Ana Milena Vergara Monsalve is an architect and urban planner dedicated to creating inclusive, sustainable spaces where every community member feels valued and represented. Born in Medellín, Colombia, Ana was raised in a humble family that instilled in her the values of love, hard work, and community involvement. She learned early on that true success isn’t measured solely by individual achievements, but also by the positive impact one has on others’ lives. These principles of honesty, respect, and social responsibility have become the cornerstone of her vision and the driving force behind her career: creating environments where each person can thrive and find a dignified space that enhances their well-being, quality of life, and sense of belonging.
With over a decade of experience in planning, design, and sustainable project management, Ana has led initiatives that have transformed urban spaces in Medellín, and she now seeks to bring this experience to her adopted community of East Side, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her academic background includes a degree in Architecture from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana and an AAS in Business Management from Century College. Ana is currently pursuing her dream of earning a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Public Health, a reflection of her commitment to lifelong learning and her dedication to deepening her capacity to design comprehensive urban solutions that foster equity and social development.
As the director of commercial real estate at LEDC, Ana leads a community revitalization strategy focused on strengthening the local economy, promoting social inclusion, and supporting new businesses through technical assistance and access to essential resources. Her vision centers on creating functional community spaces that serve as catalysts for the social and economic development of local residents.
Ana’s team employs the Integral Urban Projects methodology, which integrates physical, sociocultural, economic, and institutional dimensions to address complex challenges inclusively and collaboratively. By fostering active resident participation through workshops and meetings and establishing partnerships among public, private, and community sectors, Ana ensures that each project genuinely reflects the community’s needs, thereby elevating residents’ quality of life and sense of belonging.
In the United States, Ana’s professional journey has spanned from directing her own firm, A+D Architecture and Design, to her work at Centro Tyrone Guzman, where she led youth programs focused on empowering young people, helping them discover their potential, and building a strong connection to their community. As a tutor in Century College’s ESOL and Academic Affairs departments, Ana has supported students in developing language skills and collaborated with faculty to implement curricula, contributing to academic success and the achievement of goals for students from diverse backgrounds. Her dedication to teaching and community commitment has been essential to building inclusive and accessible learning environments.
Ana’s volunteer work in Minnesota has included COVID-19 response initiatives, food donations, and public health, education, and social wellness events. Her participation in projects like The Urban Intervention and Rethos – Doors Open reinforces her commitment to community empowerment and the preservation of cultural heritage.
In Medellín, Colombia, Ana played a crucial role in projects such as the 12 de Octubre Library, the San Antonio de Prado Library Park, the Doce de Octubre Ecopark, Casa Jardín, and various private sector projects. She also contributed to the design and planning of Integral Urban Projects in the Comuna 13, Comuna Nororiental, and Comuna Centro Oriental, as well as Linear Parks of Quebrada. These projects are a testament to her ability to transform spaces into drivers of social change, always respecting and preserving local culture and history.
Ana is also a mother, wife, and friend, balancing her professional life with her love and dedication to her family. Her two daughters and family life are her daily sources of inspiration and energy. She enjoys spending time in nature, dancing, and traveling with her family—activities that allow her to reconnect with her values and give her the strength to continue her mission.
Following the philosophy of Buckminster Fuller, Ana believes that “the best way to predict the future is to design it,” and she works to build a legacy that will inspire future generations through equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
“I am here to serve, learn, and grow alongside you, to build a lasting legacy that will transform our community and inspire generations to come.”
