Yura Sapi will receive funding and leadership support to end food insecurity in Colombia’s Black and Indigenous communities.

Queens, New York—August 21, 2024 — Protectores de la Tierra’s Co-founder, Yura Sapi has been selected as a 2024 Echoing Green Fellow. One of 44 Fellows chosen by a leader in the field of social innovation, Yura Sapi will receive an $80,000 stipend, as well as leadership development to support Protectores de la Tierra’s growth as an innovative solution to address ending food insecurity in Colombia’s Black and Indigenous communities by popularizing agricultural methods that bridge ancestral and modern practices providing the next generation with sustainable agricultural livelihoods.

They ensure abundant harvests and reduce dependency on food imports by leveraging communal land rights to regenerate forest farms using sustainable agricultural methods that blend traditional practices with modern strategies. Protectores de la Tierra educates future generations of farmers to secure local food sources and thereby reverse migration trends for long-term impact. They envision thriving, self-sufficient communities with access to nutritious food, preserving cultural heritage and fostering economic growth.

Fellows join a lifelong support community of innovative thinkers, strategic partners, and industry peers. Since 1987, Echoing Green has identified nearly 1,000 leaders launching new social enterprises and equipped them with the support and networks. The organization has accelerated the work of some of the world’s best and brightest social innovators. Previous Fellows include former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama (’91); political commentator Van Jones (’94); co-founders of national health movement GirlTrek, T. Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison (’13); and founder and chief executive officer of climate technology startup BlocPower, Donnel Baird (’12).

“From the planet's hottest year yet, to ongoing global threats to democracy, to backsliding on hard-fought progress on racial equity — these are challenging times. We need bold solutions now for these and other significant challenges. These new Fellows are meeting this moment with a level of brilliance, care, and passion that gives me renewed hope for our collective future,” said Echoing Green President Cheryl L. Dorsey.

“My dream for our community is one of thriving resilience, where every individual feels powerful and supported. I envision a place where resources are plentiful, opportunities abound, and all cultures are celebrated. Where we foster inclusivity and where everyone's voice is heard and valued. Through collaborative efforts, we tackle challenges head-on, ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods. Together, we create a vibrant community where each person can fulfill their soul's purpose and contribute to the greater collective good. This dream is not just a vision but a commitment to building a brighter future for generations to come,” said Yura Sapi.

The 2024 Fellows were selected through Echoing Green’s open call application and participatory grantmaking process after reviewing 2,100 applications. The 2024 Fellows class includes representation from 21 countries including the United States, Nigeria, India, Australia, Germany, Colombia, and Kenya.

The newest Fellows are launching and growing innovative solutions to addressing racial and economic inequality, disparities in access to healthcare, and creating new opportunities for inclusive education. This is the fourth and final cohort of Fellows supported by the Racial Equity Philanthropic Fund.

To learn more about Echoing Green Fellows, visit this page.

About Echoing Green:

For 37 years, Echoing Green has been on the front lines of solving the world’s biggest problems, raising up the transformational leaders willing to speak truth to power and challenge the status quo. The organization finds emerging leaders with the best ideas for social innovation as early as possible and sets them on a path to lifelong impact. Echoing Green’s community of nearly 1,000 social innovators includes past Fellows such as First Lady Michelle Obama and the founders of Teach For America, Center for Black Innovation, BlocPower, and One Acre Fund. Built and refined over three decades, Echoing Green discovers tomorrow’s leaders today, and then funds, connects, and supports a new generation of social impact leaders.

www.echoinggreen.org