From a young age, Gina Zabala was fascinated by the natural world and the rural landscapes surrounding her. Amid the mountains and trees that seemed to touch the sky, she felt a deep connection to the environment. "One day, I will work to protect these trees," she thought with the determination of a dreamer. That thought, born from her childhood in the countryside, would spark a life dedicated to science and sustainability.

Gina grew up in a rural community in Cauca, Colombia, where her father relocated the family as part of his professional career. She quickly became familiar with the secrets of the forest, and it was no surprise when she began to stand out in her studies at ITAF Cajibío (one of Smurfit Westrock's technical, agricultural, and forestry institutes). In class, she not only learned about the land, best practices for agriculture, and sustainable farming, but also about her role in the world. That’s when Gina became determined to make a difference.

Taking the first step toward a dream

At 33, Gina has come a long way. After earning her degree in forestry engineering and learning English in the U.S., she fulfilled one of her dreams by joining Smurfit Westrock Colombia in 2019, starting her career as a silviculture technician. From day one, her relentless curiosity drove her to find ways to improve methods and learn something new. It was that curiosity that led her to a life-changing opportunity.

In 2019, Gina received a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in forest sciences at the prestigious North Carolina State University. Far from home in a completely new environment, she immersed herself in the mystery of a bacterium threatening eucalyptus plantations in Brazil: Ralstonia solanacearum. This microorganism caused a devastating disease that jeopardized the forest economy not only in Brazil, but also in several Latin American countries, including Colombia.

Uncovering the heart of the problem

Through her research, Gina discovered something crucial: there was no effective protocol to identify the presence of the bacteria in eucalyptus plantations. There was no clear map for navigating the issue, so, like any pioneer, she decided to create one.

“If you know the enemy, you can defeat it,” Gina reflects with the calm of someone who has found the key. After months of study, she decoded the bacterium's genome and developed an innovative protocol to identify and treat the infection before it causes widespread damage. Her work promises to change how eucalyptus is protected in Colombia and could have a global impact, in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, China, and South Africa—leaders in eucalyptus production.

A return full of opportunities

With her degree and scientific achievement in hand, Gina returned home to Smurfit Westrock in late 2023 to lead research in forest pathology and transform the way the company and industry address diseases affecting crops. For Gina, her work is more than just a career—it’s a mission.

She smiles as she recalls her childhood days when she dreamed of protecting the trees in her region. “I’ve learned that planning and persistence are key to achieving your goals,” she says. “It’s not about controlling everything, but being flexible, adapting, and never losing sight of the objective.”

Inspiration for the future

Gina Zabala is living proof that dreams, when paired with hard work and passion, come true. Today, she leads research that not only improves the productivity of forest plantations but also helps identify opportunities for sustainable development in rural communities. Her story reminds us that science can be a bridge between the past and the future—between the deep roots of childhood and the achievements that can help solve global challenges.

While challenges remain, Gina is clear about her purpose: to continue building a forestry sector where trees not only survive but thrive, helping to protect, conserve, and restore the planet’s biodiversity.