Jhorllana Romero: Navigating Complexities Of The Colombian Mining Industry

Born in Bogota, Colombia, Jhorllana Romero studied Finance and International Business. Seeking international exposure, she moved to the United States and complemented her education with academic programs in Singapore and China, originally aiming for a career with institutions like the UN or World Bank.

At 24, Jhorllana rejected a corporate role at IBM in Washington, D.C., to take a bold adventure as Country Manager for five mining companies in Colombia. Challenging stereotypes, she built a diverse, women-led team, demonstrating that true leadership is defined by vision and courage rather than the environment.

What inspired your professional journey?

My foundation comes from my parents, who instilled in me resilience, honesty, and courage from a young age. We have always been a close-knit family, making every decision together and supporting one another unconditionally.

I was fortunate to have a mentor who truly believed in me, James Donald Crane. He was the first person to recognize my potential, telling me I had “fire in my belly”. He trusted me with responsibilities that, at the time, felt far beyond my experience. Through him, I learned how business really works, how to negotiate with confidence, stand firm in my opinions, and never fear numbers or strong voices at the table.

What defines your approach to leadership in the mining industry?

For me, leadership has always been about problem-solving. Every morning, I wake up ready to face challenges head-on, doing everything with conviction, heart, and that same “fire in my belly” my mentor once saw in me.

Over the years, especially in the mining industry, I have learned that resilience and adaptability are essential. Coal markets fluctuate constantly. One day, prices soar, the next they crash, so you have to move quickly, adjust your strategy, and stay calm amid uncertainty. My strength lies in staying grounded, reading situations, and reassuring myself and my team that everything will work out.

Being a woman in power isn’t about comparison but conviction: “why not me? If i’m prepared, smart, and capable, i’ll do it”

I believe effective leadership is about more than direction; it’s about inspiring belief. Even in tough times, you must project confidence, keep your team motivated, and remind them of the purpose behind what you are doing.

What key roles do you shoulder as the Compañía Minera Colombo Americana de Carbón CEO?

As the legal representative, I hold full accountability for every outcome. This responsibility requires me to stay sharp, informed, and calm.

Managing operations means trusting and empow­ering your team, ensuring everyone is in the right role, motivated, and aligned with purpose. In the mining sector, that’s not easy; few people today want to work in this field. That’s why our focus has shifted toward impact and inclusion. Together with my sister, we have built a company culture centered on gender equality, community, and meaningful work.

Highlight the key business challenges you encounter? How do you navigate through these roadblocks?

Early on, at 24, people doubted me, but instead of discouraging me, it fuelled my motivation. Today, the obstacles are different: fluctuating commodity prices, inflation, post-pandemic costs, and global instability. Furthermore, I have had to lead the complex and successful legal defense against an illegitimate attempt by third parties to seize control of the company.

This process, which required unwavering focus, culminated in a total acquittal against unwarranted criminal accusations, thereby vindicating my name and the integrity of my management. So many factors are beyond my control. But what I can control is my effort, my integrity, and my attitude. The judicial confirmation of my absolute good faith throughout this challenge has only strengthened my resolve. Every day, I simply focus on doing my very best, and that’s enough.

Looking back, which professional milestones standout in your journey?

One of my biggest milestones was leading a management buyout of the company, a move that took courage, especially as a young woman in a male-dominated space. I stood my ground, proved my worth, and showed that women can lead and succeed with intelligence, preparation, and confidence.

A definitive achievement was securing an Absolute Acquittal in a complex legal case. This vindication confirms my integrity and proves that I not only build value, but also defend it with ethical conviction against any attack.

How do you foresee Colombia’s mining sector evolving in the years to come?

I work in the metallurgical coal mining sector. It is essential for making steel, which builds everything from cars to infrastructure. The global shift toward green energy challenges our industry´s perception and its long-term outlook.

In Colombia, regulations around the environment, taxes, and social responsibility are tightening, making growth difficult. Global trade tensions, have also dis­rupted the market. Meanwhile, competition from coun­tries like Indonesia, which has entered the metallurgi­cal coal market, is reshaping demand.

Despite the uncertainty, I believe steel will always be essential. The world may transition to cleaner energy, but it can’t build a future without steel. For now, we keep adapting and moving forward.

Jhorllana Romero, CEO, Colombo Americana

Jhorllana Romero, the dynamic CEO of Colombo Americana, is a trailblazing leader in Colombia’s metallurgical coal and steel industry, a sector often misunderstood yet vital to global infrastructure. Beginning her career as an intern, Jhorllana rose through determination, strategic foresight, and an unshakable belief in taking calculated risks. Her defining milestone came when she led a management buyout of the company, a bold move that solidified her position as one of the few women at the helm of a traditionally male-dominated field.