Sebastián Marroquín

Sebastián Marroquín, born Juan Pablo Escobar Henao, is a Colombian architect, author, and public speaker known for his work in architecture, social reconciliation, and drug policy education. Marroquín is the son of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Following his father's death, he, his mother, and his sister fled Colombia, first traveling to Mozambique and then to Argentina, where they became citizens in exile. He adopted the name Sebastián Marroquín from a telephone book to establish a new identity, as airlines would not issue tickets under the Escobar name. Marroquín earned a degree in architecture and industrial design from the University of Palermo in Buenos Aires, maintaining anonymity for years to ensure personal safety and professional stability.

Marroquín has practiced architecture at Box Arquitectura in Argentina, focusing on high-end design and social housing projects. His professional approach is influenced by his experiences growing up in a high-risk environment and by his father's involvement in social housing initiatives in Colombia. In a notable episode, Marroquín designed a house in Colombia for a man involved in a car bombing of his childhood home, reflecting his commitment to reconciliation.

As an author, Marroquín has written several books, including "Pablo Escobar: My Father," "Pablo Escobar in Fraganti: The Stories that My Father Never Told Me," "Pablo Escobar: La Trilogía," and "Escobar: A Criminal Education." His work addresses organized crime, the impact of drug trafficking, and personal transformation. Marroquín's story is also featured in the documentary film "Sins of My Father," which follows his efforts to reconcile with victims of narco-violence and promote forgiveness. He met with the sons of assassinated politicians Luis Carlos Galán and Rodrigo Lara Bonilla to seek forgiveness, furthering his advocacy for peace and reconciliation.

As a public speaker, Marroquín addresses topics such as drug policy, nonviolence, identity, and legacy at universities, conferences, and events worldwide. He educates young people about the consequences of drug-related violence and promotes peaceful conflict resolution. His story has been featured in "IMPACT x Nightline: Raised By Killers: Growing Up Escobar" on Hulu and Disney Plus. Marroquín's journey from the son of a notorious drug lord to an architect and advocate for peace highlights the potential for personal transformation and the importance of choosing a different path.