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Iquitos Gathering

HOW WE WORK

Member & Leadership

Instituto Perucano, a member-based nonprofit association in Peru, partners with Diffusion Global Inc., a U.S. 501(c)(3) organization, to strengthen international collaboration and scale the impact of its member-led initiatives.

Encuentro Perucano

Executive board & Leadership 

At Instituto Perucano, everyone begins their journey as a volunteer—contributing their time, talents, and ideas to support our mission. Those who wish to take their involvement further may join as official members, unlocking the opportunity to actively shape our work and grow as leaders.

Meet the People Behind the Work


Below, you’ll find more about our Executive Leadership, International Advisors, and active members throughout Latin America who are driving this mission forward.

The Executive Board represents the core leadership of Instituto Perucano (RUC: 20605204318), serving as its legal and strategic governing body.


Board members commit their time, expertise, and resources to advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring the successful development of current initiatives and future partnerships.

headshot (James Sarria)

President, Founder

Luis Veintemilla photo (foto)

 Vice President

MARIA

Director, Projects & Proposals

IMG_3097 - Hillary Cardama

Secretary, Founding Member

Perucano Members

Membership at Instituto Perucano is a meaningful opportunity for dedicated leaders, professionals, and change-makers committed to advancing social impact in Peru.

Members contribute to the mission through mentorship, research, advocacy, and the co-creation of programs that drive measurable outcomes. By cultivating a dynamic network of experts, practitioners, and alumni, members play a vital role in shaping sustainable solutions and strengthening community-led initiatives across the country.

Maria Luisa Gonzales Vega(Headshot)

Member, Honduras

Luis Mejia (photo)

Member, Venezuela

Mary Cris Mayhua

Member, Peru

International Advisory Board

International Advisors at Instituto Perucano are distinguished honorary members who generously volunteer their expertise in support of our mission.


Recognized leaders in their respective fields, they serve as trusted consultants, mentors, and collaborators—offering strategic guidance, sharing insights, and contributing to active projects. Their engagement strengthens our initiatives and helps extend our impact across borders, fostering deeper global connections and advancing our vision for sustainable development in Peru.

Amet (wecompress.com)

FORESTER
TROPICAL FOREST MANAGEMENT

Claudia Ochoa

LAWYER
ENVIRONMENT LAW & MANAGEMENT

Luis Alex

AGRONOMIST
FARMER & ENTREPRENEUR

Perucano Fellowship Program

Empowering the next generation of Peruvian changemakers

The Perucano Fellowship is a year-long, transformative program launched in 2020 with support from the U.S. Embassy in Peru. Designed and led by Instituto Perucano, the fellowship equips emerging leaders with the skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience needed to create lasting social impact across Peru.

Fellows participate in an intensive learning journey focused on leadership development, social innovation, and project-based collaboration. Along the way, they gain access to a network of professionals, advisors, and peers dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Upon successful completion, select graduates may be invited to become official members of Instituto Perucano, joining a growing community committed to long-term collaboration and sustainable change.

Meet Our Current Fellows 2024/2025

Below, you’ll find profiles of our current fellows—emerging leaders working across fields such as education, agriculture, conservation, public health, and more—each bringing unique talents and vision to the future of Peru.

HONDURAS

Center for Human DevelopmenT

The Center for Human Development (CHD) represents the Honduras team of Diffusion Global, a partner organization for Instituto Perucano, working locally to create lasting, community-driven impact. Based in Honduras and supported through Diffusion Global’s 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship, CHD leads initiatives that advance human development through education, health, agriculture, and local leadership.

Our Honduras team brings deep local knowledge, dedication, and a collaborative spirit to every project—empowering communities to create sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. Their work embodies the heart of Diffusion Global’s mission: to support grassroots innovation and amplify voices from the ground up.

Meet the dedicated leaders behind CHD:

Otoniel Mancia (Headshot)

Assistant Director

Maria Luisa Gonzales Vega(Headshot)

Director

Bertilio Mancia (Headshot)

Bertilio Mancia

Secretary

Jaime Joel Martinez Ponce (headshot)

Jaime Joel Martinez Ponce

Communications

Angel Rimay Mancia (headshot)

Angel Rimay Mancia

Social Media & Artist-in-Residence

At Instituto Perucano, our strength lies in our people. From staff and members
to partners and advisors, our collective commitment fuels the work we do
and the impact we strive to create—together.

Instituto Perucano

Instituto Perucano is a registered nonprofit association in Peru dedicated to advancing professional development for emerging Peruvian leaders. We invite the international community to join us in building pathways of opportunity, sharing social capital, and strengthening communities through social and environmental action.

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© 2025 by Perucano Institute. 

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