Wayra Espinoza

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Wayra Espinoza is the CEO of Pachamama Universal. From childhood, she was inclined to the environment and in 2000 she became Madidi’s National Park "girl". She is passionate about trekking, which is how she knows so many places in Bolivia like “Toro Toro” National Park, “El Palmar” Natural Area, Sajama National Park, among others. Knowing her own country makes her feel fulfilled.

What position do you hold at Pachamama Universal and why do you like working there?

I’m the CEO of Pachamama Universal. I do volunteer coordination and management. I enjoy it because we change the vision people have of farming, you don’t have to be an expert, from having a little garden at home, it’s a change that counts and it’s great! I have the opportunity to know people from many countries that contribute with different ideas, which makes me feel motivated to continue and improve every day. Working in a place that you know you’re helping your country, other people and yourself; that feels awesome!

Do your volunteers require certain qualifications or go through a training process?

Is not necessary to have any specific skills, working with plants is easy and relaxing. Here you’ll learn the basics for cultivating. Everything depends on the season in which the volunteer decides to come. The most important thing is to have the motivation to learn and enjoy!

What is one thing you would tell any future volunteer?

The most important and perhaps most difficult thing is to take “the step.” But try it, do it, and live it! From that moment everything is going to change, that’s for sure, not only one’s life but the people you are going to meet. Without you noticing, the mere fact that you made the decision will inspire others. There is nothing more fulfilling than to travel to another country to help and develop yourself in the process. Why not say “YES”?

What does the future hold for Pachamama - any exciting new programs to share?

We hope to achieve the creation of a museum of medicinal plants from Bolivia and other countries. We want to socialize with people (Bolivians and foreigners) a little more about natural medicine that was once so common.