Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Binnizá & Maya Ch'orti') is an Indigenous scholar, scientist, and community advocate based in the Pacific Northwest. Her academic background ranges from marine sciences to environmental physics. She advocates for climate justice and land rights through her scientific and community work.
She is the author of the award-winning book Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science. She is currently working on her second book, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots of Climate Displacement & Justice. Forbes has named Hernandez one of the 100 most powerful & influential women in Central America.