Nydia Quintero

Nydia Quintero Turbay de Balcázar (née Quintero Turbay; 28 August 1932 – 30 June 2025) was a Colombian activist and humanitarian who served as the first lady of Colombia from 1978 to 1982, as the wife of President Julio César Turbay Ayala. Throughout her decades of public service, she was a prominent advocate for children's rights, disaster relief, and charity. Quintero was born in Neiva, Huila, and graduated from the Antonia Santos National School. She only saw her future husband twice before they were married in 1948. Quintero supported her husband during his political campaign for the Senate in 1970. She campaigned very discreetly for him during his candidacy for the presidency of Colombia in the 1978 election, in which he defeated the Conservative candidate Belisario Betancur. Quintero was actively involved in politics during her husband's presidency. During his term, Quintero emphasized the importance of social assistance through commitment and service.