Dr. Ameyali Ramos joins Rainforest Trust as Director of Latin America Conservation, bringing over two decades of conservation leadership—from strengthening grassroots Territories of Life and navigating complex governance and rights challenges, to negotiating global biodiversity agreements under the Convention on Biological Diversity. She combines deep expertise in conservation, fire ecology, and innovative philanthropic engagement with a people-centered, out-of-the-box approach to today’s conservation challenges.

Drawing on her governance and rights background, Ameyali will work closely with local partners, allies, and the team to navigate the region’s complex and ever-changing policy landscape, engage funders in reimagining philanthropy that empowers communities, and advance Rainforest Trust’s strategic vision.

Ameyali holds a PhD and MSc in Environmental Policy from Oxford University and a BA in Cultural Anthropology and Environmental Geography from the University of British Columbia. Ameyali is a dual resident of Maryland in the United States and of Chiapas in the Mayan highlands of Mexico.