Héctor is a highly experienced indigenous Kichwa leader, with a kind, charismatic personality.  Héctor has not only been President of the Regional Indigenous Organization, la Organización de los Pueblos Indígenas de Pastaza, but also served as Senator for the State of Pastaza in the early 1990’s.   Héctor’s leadership continually fosters innovative organizational relationships for Fundación Runa, and he is always attentive to the personal growth and education of the young field technicians on his team. Héctor studied business administration at the Universidad de Cuenca-Leda, and is originally from the community of Los Rios.

What Héctor says about guayusa:

“Guayusa for me is an Amazonian Plant that was deemed sacred by our ancestors, and today we too respect guayusa’s power to maintain the traditional customs that our grandfathers and grandmothers taught us.”

What Héctor says about Fundación Runa:

“I have promised my heart to this work and respect the faith that my pueblo has given me to lead this process.”

          Alexandra is the ever-working backbone of Fundación Runa in Pastaza, combining her dedicated spirit with extensive training in forest management and nursery management.  She studied at the Universidad Central del Ecuador and went on to receive her Masters degree in geographic systems applied to the conservation of natural resources. Alexandra previously worked at Universidad Estatal Amazónica teaching about the protection of forests and the wood industry, and her focus on education always permeates her work.

What Alexandra says about guayusa:

“The benefits of guayusa are that it is not a foreign, introduced plant, and certainly not a plant that can be grown in monocrop plantations.  Its ecological characteristics offer numerous benefits for small farmers who can convert degraded lands into productive agroforests, and thereby improve the quality and structure of the ecosystem.”

          Jorge’s diverse background in cultivation of medicinal plants and integral management of farms strengthen Fundación Runa’s technical knowledge base and ability to provide the highest quality technical assistance to each farmer.  Jorge received his University degree as an Agronomy Engineer from the Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi, and went on to study medicinal plant cultivation at the Universidad de Pinar Del Rio in Cuba.  Jorge also founded and manages the Yanacocha Wildlife Rescue Center in Puyo, where he dedicates his time to providing habitat for injured animals.

What Jorge says about Fundación Runa:

“For me, it is of the highest importance that we rescue traditional knowledge and support projects that are designed to converse the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Amazonian communities.  These traditions and customs are of incalculable value to our country, Ecuador, and to the world community as a whole.”

Julissa Santi is a 25 year-old local field technician providing technical assistance to over 16 families in her native region of San Ramon.  Julissa was previously a student of Technical Coordinator Alexandra Humanante, and is currently completing her degree in Environmental Engineering at the Universidad Estatal Amazonica.

What Julissa says about guayusa:

“Drinking guayusa is a custom that encompasses the great spiritual and curative aspects our ancestors have left us as a legacy, which was passed from generation to generation.”

Héctor Vargas is another experienced and kind leader from the indigenous region of Santa Clara.  Héctor is well-known leader of his community, and currently serves as the President for the Indigenous Association in the district of Santa Clara, ANKISC, where Runa works with 14 communities.  Hector has worked as a field technician for several cacao projects in the region, and brings a unique combination of focus, humor, and meaning to his work with each farmer.

What Héctor says about guayusa:

“Guayusa serves to protect against evil spirits and also gives strength and courage.  Our indigenous brothers still drink guayusa every day with their families, and in this way we are valuing our cultural traditions.”