Our history
At Fundación Mayu Suyana, we are a multidisciplinary and intergenerational team committed to making science and technology more inclusive, accessible, and participatory.
Our name means “river of hope” in Quechua — a symbol of our mission to connect people, knowledge, and nature through flowing, open collaboration.
We work at the intersection of biodiversity research, community empowerment, and artistic expression, with a special focus on insects and arthropods as vital yet often overlooked pillars of life on Earth. Through education, advocacy, and data mobilization, we strive to strengthen the capacity of individuals and institutions across Latin America to engage in biodiversity conservation.
Whether organizing international conferences like ICO2025, bringing environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies to remote regions, or celebrating insect life through art in the Festival ARTropodo, our work is rooted in equity, creativity, and scientific rigor.
Leadership
Fundación Mayu Suyana was founded by three visionary women who bring together expertise in science, law, data, and education. Their combined leadership reflects a commitment to equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the transformative power of biodiversity knowledge.
Each brings a unique perspective and professional legacy, shaping the foundation into a dynamic force for inclusive science and conservation across Latin America.
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Melissa Sánchez Herrera, PhD
Co-founder and Executive Director
Melissa is an insect systematist and conservation biologist with a PhD in Biology from Rutgers University and both MSc and BSc degrees in Biological Sciences from Universidad de los Andes. She is a global leader in participatory science and scientific equity, and the President-elect of the World Dragonfly Association (2025–2027). Melissa coordinates international collaborations on biodiversity data mobilization, environmental DNA (eDNA), and inclusive technology access.
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Mayra Sáenz Oviedo, MSc
Co-founder and Technical Data Advisor
Mayra is a biologist with a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from Universidad de los Andes and a Master’s in Biostatistics from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. She is a university lecturer and expert in ecological data analysis, environmental monitoring, and sustainability education. Her work bridges scientific rigor with community capacity building.
Dr. Amparo Oviedo Pinto
Co-founder and Legal Advisor
Amparo is a retired magistrate of the Administrative Court of Cundinamarca (2025) and a recipient of Colombia’s highest judicial distinction, the José Ignacio de Márquez Medal for judicial merit. She holds a law degree from Universidad de Nariño and is a nationally respected expert in environmental law and social justice. Her legal insight ensures the foundation’s actions are grounded in ethics, rights, and environmental responsibility.