Sofía Quintanilla: Scholar, Mentor, Friend

Step into a classroom at the Central American Theological Seminary (SETECA) in Guatemala City, and you might find Dr. Sofía Quintanilla leaning over a table, Bible open, listening intently as a student wrestles with a question. She doesn’t rush to answer. She listens, considers, and then responds with a clarity that makes her students feel both challenged and understood.

It’s the way Sofía leads – with warmth, patience, and conviction – that has made her a friend and mentor to countless Christian leaders across Latin America. As Vice Rector and Professor of Old Testament at SETECA, she shapes not only the minds of future Church leaders but also their character, modeling a ministry rooted in Scripture and compassion. 

Sofía’s path crossed with Scholar Leaders years ago when she applied for a Leader Studies scholarship to pursue her PhD. That scholarship was just the beginning of a friendship that has only deepened over time. Today, she stands alongside other SETECA faculty we’ve supported – like Dr. Nelson Morales, Dean and Professor of New Testament, and Dr. Gerardo Corpeño, Professor of Old Testament – serving the Church with excellence.

She is also part of the Women’s Peer Leader Forum, a unique space where women in theological leadership from the Majority World gather for professional development and mutual encouragement. And as contributor to No More, she helps address and prevent sexual abuse in seminaries and churches, bringing a much-needed voice of truth and hope to difficult conversations.

This year, Sofía received a shipment of Old Testament books through our Theological Book Network program. In Latin America, such resources are rare and expensive, making this gift especially meaningful.

“I’m an Old Testament teacher, and in Latin America, access to books on this subject is difficult. Even when they can be purchased online, they’re very expensive. For me, this donation is like a healing balm, confirming that [God] heard me and continues to train me. May God reward you for the love with which you accompany us even after we have finished our studies.”

Her words reflect more than the value of the books. It reflects the value of relationship. Scholar Leaders doesn’t just fund degrees; we walk with leaders like Sofía through the long road of ministry, offering encouragement, resources, and presence.

For Sofía, that means knowing she’s not alone as she teaches, mentors, and serves the Church. For us, it means learning from her wisdom, celebrating her victories, and standing with her in the hard work of Kingdom service.

Sofía’s story reminds us why we invest in theological leaders: because when they flourish, the global Church flourishes too. And friendships like ours with Sofía can bear fruit for a lifetime.

You can be a part of this mission, walking alongside gifted scholars like Sofía and helping nurture the next generation of theological leaders for the global Church.