Freddy Vega is a Colombian entrepreneur recognized for having founded one of the most successful virtual education platforms in recent history: Platzi.

It is an education platform with more than 5 million students in 85 countries working for more than 3,500 companies in the region.

The platform offers on-demand courses on technology, cybersecurity, leadership, languages, and digital marketing, among others.

In announcing the recognition, Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, said, "Our heartfelt congratulations to Freddy Vega of Colombia for being named the winner of the Latin America Education Medal 2024. His work to provide millions of students with vital digital skills has changed many lives for the better. We know that many others will be inspired to follow in his footsteps to build a world where every child receives the quality education to which they are entitled.

Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, explained that "the 'Latin America Education Medal' honors leaders who work tirelessly to transform education in Latin America. To meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 4 on universal quality education, to end learning poverty, close learning gaps, and unlock the continent's potential, we must give a platform to change agents from across society who are making a real difference. Congratulations to our winner, Freddy Vega. Latin America, and the world, have much to learn from your inspiring example."

This is the first version of this award that recognizes leaders in education throughout the region.

Upon learning of the decision, Vega said: "On behalf of Platzi, I would like to thank HP and T4 Education for recognizing the work we have done to bring technology education to five million people in Latin America. Today, 250 million people still need access to tertiary education in our region. This Latin America Education Medal helps us raise awareness to reach those who need it most.

Vega was chosen from a group of finalists that included in addition to him: Arturo Condo, President, Universidad EARTH, Costa Rica; Dario Alvarez Klar, Founder and CEO, Red Educativa Itínere, Argentina; Jair Ribeiro, President, Parceiros da Educação (Partners in Education), Brazil; Juan Pablo Mena, CEO, uPlanner, Chile; Leo Schlesinger, Former CEO, Aliat Universidades, Mexico; Marcela Suárez, Project Director, Johannes Kepler School, Ecuador; María Victoria Varela, Assistant Director and Special Education Teacher, School N°240 "Paul Harris", Uruguay; Tatiana Klix, Executive Director, Porvir, Brazil and Verónica Cabezas, Executive Director, Elige Educar, Chile.