Dr. Jessica

Dr. Jessica is a globally recognized Indigenous scientist, climate justice leader, and best-selling author whose groundbreaking work is redefining environmentalism through an Indigenous lens. A proud Binnizá (Zapotec) and Maya Ch’orti’ scholar, she bridges Indigenous science, traditional ecological knowledge, and Western environmental frameworks to confront the most urgent ecological crises of our time. Rooted in the Pacific Northwest, her work uplifts the resilience and ancestral wisdom of Indigenous communities across the Americas, showing that healing the planet begins with restoring balance, reciprocity, and relationship.

She is the founder and director of Earth Daughters, a transnational Indigenous-led nonprofit that mobilizes climate crisis response, cultivates grassroots leadership, and uplifts the voices of Indigenous women and youth. Under her leadership, Earth Daughters has supported over 50 communities through mutual aid, climate education, and advocacy rooted in Indigenous knowledge and gender justice. Dr. Jessica also serves as a Senior Consultant at G3I Enterprises, an equity-driven firm that bridges Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge research, engineering, and technology to transform sustainability and STEM education.

Dr. Jessica is the acclaimed author of Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science, an award-winning, best-selling book that has shaped global discussions on decolonizing environmentalism. Her forthcoming book, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots during Climate Displacement (November 2025), explores the intersections of climate migration, colonialism, and Indigenous resilience in an era of forced displacement.

She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental and Forest Sciences and dual Master’s degrees in Marine Affairs and Environmental Science from the University of Washington. Her leadership and impact have earned her recognition from Forbes, which named her among the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Central America. Her work has been featured by NPR, Vox, Teen Vogue, Latino USA, Science Friday, and UN News, among others.

Guided by ancestral teachings and a deep commitment to justice, Dr. Jessica continues to bridge worlds—Indigenous and Western, scientific and spiritual—to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.