Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Binnizá & Maya Ch'orti') is an Indigenous scholar, scientist, and community advocate based in the Pacific Northwest. She focuses on integrating Indigenous science and traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific research, leveraging her scientific expertise to promote Indigenous rights. Previously, she advocated for Indigenous land rights and tenure in Eastern and West Africa. Currently, she is working on policy and advocacy projects that impact the health and well-being of urban American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people.
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She is the founder of Earth Daughters an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization that supports transnational Indigenous women and youth through mutual aid and climate justice initiatives. ​

Hernandez is the best-selling author of the award-winning book "Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science," and she is currently writing "Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots during Climate Displacement." Forbes recognized Hernandez as one of the 100 most powerful and influential women in Central America.​ 
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EDUCATION

• Bachelor's in Marine Science, University of California, Berkeley
• Bachelor's of Arts in Italian Studies, University of California, Berkeley 
• Masters of Science in Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington 
• Masters of Marine Affairs, University of Washington 
• Ph.D. in Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington 

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Here, Jessica Hernandez–Maya Ch’orti’ and Zapotec environmental scientist and founder of environmental agency Piña Soul–introduces and contextualizes Indigenous environmental knowledge and proposes a vision of land stewardship that heals rather than displaces, that generates rather than destroys. She breaks down the failures of western-defined conservatism and shares alternatives, citing the restoration work of urban Indigenous people in Seattle; her family’s fight against ecoterrorism in Latin America; and holistic land management approaches of Indigenous groups across the continent.  

​Through case studies, historical overviews, and stories that center the voices and lived experiences of Indigenous Latin American women and land protectors, Hernandez makes the case that if we’re to recover the health of our planet–for everyone–we need to stop the eco-colonialism ravaging Indigenous lands and restore our relationship with Earth to one of harmony and respect.  ​
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