Meet Our Team

Adrián Cueva, although not born in the Galápagos Islands, has lived in this fascinating archipelago, known as the Enchanted Islands, for most of his life. This experience has allowed him to deeply engage in various conservation activities in the island environment. From a very young age, his parents instilled in him a profound love and respect for nature, enabling him to appreciate the true value of this unique and diverse place.

His passion for conservation began after finishing high school in the islands when he volunteered at the National Park nursery. There, he gained extensive knowledge about endemic plants. Subsequently, he worked at the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), restoring endemic gardens, which allowed him to delve into the vast plant world of the islands. Later, he served as a phytosanitary technician at the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG), where he learned about the biosecurity threats facing the delicate and complex ecosystems of the islands.

In 2021, he was offered the opportunity to work as a field assistant in the Pink Iguana project, a species he had encountered years earlier while working for the CDF. This opportunity allowed him to further contribute to the conservation and restoration of the islands. With the goal of continuing his academic preparation, he obtained a technical degree in Environmental Protection.

Since 2022, he has worked as a field assistant for Conservando Galápagos, supporting the organization’s main projects such as the Galápagos Initiative. This work involves collaborating with key island species such as giant tortoises, land iguanas, and waved albatrosses. Additionally, he investigates and collects crucial information about plants and their role in the ecosystems, which is vital for the organization’s expeditions.

Adrián is deeply excited to be part of an organization dedicated to conservation and environmental education. This experience represents a great opportunity to contribute to the protection and preservation of the Galápagos for future generations.

James P. Gibbs has been involved in research in the Galápagos Islands since 1981, living and measuring finches for many months on Daphne Island and then again for many more on Genovesa Island. Some 70 trips to Galápagos later, James now serves as Vice President of Science and Conservation of Galápagos Conservancy and helps oversee the Iniciativa Galápagos — Galápagos Conservancy’s program focused on wildlife restoration. He has proudly served as “Wise Sage” with the Prometeo Program of the National Secretariat of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of Ecuador (2012-2014). In addition to work in Galápagos he has worked extensively on conservation projects in many other parts of the world including Tanzania (endangered amphibians), Russia (snow leopards and argali), and Brazil (river turtles). He remains a Distinguished Professor at the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse.

Alexa Goldstein joined Galápagos Conservancy in September 2022. After having a varied career path in the arts and communications, she decided to switch careers to the non-profit sector to contribute to the conservation of Galápagos and the natural world. She hopes to raise awareness about socio-cultural and environmental issues through visual storytelling and social media. Alexa holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Fordham University and a master’s degree in Creative Business Leadership from Savannah College of Arts and Design. Her passion for nature and storytelling weave together seamlessly to push Galápagos Conservancy’s mission forward.

Roberto Jiménez’s dedication to the conservation of the Galápagos Islands has been a defining part of his career. His journey began at the Charles Darwin Foundation, where he spent four years as a field assistant. During this time, he played a key role in studying and protecting the archipelago’s extraordinary biodiversity through scientific research and conservation projects.
Roberto then moved to the Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), where he has spent over 20 years contributing to the management and protection of this unique environment. At the DPNG, Roberto has been instrumental in implementing conservation policies, monitoring ecosystems, and addressing environmental threats, all while working to mitigate the impacts of human activities and climate change.
Now, Roberto brings his extensive experience to Galápagos Conservancy. His ongoing commitment to the preservation of Galápagos reflects his deep passion for this irreplaceable natural treasure. As part of Galápagos Conservancy, Roberto continues to advance efforts to ensure that the Galápagos remains a vibrant and thriving sanctuary for future generations.

Originally from the Galápagos Islands, Carolina Loyola began volunteering in local conservation projects at age 18. She received a scholarship from the Charles Darwin Foundation and completed her undergraduate thesis on seabirds. She holds a degree in Biology with a focus on Ecology and Environmental Management from the University of Azuay.

Since 2019, Carolina has been actively involved in terrestrial bird research, including work as a field assistant. In February 2023, she joined the University of Arizona’s project on emerging diseases in Galápagos birds, serving as a junior researcher and local project coordinator.

Carolina recently led her first scientific publication as the primary author, in collaboration with the University of Arizona and the Charles Darwin Foundation. The study documented the first confirmed presence of microfilaria in Galápagos land birds—specifically in Galápagos mockingbirds and Darwin’s finches—marking a significant milestone for avian health research in the archipelago.

Hugo Mogollón serves as CEO and President of Galápagos Conservancy, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, environmental conservation, and food systems innovation.

In the United States, Hugo has spent the past decade transforming local food systems by building regional coalitions and implementing innovative solutions to systemic challenges. His work strengthens sustainable agriculture, fosters resilience, stimulates economic development, and improves food access, all while empowering underserved communities.

Earlier in his career, Hugo led conservation efforts in Ecuador as Executive Director of Finding Species, where he forged multi-sector partnerships to advance critical conservation policies and protect biodiversity. He holds an Executive Master of Natural Resources from Virginia Tech, specializing in Leadership for Sustainability and Collective Impact.

Passionate about environmental stewardship, Hugo now leads efforts to protect the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands while advancing Galápagos Conservancy’s mission to ensure the long-term preservation of this extraordinary archipelago.

Jess Proctor joined Galápagos Conservancy in 2024. As a conservation scientist, she has always deeply admired the Galápagos Islands and is excited to be a part of the Galápagos Conservancy team. Jess completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Conservation Biology at the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. While she was formally trained as a research scientist, she is passionate about science communication and strives to build connections for effective collaborative conservation. Previously, Jess worked with landowners to restore private properties and taught herpetology courses in the Adirondacks. In addition to working with the Galápagos Conservancy, Jess is a licensed Wildlife Rehabber in New York State and volunteers at a local animal rescue. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and wildlife photography as well as spending time with her small “collection” of rescue animals.

Luis Sánchez is a young Galapagos biologist passionate about conservation and teamwork. Since the beginning of his academic training, he has been actively involved in wildlife research focused on the study and protection of biodiversity. He led a pioneering research project on fungal diversity in the Galapagos, funded by the Galapagos Conservancy, to obtain his postgraduate degree.

Committed to science, education, and sustainability, he seeks to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of the islands where he was born.

Van-Ha Tran Nguyen joined Galápagos Conservancy in June 2025 as the Philanthropy Operations Officer based in Washington, D.C. She supports the daily functioning of donor operations, data management, and gift processing systems. Van-Ha holds a degree in Computer Science in Virginia Tech and brings a unique blend of technical skills and heart for community impact. She enjoys doing volunteer work in community engagement where she supported nature conservation and educational outreach. She has contributed to public health and data-driven research and is passionate about using technology to advance mission-driven work. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exploring new cuisines, and supporting causes that uplift underrepresented voices.

Janaí Yépez Ruiz, a young Galapageño, has completed his primary and secondary education in the Galapagos Islands. His passion for conservation and deep commitment to environmental stewardship have led him to distinguish himself as a volunteer in various projects, particularly since the age of 14. Notably, he has collaborated with several non-governmental organizations that specialize in the conservation of local flora and fauna. His love for his environment and his dedication to actively contribute to its conservation have resulted in significant contributions. Every task he undertakes is carried out with efficiency and responsibility, making a tangible difference to conservation efforts in the Galápagos.