Team 2024-2025

Clelia O. Rodríguez, PhD | Founder and Academic Director of SEEDS for Change

Global Scholar | Mom | Interdisciplinary Educator | Inquisitorial Seed
I have been innovating curriculums and conscious educational initiatives for over 25 years across the globe, the United States, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, Ghana, Nepal, Jordan, Chile, Bolivia, Kenya, Tanzania and El Salvador, my native land. I hold a Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Philosophy from the University of Toronto with an emphasis on Cultural and Literary Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning. I am committed to changing outmoded oppressive educational styles from ideation to implementation to bring about transformational ways of engaging grounded in ancestral ways of knowing and building communities beyond extractivism. To achieve this, I empower learners to boost their creativity integrating the use of practices in ancestral and modern technology as a path to real social impact. I am transforming dynamics of power by crafting and using leading-edge analytical tools beyond binary models. I am am an agile problem solver by questioning, envisioning and building new ways of finding sustaining solutions with the power of imagination and creativity. I am proud of my AfroIndigenous lineage and to have been born and raised in corn fields in Chicunhuexo. This is the greatest honor of my life. I am the author of Decolonizing Academia: Poverty, Oppression and Pain and leading author of Who Are You Without Colonialism?: Pedagogies of Liberation. Some of my published work can be found here >>>> https://utoronto.academia.edu/CleliaRodriguez
Email: clelia.rodriguez@utoronto.ca | educators@seedsforchange.ca
Website: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto

briana k. n. rodríguez (they/them) | Community & Culture (El Salvador) 

briana is a compassionate non-binary, Maya Ch’orti’ educator, thought partner, and scholar. Through the lens of a former secondary mathematics teacher, their research critically examines the philosophy of dominant mathematics and Maya mathematics in the U.S. and Central America, as well as asking, “What is the purpose of (mathematics) education?” They collaborate with community educators virtually and in the isthmus to co-create educational spaces for education towards self-determination and realizing Indigenous futurity. Additionally, they are a co-organizer for the Central American and Isthmian Writers’ Group. They earned a B.A. in Mathematics from UC Santa Cruz, an M.A. in Human Development and Psychology from UCLA, and is currently a PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh in Learning Sciences and Policy.
Email: briana.k.rodriguez@gmail.com

Carolina Luz Rodríguez | Coffee Maven & Beverage Innovator

Executive Director of Program Cultura Cafe
With 11 years immersed in the rich tapestry of coffee culture, Carolina Rodriguez isn't just a barista; she's a flavor connoisseur and national beverage leader. Carolina's journey began as a fervent coffee enthusiast, delving into the intricacies of taste and aroma. Over the past decade, she's refined her craft, specializing in the nuanced realm of specialty coffee for the last 5 years.
Beyond merely serving coffee, Carolina curates experiences that tantalize the palate and ignite the senses. Her dedication to flavor exploration and innovation has earned her recognition in local coffee competitions, where she showcases her expertise and artistry on the espresso stage.
Driven by a passion for sustainability, Carolina is committed to environmental stewardship in every aspect of her work. From sourcing beans ethically to reducing waste in her craft, she's a champion for eco-conscious practices in the coffee industry.
As a Coffee Specialist and Senior Analyst in Beverage Innovation for Tim Hortons Canada, Carolina's focus extends beyond flavor; she's a vocal advocate for indigeneity, honoring the rich cultural heritage of coffee-producing regions. Collaborating with indigenous communities, she seeks to celebrate their contributions to coffee cultivation while ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
Carolina's leadership extends to developing and leading beverages on a national level in Canada. Through her role at Tim Hortons Canada, she spearheads initiatives that shape the future of coffee culture across the country, setting standards for excellence and innovation in the beverage industry.
From perfecting the pour to promoting environmental sustainability and  indigeneity, Carolina is not just brewing coffee; she's crafting a symphony of flavors, rooted in respect for the planet and its people.
Email: culturacafe.es@gmail.com 
IG: @culturacafetours

Roxana Damas (she/her) | Politics, Women & Society (United States/El Salvador) 

Roxana Damas, Founder of Diversity (Resources + Development) Global consulting firm, was selected as a 2017 U.N. Empower Women Champion for Change and a board member of the U.N. Association East Bay; many national and international organizations recognize her for her work in diversity consulting and social change strategies, advocacy, and coaching skills. At the core and beginning of her career, Roxana is a true performer, singer-songwriter, and overall entertainer at heart. She is a public speaker, author, and an advocate for human rights, and as such, has founded the nonprofit Alquimia Global, which kicked off the Human Rights Taskforce for Children and Refugees in Detention and advocacy support to the Universal Periodic Review for the U.N. Human Rights Council.

In addition, Roxana has years of commitment to the betterment of small businesses and nonprofits, corporate social responsibility, economic empowerment, bridging the digital divide, language access, violence prevention, and community engagement. She holds an MBA from Roxana holds an MBA with an emphasis in Trans-Global Social Sustainable Business from Saint Mary’s College of California, a Bachelor’s Degree in Women & Gender Studies with a minor in Globalization Studies (specializing in trade, fashion, communications, policy, and populations exposed to violence and war) from the University of California, Davis. She is a San Francisco native who was also raised in El Salvador. Learn more about her project designed in support of U.N. Empower Women at www.weegloballive.com
Music Page: www.roxanadamas.com
Human Rights & Global Change Makers Work: www.alquimiaglobal.org
Diversity & Corporate Social Responsibility Consulting: www.diversityrd.com

Kealin Williams | Community Organizer & Operations Management 

Kealin Williams is a dynamic force in the world of community organizing, advocacy, and operations management. With a passion for social change and a knack for bringing people together, she has dedicated her career to making a difference in her community.
As a seasoned community organizer, Kealin has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized groups and amplifying their voices. Her tireless advocacy work has led to improved access to resources for underserved communities.
In addition to her work as a community organizer and advocate, Kealin is also a skilled operations expert and human resources professional. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for strategic planning, she excels at streamlining processes, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring organizational success.
Kealin's expertise extends to facilitation, where she skillfully guides groups through discussions and decision-making processes. Her inclusive approach fosters collaboration and empowers individuals to contribute their unique perspectives to achieve common goals.
Driven by a commitment to social justice and equity, Kealin is a true champion for positive change in her community and beyond.
Email: Kealinfwilliams@gmail.com