WINNER:
Gerardo Escudero Samara

With the Project:
Empower Natives

Empower Natives, founded by me as CEO, is a non-profit dedicated to uplifting Panama's indigenous communities through sustainable development. We've trained over 500 individuals in farming and business, resulting in 50 new businesses and a 30% increase in household incomes. Our renewable energy initiatives in 20 households reduced carbon emissions by 15%, and our climate change outreach engaged over 1,000 community members. By valuing indigenous knowledge, Empower Natives promotes economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainability.