Meet the team

Jai Jind

Founder and Strategic Director

 Background: Jai Jind is a seasoned Canadian entrepreneur with an extensive track record in business and humanitarian initiatives across North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean and Asia. He oversees the JIND Family Foundation, directing philanthropic efforts to maximize impact in communities in need. With a background in communications and theological studies from Oral Roberts University, Jai combines strategic acumen with a commitment to ethical leadership. As the owner of Planta Minera La Valerosa SAC, a gold processing plant in Peru, he has developed essential local relationships and a deep understanding of the regional economic landscape, which equips him to effectively lead Amamericana's initiatives.

 Role: Jai is responsible for Amamericana's strategic vision, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with its mission to support Venezuelan migrants and other refugees. His experience in business and social impact guides the development, implementation, and sustainable expansion of Amamericana's work to address the urgent needs of migrant communities.

Mario Estrada Rosa

Technical Advisor, Blockchain and AI Integration

 Background: With over 30 years of experience in technology, Mario Estrada Rosa is a computer science expert and certified professional in blockchain and artificial intelligence. Mario has extensive experience working with government and financial institutions, applying technology to optimize operations and improve accountability. His specialized knowledge in blockchain and AI makes him a fundamental asset to Amamericana's mission, particularly in the design of transparent and adaptive systems for resource management.

 Role: Mario oversees the integration of advanced technologies, including blockchain for transparent fund tracking and AI-powered tools for predictive resource allocation. His technical guidance ensures that Amamericana's technology solutions are secure, efficient, and aligned with the organization's long-term goals of transparency and accountability.

Tassos Lycurgo

Community and Cultural Engagement Consultant

 Background: Tassos Lycurgo is a distinguished Brazilian academic and public intellectual, known for his expertise in philosophy and political science, with advanced degrees in education, philosophy, and law. A full professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, he has also taught in the United States and Guatemala, strengthening his international reputation. His career includes serving as Director of National Heritage in Brazil, where he led initiatives in cultural preservation, public education, and cultural diplomacy. A champion of intellectual diversity and academic freedom, Tassos is recognized for his critique of ideological restrictions and his contributions to political and cultural discourse. His extensive work in cultural and community outreach has provided him with valuable insights for fostering understanding between migrants and local communities.

 Role: As a community and cultural engagement consultant, Tassos ensures that Amamericana's approach respects cultural dynamics and effectively promotes collaboration and mutual understanding between migrants and local residents.

Azaria Girma

Field Coordinator, Operations in Peru

 Background: Azaria Girma is an American missionary with over 20 years of experience in Peru, known for his dedication to supporting vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees. His extensive ministry work addresses the needs of at-risk children and victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and organ trafficking by promoting education and feeding programs. These initiatives seek to keep families out of poverty and despair, factors that contribute to these problems. Azaria also works closely with local municipalities to help homeless individuals get off the streets and into sustainable situations, offering shelter and support for micro-enterprise creation. He has served and taught in several countries, including Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Ethiopia, which has broadened his experience and strengthened his commitment to community development.

 Role: Azaria oversees logistics, community relations, and service implementation in the pilot region. Her responsibilities include managing daily operations, coordinating resources, and ensuring that Amamericana's programs effectively respond to the needs of migrants, the local community, and other vulnerable groups.

James Pang

Board of directors

 Background: James holds a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant with professional certifications in both Canada and the United States. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the "Big 4" accounting firms globally, specializing in corporate tax structuring and working in their Toronto and London offices.

With extensive experience in business consulting and project management, James has led initiatives of diverse scale—from startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations—across multiple industries, including telecommunications, mining, renewable energy, fire safety, design and printing, media, hospitality, and industrial and commercial real estate development. His work has taken him to numerous countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Peru, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. James is fluent in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese.

 Role: As a Director of Amamericana's Board, James oversees the organization's administrative and financial governance, ensuring compliance with best practices in accountability, transparency, and ethical management. He is committed to maintaining stakeholder trust and ensuring that all initiatives, projects, and funds align with the organization's mission and the highest ethical standards.

Maria Teresa Belandria

Ambassador, Geopolitical Strategist and Advocate for Venezuelan Refugees

Background:

María Teresa Belandria Expósito is a prominent diplomat, geopolitical strategist, and former Venezuelan ambassador to Brazil, specializing in public international law, human rights, and international relations. With more than 30 years of experience in security, foreign policy, and strategic analysis, she has worked on the protection of migrants and refugees, developing care protocols in collaboration with organizations such as UNHCR, IOM, and UNICEF.

She is a professor at the Peruvian Diplomatic Academy Foundation and other prestigious institutions, where she contributes her expertise in migration and international cooperation. Her experience in the financial sector and as a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank and CAF contributes to the viability of support and training programs.

Role:

As an ambassador and refugee advocate, María Teresa brings to Amamericana the experience and leadership necessary to ensure that migrants and refugees receive the support and opportunities to rebuild their lives in dignity and safety. Her role at Amamericana strengthens the project's capacity to facilitate the integration of refugees in their host countries, ensuring the implementation of practical and sustainable solutions. Furthermore, her experience in diplomacy and regional analysis allows her to establish strategic partnerships with governments and international organizations, ensuring the positive impact and sustainability of the organization's initiatives.