. Originally from Venezuela, Thiana was part of FEM in 2023. Originally, she started her entrepreneurial activities in Colombia by selling water and then yogurt at traffic lights with her husband. Over time, she expanded her business, first with a bicycle, then a motorcycle, and eventually a car. During her time working with Ingrid they identified ways to expand her marketing strategy to maintain sales year-round, growing her business and creating new jobs in her community.
Laura Perdomo, Thiana Longa, Ingrid Ahumada
Beyond business strategies, mentorship fosters a crucial sense of solidarity among women entrepreneurs, who tend to have more limited access to professional mentoring. Ingrid emphasizes that women face unique challenges, from gender discrimination to balancing household responsibilities while running a business. However, she also highlighted the power of mentorship to break down isolation and build connections for women entrepreneurs. “When you start sharing your stories as a woman, with other women, you start feeling connected, identified, and….you don't feel lonely”, she shares.
At Five One Labs, mentors like Ingrid are helping to provide critical support, advice and expertise to entrepreneurs, one conversation at a time. Their dedication is not only helping founders succeed but also fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. And as Ingrid’s story shows, mentorship is not just about giving—it’s about growing together.