Dr. Jessica Hernandez
(Binnizá/Zapotec & Maya Ch'orti’)
Dr. Jessica Hernandez is a globally recognized Indigenous scientist, climate justice leader, and best-selling author redefining environmentalism through an Indigenous lens. One of the most sought-after voices on climate justice, Indigenous science, and decolonizing environmentalism, she brings a rare combination to every stage: rigorous scientific expertise, lived Indigenous knowledge, and storytelling that moves audiences to act. She has keynoted international conferences, universities, and organizations advancing climate and conservation solutions worldwide.
As Founder and Director of Indigenous Science & Research at Earth Daughters, she leads global research initiatives that center Indigenous knowledge systems to shape policy, power advocacy, and advance climate justice and ecological sustainability.
Her best-selling, award-winning debut, Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science (2022), brought Indigenous science to the forefront of global environmentalism and continues to shape policy, academia, and activism. Her follow-up, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots During Climate Displacement (2025), confronts the colonial roots of climate migration and offers a powerful vision of Indigenous resilience. Her insights have reached millions through NPR, Vox, Teen Vogue, Latino USA, Science Friday, Vogue Business, and UN News, and Forbes named her one of the "100 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Central America."
Dr. Hernandez holds a Ph.D. in Environmental and Forest Sciences, a Master of Marine Affairs, and a Master of Science in Environmental and Forest Sciences from the University of Washington.
(Binnizá/Zapotec & Maya Ch'orti’)
Dr. Jessica Hernandez is a globally recognized Indigenous scientist, climate justice leader, and best-selling author redefining environmentalism through an Indigenous lens. One of the most sought-after voices on climate justice, Indigenous science, and decolonizing environmentalism, she brings a rare combination to every stage: rigorous scientific expertise, lived Indigenous knowledge, and storytelling that moves audiences to act. She has keynoted international conferences, universities, and organizations advancing climate and conservation solutions worldwide.
As Founder and Director of Indigenous Science & Research at Earth Daughters, she leads global research initiatives that center Indigenous knowledge systems to shape policy, power advocacy, and advance climate justice and ecological sustainability.
Her best-selling, award-winning debut, Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science (2022), brought Indigenous science to the forefront of global environmentalism and continues to shape policy, academia, and activism. Her follow-up, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots During Climate Displacement (2025), confronts the colonial roots of climate migration and offers a powerful vision of Indigenous resilience. Her insights have reached millions through NPR, Vox, Teen Vogue, Latino USA, Science Friday, Vogue Business, and UN News, and Forbes named her one of the "100 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Central America."
Dr. Hernandez holds a Ph.D. in Environmental and Forest Sciences, a Master of Marine Affairs, and a Master of Science in Environmental and Forest Sciences from the University of Washington.
Books by Dr. Jessica Hernandez
Fresh Banana Leaves
Jessica Hernandez introduces Indigenous environmental knowledge and proposes a vision of land stewardship that heals rather than displaces. Through stories of Indigenous Latin American women and land protectors, she redefines conservation and challenges eco-colonialism.
Growing Papaya Trees
In her highly anticipated follow-up, Dr. Hernandez weaves together Indigenous knowledge, environmental science, and family stories to explore the colonial roots of climate catastrophe—and offers an Indigenous, Global South vision for restoration and resilience.
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