Julian Assange made headlines all over the world in 2010 when WikiLeaks, a non-profit organization founded by him, gained international attention after publishing leaks, such as the Afghanistan war logs and Iraq war logs. After dodging arrest for several years, he was finally arrested in 2019 and is currently imprisoned in HM Prison Belmarsh.
Manuela Sáenz was an Ecuadorian revolutionary who supported women's rights. She received the Order of the Sun, honoring her services in the revolution. Today, she is widely regarded as a feminist symbol of the 19th century. In 2007, the Ecuadorian government honored her with the rank of General.
Sixto Durán Ballén was an Ecuadorian architect and political figure. He is best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1992 to 1996. A prominent politician, Durán-Ballén also served as the Mayor of Quito from 1 August 1970 to 16 February 1978. Sixto Durán Ballén is also credited with co-founding the Social Christian Party.
Jaime Roldós Aguilera was an Ecuadorian political figure who served as the President of Ecuador from 1979 until his death in 1981. Although his presidency was short-lived, Jaime Roldós Aguilera achieved immense popularity and reverence for his support for human rights.
Conservative Party politician and the 24th president of Ecuador, José María Velasco Ibarra held the post of the president 5 times and was ousted by the military 4 times. He was a qualified lawyer, too. His tenure witnessed the construction of institutes, roads, bridges, and hospitals.
Juan José Flores was a Venezuelan-born military general who served as the president of the new Republic of Ecuador on three non-consecutive terms. Enlisted as a private in the Spanish Royalist army at the age of 15, he grew up to be a military man with a commanding presence. He was an intelligent man and an eloquent orator.
Retired Ecuadorian footballer Iván Hurtado made a name for himself as a defender. With his 168 international games, he scripted history as the world’s 15th-most-capped male footballer in the history of the game. He had successful stints with clubs such as Barcelona, Atlético Nacional, and Emelec.
Matilde Hidalgo was an Ecuadorian poet, physician, and activist. The first Ecuadorian woman to exercise suffrage, Hidalgo fought for women's rights throughout her life. Today, Matilde Hidalgo is recognized as one of the most prominent women in Ecuadorian history.
Eugenio Espejo was a medical pioneer, writer, and lawyer. He was of mestizo origin in colonial Ecuador. He inspired the separatist movement in Quito and is regarded as a key figure in colonial Ecuador. He spread enlightened ideas in the Royal Audiencia and wrote about sanitary conditions in colonial Ecuador. He aspired to awaken a rebellious spirit in the people.
Juan Montalvo was an Ecuadorian essayist and author. He is best remembered for his 1880 work Las catilinarias, which made him popular throughout intellectual circles in Europe, the USA, and the rest of Latin America. Although the book made him famous, it also forced him to live in France for the rest of his life as a refugee.
The 39th president of Ecuador, Rosalía Arteaga had been an acting president for a couple of days in 1997 and thus also scripted history as Ecuador’s first woman to hold the post. Initially a lawyer and educator, she stepped into politics as a councilwoman in Cuenca.
Juan Leon Mera was an Ecuadorian novelist, essayist, painter, and politician. He is credited with writing Ecuador's national anthem, Salve, Oh Patria. Among his other well-known literary works is a novel titled Cumandá, which was translated into English by Noé O. Vaca in 2007.
Cynthia Viteri is an Ecuadorian politician, journalist, and lawyer. She is currently serving as the Mayor of Guayaquil, Ecuador's second-largest city. After starting her career as a public relations manager for lawyer and politician, Jaime Nebot, Cynthia Viteri went on to establish herself as a successful politician. She even competed in the 2006 presidential elections, where she finished fifth.
Rafael Correa is an Ecuadorian economist and politician. From 2007 to 2017, Correa served as the president of Ecuador. During his presidency, Ecuador managed to reduce its poverty and raised the minimum wage, which in turn enhanced the standard of living in the country.
Lenín Moreno is an Ecuadorian politician and the current president of Ecuador. Before being elected as the president, Moreno served as the vice president under President Rafael Correa from 2007 to 2013. Also known for his support towards people with disabilities, Moreno received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.
Zoraida Córdova is an Ecuadorian-American writer who specializes in children's literature. She is best known for a series of novels, collectively known as Brooklyn Brujas. Zoraida Córdova also writes short stories and works as an editor.
Ecuador’s 49th vice-president, Maria Alejandra Vicuna has also led the country as its Minister of Urban Development and Housing. The PAIS Alliance member also co-founded the Ecuadorian Commission on Education, Science, Technology, and Communication. She has also spent a year in prison for receiving money illegally.
Abdalá Bucaram is an Ecuadorian lawyer and politician. He is best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1996 to 1997. An influential politician, Abdalá Bucaram also served as the Mayor of Guayaquil from August 1984 to September 1985.
Fernando Chaves was an Ecuadorian novelist, journalist, and essayist. He also served as Ecuador's ambassador to Nicaragua and El Salvador. Fernando Chaves was the first writer from Ecuador to depict an indigenous theme and his 1927 novel Silver and Bronze was Ecuador's first indigenist novel.
Jorge Icaza Coronel was an Ecuadorian writer best remembered for his novel Huasipungo, which brought to light the exploitation of the indigenous people of Ecuador by Ecuadorian whites. After starting his career as a playwright, Jorge Icaza Coronel went on to establish himself as a novelist and achieved fame after writing about Ecuador's social conditions.
Maria Fernanda Espinosa is an Ecuadorian diplomat and politician. She is best known for her service as the Minister of Foreign Affairs on two occasions; from January 2007 to December 2007 and again from May 2017 to June 2018. An influential political leader, Maria Fernanda Espinosa also served as the Minister of National Defense from November 2012 to September 2014.