Carolina is a professional whose childhood unfolded in the Galápagos Islands, where she became involved in conservation projects from an early age. The uniqueness and beauty of the Galápagos have always been a constant source of inspiration for her.
She earned her degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil, providing a solid foundation for her career. This academic background is complemented by her experience and dedication to the sustainable development of the Galápagos.
Her professional journey began at the Charles Darwin Foundation, where she worked in the operations department. During her time there, she contributed to research projects focused on the conservation of species and ecosystems in the Galápagos. Additionally, Carolina has worked as an independent consultant on environmental and productive issues, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges and specific needs of the region.
Her passion for innovation and commitment to the long-term well-being of the Galápagos are reflected in her role as an Executive Assistant at the Galapagos Life Fund.
Tannia MasaquizaTannia holds a degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Galápagos campus, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Newman Graduate School in Peru.
Her professional journey began at the Futuro y Progreso de Galápagos Credit and Savings Cooperative (FUPROGAL), where she served as Accounting Assistant for seven years and later as Head of Cash and Deposits for one year. During her time at FUPROGAL, she applied her expertise across various areas, contributing to the continuous improvement of the cooperative’s processes and services. She also worked at the Galápagos CITTEG Express Transport Cooperative, performing secretarial, operational, and organizational roles.
Throughout her career, Tannia has developed the knowledge and skills to adapt to diverse professional demands, making her a versatile and reliable team member.
Verónica SantamaríaVerónica Santamaría is a professional with over 15 years of experience in sustainable tourism management, public use management in protected areas, and community development in the Galápagos Islands. Throughout her career, she has led the design, implementation, and monitoring of environmental and social projects, as well as public policy processes. She has worked as a consultant for various national and international organizations, supporting initiatives focused on marine conservation, strengthening local capacities, and fostering collaboration between productive and conservation sectors. During her tenure in the Public Use Unit at the Galápagos National Park Directorate, she led the planning, regulation, and management of tourism use in both terrestrial and marine protected areas. Her work included the implementation of the Visitor Management System (SIMAVIS) and strengthening relationships between the Park and local stakeholders. Her contributions helped improve the visitor experience, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote a vision of responsible tourism aligned with the conservation of Galápagos’ natural heritage. Verónica holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility from EOI Business School. She has further strengthened her expertise through specialized programs such as the Women Leaders in Conservation course, the Social Aspects of Marine Protected Areas course at Colorado State University, and training in social and environmental safeguards. These experiences have reinforced her focus on inclusive leadership, gender equity, and participatory governance, as well as the application of safeguard standards in conservation projects—key pillars that guide her current work in the field.