My first memory of wanting to work with Indigenous peoples of the Andes is as a little girl of about 5 years old. I had a yearning in my heart that I didn’t understand, but I knew I would one day follow. This yearning led me to Shamanic training developed by Michael Harner, and ultimately, teachers trained by the Four Winds Society.  

Throughout my journey, I realized my heartfelt yearning was the call of my Andean ancestors, the Pijaos of Colombia. This call eventually led me to Dona Asunta Quispe, the daughter of the Last Inca, Don Manuel Quispe. Dona Asunta’s unexpected death in October 2019, connected me to her family; and most closely, to her middle son, Ruben Apaza.  

My connection with Ruben gifted me the opportunity to get an immersive experience with the Q’ero, the Last Living Descendants of the Inca. My immersion brought to light why my ancestors called and eventually led me to the high Andes.   

Everywhere on our planet, we are losing Indigenous peoples’ wisdom. As modern civilizations continue to develop without conscience, the resulting climate changes and impacts on Earth’s resources are affecting all humanity in negative ways, especially the most vulnerable, like the Q’ero.   

During my doctoral studies in civil, environmental, and sustainable engineering, I realized a key to mitigating adverse impacts of climate change is the integration of Indigenous wisdom into modern science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). This concept manifested as the nonprofit, Whole Earth Engineering, Inc. (WEE Inc.).

I established Whole Earth Engineering, Inc. in late 2018, with the vision of working with Earth-based peoples around the world — documenting and transforming their timeless wisdom into infrastructure, educational, and economic opportunities — for the benefit of all humanity.  

Given the profound wisdom of the Q’ero has brought hope and healing to multitudes of people…I am grateful they are the first people with which WEE Inc. works.  

The only thing needed for WEE Inc. to realize its vision is you. So, I invite you to Come With Me…to the Heart-Land of the Q’ero.   

Thank you.