Our Team

Gladys Martínez is AIDA's Executive Director, working out of San Jose, Costa Rica. For eight years, she led AIDA’s Marine Biodiversity and Coastal Protection Program. Gladys has a law degree from the University of Costa Rica and a master's degree in Environmental Security and Peace from the United Nations University for Peace. She also became a Kellog Executive Scholar in Nonprofit Management through Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Anna Cederstav is AIDA’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer. Having worked for the organization since 1997, she was for many years AIDA's Co-Director. Anna has significant expertise in the environmental impacts of mining, fossil fuel development and other extractive activities, climate change impacts, and marine resource protection in Latin America and beyond. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley and a B.S. from Yale University. Anna is based in San Francisco, California, where she also works with the Earthjustice International Program.

Sebastián Abad Jara is Ecuadorian and a attorney with AIDA's Ecosystems Program, working from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He is a graduate of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador. He also holds a Master's degree in International Law from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Sebastián has significant litigation experience in constitutional, environmental and human rights law, both in international civil society organizations and in the public sector. He is a researcher on issues including decolonizing law, the rights of nature, the rights of indigenous peoples, and  business and human rights.

Vania Albarracín Silva is Bolivian and an attorney with AIDA's Ecosystems Program, working from La Paz, Bolivia. She is a lawyer from the Universidad Privada Boliviana and a sociology student at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón (Cochabamba, Bolivia). She holds a diploma in Sustainability and Social Justice from the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO). Vania has experience working with social organizations in defense of the environment and territory.

Liliana A. Ávila is the Director of AIDA's Human Rights and Environment Program. A Colombian, she works from the Bogotá office. Liliana is an attorney from the Universidad Externado de Colombia, a specialist in constitutional law, and holds a Masters in Legal Argumentation from the University of Alicante in Spain. She has experience in international human rights law and international systems for the protection of human rights. She's a professor of international law at the Universidad Externado and has worked as a legal advisor on human rights, international humanitarian law, and public health.  

Sofía Barquero is Costa Rican and an attorney with AIDA's Ecosystems Program, working from Cartago. She graduated as a lawyer, with a specialization in Environmental Law, from the University of Costa Rica. She is currently in her last semester of her Master's Degree in Law at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Sofia has significant experience in environmental and human rights litigation working with diverse communities in Costa Rica, as well as in political advocacy and parliamentary counseling. She has been a professor of environmental law and a legal researcher in environmental law and food law.

Camila Bartelega is Brazilian and an economist with AIDA's Climate Program working in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). She has a degree in International Relations from the Universidad Estatal Paulista and in Economics from the Universidad Federal de Paraná. She also has a postgraduate degree in Development and Social Policies from the University of Minho (Portugal). Camila has significant experience working with civil society organizations and the United Nations. She is currently concluding a Master's degree in Economics at the Universidad Estatal de Campinas with a research related to climate finance.

Erina Batista is Brazilian and an attorney with AIDA's Human Rights and Environment Program, working from Brasilia. She is a lawyer from the Federal University of Pará (Brazil) and a specialist in agrarian law from the Federal University of Goiás. She also holds a Master's degree in Human Rights from the University of Brasilia. Erina has significant experience in socio-environmental litigation and land law of traditional communities both in civil society organizations and in the public sector in her country.

David Cañas is Ecuadorian and collaborates with AIDA as a scientific advisor from Quito. He has a degree in Geographic and Environmental Engineering from the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE (Ecuador). He holds a Master's degree in Geospatial Analysis from the University of London (UK). David has significant experience in environmental impact studies and identification of socio-environmental conflicts related to oil and mining activities. He has worked as a cartographer and geographer in research on climate change, risk, demography and education. He has also worked as a volunteer teacher in a community school belonging to the Achuar nationality.

Emilia Carrara is the Director of Strategy and Internal Communication, working from AIDA’s San Francisco office. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the National University of Mexico (UNAM). Emilia has experience in environmental research with a focus on Tropical Ecosystems, and has collaborated as a research assistant both in the academic and non-profit sector. She combines her strong scientific background and work experience in the organizational and managerial areas to support environmental protection strategies.

Juan Fernando Carrascal is a Colombian and collaborates with AIDA as a fellow scientist, working from Bogota. He has a degree in Biology from Pontifica Universidad Javeriana (Colombia). He has a Master's degree in Oceanography and Marine Environmental Management from the University of Barcelona, as well as postgraduate studies in Geographic Information Systems. Juan Fernando is a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) rescue diver and has significant experience as a marine biologist in roles of researcher, educator and citizen science entrepreneur for the conservation of marine ecosystems.

José David Castilla Parra is Colombian and an attorney with AIDA's Human Rights and Environment Program, working from Bogotá. He has a law degree from Universidad La Gran Colombia and a degree in Social Communication and Journalism from Politécnico Grancolombiano. José David has a specialization in Administrative Law from Universidad del Rosario, Colombia. He has experience in environmental litigation with civil society organizations. He has also worked as a researcher, journalist and litigator.
 

Bryslie Cifuentes Velasco is Guatemalan and an attorney with AIDA's Ecosystems program, working from Guatemala. She has a law degree from Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala, and a Master's degree in Environmental Law from San Carlos University, Guatemala. Bryslie has significant experience in ocean governance issues; drafting proposals for environmental regulations, policies and planning instruments for civil society organizations and the public sector in Guatemala. She has been a professor of public international, environmental, administrative and constitutional law for different universities in that country.

María Paula Conrado is Colombian and a scientist in AIDA's Ecosystems Program.  She is a biologist from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. During her studies, she made proposals for marine conservation projects in the Colombian Pacific, involving local communities. At AIDA, María Paula contributes to biodiversity conservation efforts and the proper management of natural resources.

María José González-Bernat is Co-director of AIDA's Ecosystems Program. She works from Bogotá. María José is a biologist with a Masters in Marine Science from the University of Otago, New Zealand, and a Ph.D. in Governnace from the University of Western Australia. She has experience in the conservation and management of marine ecosystems, climate change, marine-coastal governance and policies, as well as the effective management of marine protected areas. She has worked with non-profit organizations and in Guatemala's public sector, primarily in research and issues related to marine protected areas. 

Yasmin Granados is Costa Rican and an attorney with AIDA's Ecosystems Program, working from San José. She graduated as a lawyer, with a specialization in Human Rights, from the University of Costa Rica, where she also completed a Master's degree in Sustainable Development with an emphasis on conservation of biological resources. Yasmin has experience in legal advice oriented to compliance and enforcement of environmental and human rights legislation with international organizations, State institutions, indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations and companies. She has participated in regulatory and public policy development processes in Costa Rica and Central America.

Jennifer Hernandez is Mexican and AIDA's Finance and Administration Assistant, working from Mexico City. She is a student of Administration at the Universidad del Valle de Mexico. She has a diploma in Business Accounting and has taken different courses in the areas of business management, management skills and project management. Jennifer has experience in the administrative area and in business consulting.

Camila Alejandra Inostroza Jara is a Fellow Attorney with AIDA's Human Rights and Environment Program. She is Chilean and works from Temuco. She is a spokesperson for MODATIMA Wallmapu (Movimiento de Defensa por el Acceso al Agua, la Tierra y la Protección del Medioambiente). Camila is a graduate of the Universidad de la Frontera in Temuco. She has been dedicated to the protection of nature and the active defense of environmental causes of the Mapuche people. She has experience in strategic litigation for the protection of nature, the deprivatization of water, and the defense of the rights of the Mapuche people.

Geraldine Izaguirre López is Peruvian and an attorney with AIDA's Climate Program, working from Lima. She is a graduate of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), where she is currently studying for a Master's degree in Environmental Development. She also has postgraduate studies in public management, clean energy, environmental management and climate change. Geraldine has significant experience in consulting, litigation, structuring and project management in the regulation of public services and infrastructure, energy, decarbonization and climate change with private, public and international cooperation entities. She is a professor at the PUCP and the University of Lima, as well as author of articles on climate change, energy and gender issues. Geraldine is a member of Women In Energy, the Peruvian Society of Environmental Impact Studies and Peru Young Energy Professionals, among other institutions.

María Angélica Londoño is AIDA's Human Resources Coordinator, working from the Bogotá office. She is a Colombian business administrator from the Universidad Externado and a specialist in Human Talent Management from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. María Angélica has experience in the administrative and human resources area in international social and environmental organizations.

Jorge Lu Palencia is Guatemalan and an attorney with AIDA's Ecosystems Program, working from Guatemala City. He is a graduate of Mariano Galvez University in Guatemala. He holds a Master's degree in Environmental Law from the same university. Jorge has significant experience in environmental matters in the public administration of his country and in international cooperation, and as a consultant for non-governmental and academic organizations. He has been a professor of law and currently teaches environmental forensic research at the Rafael Landívar University in Guatemala.

Cristina Lux is Chilean and an attorney with AIDA's Climate Program, working from Valdivia, Chile. She is a graduate of the University of Chile and holds a Master's degree in Criminal Law and Criminal Sciences from the Catholic University of Valparaiso (Chile). Cristina has experience in environmental litigation in civil society organizations. She has participated in the presentation of national environmental issues in different international instances, such as the United Nations and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. She also has experience in fundraising and financial sustainability of non-governmental organizations.

Verónica Méndez Villa is a Mexican citizen and an AIDA Climate senior attorney, working from Mexico City. She is an attorney from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana of Mexico and has experience in environmental litigation and research with an emphasis on climate change issues. Verónica holds a Master of Law (LL.M.) in environmental law from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and she is currently studying Renewable Energy Engineering at the Universidad Abierta y a Distancia of México.

Anna Miller is AIDA's Communications Director, working from Buffalo, New York. She is writer and media specialist graduated with honors from the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. Anna is responsible for the design and implementation of the organization's communications strategy and also develops English-language content for the website and social media. She has traveled extensively in Latin America and has made Colombia her other home.

Fernanda Núñez Espinosa is Colombian and AIDA's Visual Coordinator, working from Medellín. She graduated from the National University of Colombia, and has worked for Colombia State entities such as the District Department for Women and the Administrative Department of the Civil Service. She is experienced in design, photography, event organization and social media management.

Abril Oliveros is AIDA's Administrative Associate, working from San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. She has a degree in Economics, specializing in poverty, from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Studies on Cultural Diversity and Social Spaces at the Institute of Indigenous Studies at the Autonomous University of Chiapas (Mexico). For several years, Abril has been collaborating with civil society in the administrative and research areas.

Florencia Ortúzar is the Interim Director of AIDA's Climate Program, working from Santiago, Chile. She obtained her Law degree from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and also completed an MSc in Environmental Politics and Regulation at the London School of Economics (LSE) in England. She joined our team in 2012 and collaborates with Climate and Ecosystem programs. She enjoys spending time with her pets as well as cooking, camping and nature trekking.

Javier Oviedo Gonzalez is Costa Rican and collaborates with AIDA as a scientific advisor, working from San José. He has a degree in Geology from the University of Costa Rica, where he also earned a B.A. in Anthropology. Javier has significant experience in environmental regulation, geology and social management. He has worked in the public sector in Costa Rica as a hydrogeologist, as well as an expert in litigation for the Judiciary. He has been a professor in several universities in his country in environmental matters.

Rosa Peña Lizarazo is Colombian and a senior attorney with AIDA's Human Rights and Environment Program, working from Bogotá. She is attorney from the Universidad del Rosario, Colombia whose bachelor's degree focused on Constitutional Law and Human Rights. Rosa holds a Master's Degree in Interdisciplinary Development Studies, with an emphasis on Territorial Development Management, from the Universidad de los Andes, in Colombia. She has also experience in community accompaniment and strategic litigation in cases of human rights violations derived from development policies and projects.

Alejandro Natanael Pérez Juárez is Mexican and collaborates with AIDA as an information technology specialist, working from Mexico City. He is a computer systems engineer from the Universidad del Valle de México, where he also obtained a master's degree in Business Administration. Alejandro has strengthened his professional profile with several courses in areas related to his specialty. He has extensive experience as a developer, technical support technician and web master in the private sector, standing out for his skills in the development of technological solutions.

Santiago Piñeros Durán is an attorney with AIDA's Ecosystems Program, working from Bogotá. He is a lawyer specialized in Environmental Law from the Universidad Externado de Colombia and holds a Master's degree in Conservation and Use of Biodiversity from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, with emphasis on reef governance, restoration and management of coastal marine systems. He has dedicated his professional career to the defense of human rights, the investigation of extractive industries and the accompaniment of communities affected by development projects, migrant families and victims of the justice system.

Francisco Pinilla is Brazilian with Chilean roots and works with AIDA as a digital communications strategist from Brasilia, Brazil. Francisco has a degree in communication, with a specialty in political science, and an MBA in digital marketing from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). His specialty is digital communication, with emphasis on growth, business intelligence and performance. He is passionate about technology as a tool for social transformation.

Victor Quintanilla Sangüeza is AIDA's Content Coordinator, working from Mexico City. He is a Bolivian freelance communications specialist and journalist. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Communication from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés in La Paz, Bolivia. Victor also holds a master's degree and a PhD in communication from the Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México. He has worked in print and television media, as well as in corporate communication in the public and private sectors. Victor is also a researcher in the field of journalism and technology studies. He is currently co-investigator for Bolivia of the Worlds of Journalism study, an international survey of journalists applied simultaneously in 110 countries.

Valentina Raad Rincón is Colombian and AIDA's fundraising assistant, working from Honduras. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Lindenwood University in Missouri, USA, and a Master's degree in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability from CMI Business School in Madrid, Spain. Valentina has experience in the areas of education and fundraising at an international level, which contributes to high performance and timely service to donors, supporters, volunteers and foundations.

Marcella Ribeiro d’Ávila Lins Torres is Brazilian and a senior attorney with AIDA's Human Rights and Environment Program, working from Brazil. She holds an LL.B. in Law from the Universidade Federal da Paraíba, a LL.M in International Human Rights Law from the University of Notre Dame, and a diploma in Advocacy for NGOs from the Advocacy Hub. She specialized in economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights, international human rights systems, and climate justice. She is well-versed in the practice of human rights law through litigation, advocacy, and campaigning, and is responsible for the coordination of several cases and projects with traditional communities, indigenous people, and HRE defenders at AIDA. She coordinates the Brazilian team, being responsible for identifying opportunities for expanding AIDA’s work in the country. Marcella is AIDA’s focal point on work with defenders and the link between the Human Rights and Climate programs.

Anayantzin Robles Méndez y Hernández is AIDA's Administrative Director and Head of the Mexico Office, working from Mexico City. She is Mexican and holds a degree in International Relations from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. In the field of civil society organizations, Anayantzin has taken courses and workshops on topics such as management and administration, comprehensive security for human rights defenders, as well as finance. She has significant work experience in the private sector, in several areas (logistics, purchasing, finance, administration, technology and projects), as well as knowledge and achievements in management, executive and high-level positions in administration and finance.

Mariamalia Rodriguez is Costa Rican and an attorney with AIDA's Ecosystems Program, working from San José. She received her law degree from the University of Costa Rica, where she also completed a Master's degree in Environmental Law. She also holds a PhD in Law from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Mariamalia has significant experience working with environmental non-governmental organizations and as an independent consultant on various environmental issues. In addition, she is a member of the Group of Experts of the United Nations Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socio-economic Aspects (Regular Process) and of the Legal and Technical Committee of the International Seabed Authority.

Jessica Solórzano is Ecuadorian and collaborates with AIDA's Ecosystems Program as an economics specialist, working from Belem, Brazil. She graduated as a sociologist from the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador and holds two master's degrees, in Socio-environmental Studies (FLACSO Ecuador) and in Territorial Dynamics and Society of the Amazon (UNIFESSPA, Brazil). She also holds a PhD in Sustainable Development from the Federal University of Pará (Brazil). Jessica has significant work and academic experience in extractivism, rural economies and socio-environmental conflicts. She has worked with non-governmental organizations, local governments and with peasant, traditional and indigenous populations in processes of territorial management and social participation from the perspective of ecological economics and political ecology.

Claudia Velarde Ponce de León is a Bolivian attorney and Co-director of AIDA's Ecosystems Program. She works with AIDA from La Paz, Bolivia. Claudia has a Masters in Environmental Management from the Universidad de León in Spain, with a speciality in the management and conservation of natural areas. She has worked on public policy development, protected areas management, watershed management, climate change, food sovereignty, agroecology and environmental health.

Andrea Geraldine Vinatea Artola is Peruvian and an attorney with AIDA's Human Rights and Environment Program, working from Lima. She is a lawyer from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and a specialist in Environmental Law and Natural Resources from the same university. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Law from the University of La Rioja, Spain. Andrea Geraldine has significant experience in community accompaniment, consulting and strategic environmental litigation in the criminal and administrative areas. In addition, she uses advanced technological tools, such as drones and satellites, to support her work in evidence collection. She has collaborated with several non-governmental organizations in Peru and is a member of the Peru Sustainable Finance Hub of the Climate Finance Group for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Stephanie Weiss Müller is Bolivian and project coordinator for AIDA's Ecosystems Program, working from La Paz. She is an environmental engineer and holds two master's degrees: one in Environmental Security and Peace, with a specialization in Climate Change, from the UN University for Peace (UPEACE); and the other in Latin American Studies from the Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation (CEDLA). Stephanie has significant experience in coordination, follow-up, monitoring and implementation of programs and projects related to climate change and sustainability, in a wide range of public and development cooperation entities. Her research focuses on urban-rural dynamics and urban food landscapes.

Leonidas Wiener Ramos is Peruvian and an attorney with AIDA's Human Rights and Environment Program, working from Lima. He has a Law Degree and a Master's Degree in Political Science and Government, degrees obtained from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. He has significant experience working with communities and social organizations affected by extractive activities. He is the author of numerous publications, technical reports and opinion articles on the governance of extractive industries, environmental law, indigenous peoples' rights and responsible business conduct.

Eli Wilkins-Malloy is AIDA's Development Director, leading the organization’s fundraising strategy, and Head of the U.S. office. He works from Tallahassee, Florida. Eli holds a Master's in Public Administration with a specialization in nonprofit management from New York University. He brings significant experience in nonprofit operations, program management, and development to AIDA, having worked to support communities and organizations across the Americas for the protection of environmental, human, and indigenous rights.

Juan Francisco Zapata Hassi is a felloow attorney with AIDA's Climate Program, working from Concepción, Chile. He is a lawyer from the Universidad de Concepción and holds a Master's degree in International Environmental Law and Human Rights from the University of Kent, UK. Juan has experience as an environmental lawyer in Chile and is a researcher in environmental and climate law. He has been a visiting professional at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. 

Sara Zelaya is Honduran and Senior Advocacy Officer with AIDA’s Ecosystems Program, working from Tegucigalpa. She has a degree in biology from the National Autonomous University of Honduras. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Management of Water Systems from the University of Cantabria, Spain. Sara has significant experience in conservation and sustainable use of the environment and natural resources, with emphasis on the coastal marine sector, both in civil society organizations and in the public sector in Honduras. She is a former professor of environmental sciences and has expertise in the implementation of international agreements for the protection of marine ecosystems and their resources.