Advisory Board
Photo by Ana Sotelo
We are thrilled to announce our 2023-2025 Advisory Board, a group of distinguished individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to our mission of protecting the Amazon Rainforest.
Our Advisory Board members include:
Callie Veelenturf, Ph.D.(c)
A renowned conservationist and National Geographic Explorer. She is also the founder of The Leatherback Project and For Nature, two purpose-driven organizations that are leading the way in protecting fragile organisms and their ecosystems in Panama and Ecuador, as well as promoting Rights of Nature around the world. Callie’s work has been featured in The Washington Post, National Geographic, CBS and more.
Sharee Barton
A distinguished educator and advocate, Certified National Geographic Educator, Geo-Inquiry Ambassador and Geo Challenge Regional Coordinator. With over 35+ years of classroom teaching experience and curriculum development, Sharee is leading the way in developing interdisciplinary curricula to explore our natural world through STEAM.
Andrés Ruzo, Ph.D.(c)
An outstanding geological and environmental scientist, National Geographic Explorer and TV personality, TED Talk Speaker and Author. He is also the founder of the Boiling River Project, an organization dedicated to the conservation of the sacred Boiling River in the Peruvian Amazon, as well as the identification of thermal springs around the world. Andrés is a recurrent science education consultant for the USA and AE, and his work has been featured in the BBC, TED, Greenpeace, Lego, The Telegraph, Forbes and more.
Lisa Oxenham
An award-winning health and beauty writer, stylist and creative director, Lisa Oxenham is one of the UK’s top beauty editors and the Beauty and Style Director at Marie Claire UK. She is on the Advisory Board for the British Beauty Council’s Sustainable Beauty Coalition. With 20+ years of editorial experience in beauty, health and wellbeing, Lisa is a sought-after speaker, influencer and advocate for sustainability.
Ana Elisa Sotelo
An award-winning multimedia storyteller and educator, her work has been featured in Vogue, National Geographic, The New York Times, SOMOS, Bee Culture and more. Ana’s work focuses on gender narratives and on how humans interact with their environment. Her outstanding work looks to create images that change the way we perceive strength and femininity.
Sandra Valle
CEO, Fashion Designer, and Founder of INSECTA, an eco-fashion company that manufactures innovative bags and backpacks inspired by nature. Sandra is a Peruvian entrepreneur in the textile industry that has been recognized internationally for her efforts in preserving the environment through ecological and animal cruelty-free materials. Sandra also believes in social change through art, promotes local artists and is a member of the Ecological Art Workshop Entre Artes.
These individuals are not just advisors; they are our partners in driving positive change. Their diverse perspectives and shared commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability will be invaluable as we continue our work.
We are excited for what the future holds and look forward to the guidance and insights our Advisory Board will bring to our efforts.
Sincerely,
Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, Ph.D.
Founder and Executive Director
Amazon Research Int
Stefania Rollandin
Lawyer and humanitarian, a passionate advocate for human rights, sustainability, and social justice. With experience working alongside organizations like the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex, Amnesty International, Redress and the Mexican Red Cross, she has focused on addressing human rights violations and driving systemic change. As the co-founder of MELIPONI, Stefania spearheads initiatives to protect biodiversity through the conservation of stingless bees, promote fair trade, and empower indigenous women, blending environmental stewardship with social impact.