Tamia Gualan is from the Ecuadorian Amazon, and her childhood was marked by a deep connection with nature and active participation in environmental protection. Through her training in agronomy, she found the opportunity to combine her passion for natural sciences with her desire to work with people, especially in rural communities.
Her Roots in the Amazon and Academic Training
Tamia identifies herself as an Amazonian at heart. She is a Kichwa Saraguro woman, born and raised in the Ecuadorian Amazon, thus blending her highland roots with her Amazonian identity.
"Since I was a child, I felt a deep connection with the land and nature," Tami recalls.
She grew up amidst the lush jungle and highland communities, shaping her worldview and her desire to care for the environment.
The migration of her family from the Saraguro canton in the Andean highlands of Ecuador to Yacuambi, a canton in the Amazon region, specifically in the province of Zamora Chinchipe, added depth to her identity. This migratory heritage has caused some confusion about her identity, as many people assume that all Kichwa Saraguros belong solely to the highlands. Tamia clarifies that there is a large Saraguro population in Zamora Chinchipe, spread across several cantons, and she proudly identifies as a Zamorana Chinchipense from Yacuambi.
The Saraguros are known for their rich indigenous culture and ancestral traditions, situated in the Ecuadorian Andes. In contrast, Yacuambi is located in the Amazon region, characterized by its biodiversity and the influence of various Amazonian indigenous cultures. This geographical and cultural duality enriches the identity of those, like Tamia, who live between these two regions.
Tamia’s journey towards education was not easy. To reach her primary school, the Fernando Daquilema School, located in the community of El Salado, in the parish of 28 de Mayo of the Yacuambi canton, characterized by its community focus and natural Amazonian environment, Tamia, like all the children in her community, had to walk for an hour through the jungle.
Tamia faced the absence of a secondary school in her community. Therefore, she had to migrate to the urban center, specifically to the cantonal capital of Zamora, where she studied at Daniel Chalán High School for three years. This school, situated in an urban environment, offered a wider range of educational resources.
However, due to the limited academic offerings, after completing the third year of secondary school, she was forced to change institutions again to continue her high school education. This time, she attended Alonso de Mercadillo High School in Yacuambi. This school, although also located in a rural setting, strives to provide quality education, focusing on the specific needs of its students. These constant changes of school during her last three years of high school were a challenge that Tamia faced with determination and perseverance.
In this stage of her life, Tami shares her experiences:
"From an early age, I felt an attraction to the living world and the natural sciences, constantly seeking opportunities to explore and understand more about it. At 16 or 17, I considered studying biology, but fate led me to agronomy. Although at the time I did not have a deep connection with my choice, I now see that it was a stroke of luck. As I immersed myself in the study of agronomy, I discovered a renewed passion, not only for the science itself but for its ability to positively impact communities. It is at this intersection between science and serving people where I find my true vocation within agronomy."
In this way, her passion for the sciences led her to obtain a scholarship to study Agricultural Engineering at EARTH University in Costa Rica, an institution known for its focus on agronomy and sustainability, and situated in a natural environment similar to her childhood. There, Tami found the opportunity to combine her love for the natural sciences with her desire to contribute her knowledge to rural communities.
Commitment to the Community and the Environment
Tamia is a volunteer at the Killkay Foundation in Cotacachi, where she collaborates on the Tarpuy project. This project seeks to promote the appreciation and conservation of the land in communities, as well as combat child malnutrition by promoting organic agriculture...
“Seeing how my work helps improve people's lives is what motivates me every day,” says Tami.
Through workshops and talks, Tami teaches communities how to use their resources sustainably and become self-sufficient.
In addition, Tamia is part of the Warmi STEM initiative of the Kichwa Institute of Science, Technology, and Humanities. “Warmi” is a Kichwa word meaning “woman.” Their goal is to reduce the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Along with a group of women, Tamia works to empower young women from rural communities by providing them with career guidance and training in STEM areas.
On the other hand, in her role as Commercial Executive at a company specializing in organic inputs, Tamia plays a key role. She is not only involved in marketing products but also conducts field trials. This work provides her with the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the complexity and diversity of organic agriculture. Additionally, it allows her to apply her technical knowledge in the field, identify market needs, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Transforming Communities through Science and Female Empowerment in Rural Agriculture
Throughout her professional journey, Tamia has faced significant challenges, such as the presence of machismo in the agricultural field. However, she has found in her work with rural communities a space where women play a central role in agriculture and decision-making.
"As an indigenous woman in a predominantly male field, it's essential to support and guide other women to pursue their dreams."
Her greatest achievement, according to herself, is the positive impact she can make on people's lives through projects like Tarpuy. This impact is reflected in the improvement of food security and environmental sustainability in the communities she works with.
Tamia aspires to work with international organizations like the FAO, where she can continue her support for communities through agricultural projects. Her goal is to keep learning and teaching, using her knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.
For women working in agriculture, Tamia offers a message of encouragement and solidarity. She reminds them of their vital importance in this field and encourages them to value themselves, recognize their capabilities, and seek opportunities to learn and grow in an often challenging environment. Tamia expresses:
"As indigenous women, we have a unique connection to the land and our communities. Let's not let challenges hold us back. Education and passion for what we do are our best tools."
Personal and Spiritual Development as Tools for Female Empowerment
Outside of her professional work, Tamia finds joy in personal and spiritual development. She is pursuing training as a personal development coach with a focus on spirituality, finding peace and renewal in the mountains.
"The mountain is where I find peace and renewal, and I want to share that experience with other women."
To connect with Tamia, find her on Facebook at Sisa Gualan and on Instagram @gualantamia.24.
Information about the author
Janeth Bonilla Andrade is an agricultural specialist at a financial institution, focusing on the northern and central regions of Ecuador. Her work involves developing agricultural strategies and solutions to support farmers in these areas. Additionally, she is the co-founder and vice president of the Kichwa Institute of Science, Technology, and Humanities (Fundación Kichwa Institute of Science, Technology, and Humanities, KISTH). The foundation is dedicated to promoting social projects in science and technology aimed at communities, integrating and valuing ancestral knowledge in each initiative. Follow Janeth on Instagram @janethbonilla4.