Bernardo Toro is an analyst on the Advisory Board of the Avina Foundation, which aims to contribute to sustainable development in Latin America by encouraging productive alliances based on trust among social and business leaders and by brokering consensus around agendas for action.
Formerly, he was the Dean of the Department of Education at the Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia since 2002. Prior to joining the university, Dr. Toro was the Vice President of External Relations (1997-2002) and Director of the Social Communication Program (1988-1996) at Fundación Social. Dr. Toro is the founding director (1971-1982) of the international magazine Education Hoy. From 1975 until 1980, he was a researcher in social mental development at FEPEC-CEDEN Center. From 1985 until 1988, he served as General Manager of Fundacion Social TV Company (CEMPRO TV).
Dr. Toro was the President of the Board of the Confederacion Colombiana de ONG (Colombian Confederation of NGOs) from 2000-2003 and of Centro Colombiano de Responsabilidad Empresarial (CCRE) from 1998-2002. He remains an active board member of both organizations. While he served as President of the Board of CCRE, he reorganized and oriented the organization's policies and strategies. Dr. Toro is also a member of the Colombian Ministry of Education Advisory Council.
Dr. Toro holds a post-graduate degree in research and education technology from the Universidad Javeriana and a degree in philosophy from the Universidad de San Buenaventura in Bogota and has served as a temporary Adviser-Counselor in education. He is a widely published author on a diverse range of issues related to education and communication.
The Avina Foundation promotes environmentally and socially sustainable development by facilitating the creation of constructive and inclusive communities. By funding organizations that improve community services and increase opportunities, Avina promotes responsible citizenship, enhances social capital, and contributes to the construction of more sustainable societies.