Some of the most inspiring stories begin right here in our region. Belén Rivas Luarte, a teacher with a degree in General Basic Education and a cultural manager from Chillán, has been recognized among the 50 Genias of the Year 2026, an initiative celebrating women whose work makes a meaningful contribution to their communities.
She was selected in the “Inspire and Transform” category, organized by the Genias platform, following a national call that received 1,922 applications from across Chile.
Her professional journey represents the contribution of women who, through education, culture, and community engagement, create opportunities and bring new experiences to people throughout their region.
Bringing culture to all 21 municipalities of Ñuble
Belén currently serves as General Coordinator of the Ñuble Symphony Orchestra, a cultural project that has organized activities across all 21 municipalities of the region.
Her work has helped bring musical performances and artistic experiences to schools, hospitals, theaters, and community spaces, promoting access to culture beyond traditional venues and reaching people in rural areas and smaller communities.
Previously, she held leadership and academic coordination positions at the Claudio Arrau León School of Culture and Artistic Development in Chillán. She also participates as a mediator in the National Music Appreciation Program, connecting local artists with students from educational institutions throughout Ñuble.
Her commitment to culture also extends to broadcasting. She is the co-creator and host of the radio program Cultura Viva, now in its fourth season in 2026, which highlights the work of local artists, cultural practitioners, managers, and regional organizations.
Additionally, she participates as a dancer and cultural manager in the We Küyen Traditional Dance Group, dedicated to researching and promoting cultural heritage.
Education, leadership, and commitment to the community
Her professional journey is closely connected to the University of Bío-Bío, where she studied General Basic Education. She later expanded her academic background with a postgraduate specialization in Language and Communication and a Master's degree in Educational Institution Leadership and Management.
During her university years, she was actively involved in student leadership, serving as president of her academic program and as a member of the university's Student Federation. In 2012, she received the Student Development Directorate Award in recognition of her commitment to the university community.
Her achievements also include publishing a book based on research into Rapa Nui oral traditions, distributed free of charge to promote access to knowledge and appreciation of traditional cultures.
In 2025, the Ñuble Regional Secretariat of Cultures, Arts and Heritage also recognized her contribution to cultural management through a rights-based approach.
“I have never stopped feeling like a teacher”
Reflecting on her professional journey, Belén emphasizes the importance of her university education.
“My education at the University of Bío-Bío has been fundamental. Although my work today focuses mainly on cultural management, I have never stopped feeling like a teacher,” she explained.
Regarding the relationship between education and culture, she believes learning also takes place beyond the classroom.
“Pedagogy gave me a way of looking at the world and understanding that education also happens in theaters, cultural spaces, and every encounter with our communities,” she said.
Speaking about her national recognition, she emphasized that the achievement also represents the efforts of many people working to strengthen regional culture.
“Receiving this recognition is an enormous joy, especially because it helps make the work we do in Ñuble visible. Behind every project are teams, artists, teachers, and communities who share the conviction that culture should be accessible to everyone,” she stated.
The women of Ñuble are also building the future
Belén Rivas's story highlights the work of countless women across our region who, through different fields, promote educational, cultural, social, and community initiatives.
Her national recognition celebrates not only an individual career but also the talent, leadership, and commitment of those working every day to strengthen Ñuble's cultural identity.
At N21, we believe these stories deserve to be told because our region is also built by women who teach, create, lead, research, and open doors for future generations.
Ñuble's talent deserves to be discovered, recognized, and shared.
