Ecuadorian

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

León Febres Cordero was an Ecuadorian political leader best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1984 to 1988. During his presidency, Febres-Cordero led a security crackdown on an infamous guerrilla group called Alfaro Vive, Carajo (AVC). An important politician, León Febres Cordero also served as the Mayor of Guayaquil from 1992 to 2000.

Lucio Gutiérrez is an Ecuadorian politician best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 2003 to 2005. Prior to his political career, Gutiérrez served in the Ecuadorian Army. However, he turned against the government and became involved in a coup d'état in 2000, which aimed at toppling Jamil Mahuad's government.

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.

Gabriel García Moreno was an Ecuadorian aristocrat and politician. He is best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador on two occasions; from 1861 to 1865 and again from 1869 to 1875. He was also the Interim President of Ecuador on two occasions between 1861 and 1869. Gabriel García Moreno is also remembered for his stance against corruption.

José Joaquín de Olmedo was an Ecuadorian political leader best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from March 1845 to December 1845. A prominent politician, José Joaquín de Olmedo also served as the Vice President of Ecuador from 12 September 1830 to 15 September 1831.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alfredo Palacio is an Ecuadorian former politician best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 2005 to 2007. A prominent politician, Palacio also served as the Minister of Health from 1994 to 1996 and as the Vice President of Ecuador from 2003 to 2005. Since retiring from politics, Palacio has focused on his career as a cardiologist.