Maya Koehn-Wu
Co-Director of Sisters Project Peru
Maya is Co-Director and older sister to Natalie. Maya is a fourth year and is an Urban and Environmental Planning Distinguished Major, Global Sustainability Double Major at the University of Virginia, as well as a Dance Minor and Miller Arts Scholar. She currently works as the Creative Undergraduate Fellow at the Sound Justice Lab, and as a Student Research Assistant for the Sustainable Food Collaborative at the Institute for Engagement and Negotiation, that both focus on equity and community engagement work in Charlottesville. Under the Sound Justice Lab, Maya is a lead coordinator and student leader for Cville Tulips, which promotes cultural resilience and community building for Afghan women and children refugees in Charlottesville. Maya hopes to ultimately work in international development or in the international urban planning space and dedicate her life to building a more sustainable, equitable, and just world for all. She loves to dance Flamenco, Salsa, Contemporary, and Ballet. When Maya is not dancing, she is likely cooking up a mess in the kitchen, covered in sparkles, painting, dreaming up travel plans, or outdoorsing with her friends.
Natalie Koehn-Wu
Co-director of Sisters Project Peru
Natalie Koehn-Wu is a Junior at Maggie Walker with a passion for humanitarian work and a love for learning. She incorporates her hobbies and sports into fundraising for SistersProjectPeru, connecting Piano, Soccer, and Track into the process. She has done Volunteer work with the VCU Ramble and tutors at The Third Church Tutoring Program. At school, Natalie is part of the Future Medical Professionals Club, Outdoors Club, Baking Club, and Spanish Club. She also is a member of National Chinese Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and is a nationally recognized writer in the Scholastic Awards. Outside of the classroom, Natalie is always up for an adventure, bubble tea, or finding the nearest thrift shop.
Michael Cipoletti
Advisory Board Member of Sisters Project Peru
Executive Director of FNE International
New York born, Boston educated, and living in Nicaragua, Michael Cipoletti is Executive Director of FNE International, a nonprofit organization . After graduating from Northport high school, Michael obtained his Philosophy/History of Religion degree from Stonehill College, and completed an MBA from Boston University. A 2007 Nicaraguan vacation became a turning point for him, where he decided to stay and devote his life to achieving social justice. Over the course of his 20+ years in the nonprofit space, Michael has developed programs and partners not only in Nicaragua, but also in Peru and Dominican Republic. An avid reader, music loving and vegetarian, he will always be moving around and on the go, drinking black coffee (no sugar) or playing with Fiona, his very special dog.
Verónica González Annicchiarico
Advisory Board Member & Translator/Interpreter of Sisters Project Peru
Translator and Board Member of FNE International
Born in Lima, Peru to an Italian mother and an Argentine father, Verónica was raised in a multicultural household. She always found languages to have a special place in her life, so after graduating high school at 16, she obtained her Translation/Interpretation degree from ESIT College in Lima. Her 26 years of experience in the translation/interpretation field, led her to build a big client base (many of them in the nonprofit space) and to travel extensively not only internationally, but also throughout Peru. After seeing first hand the realities of her country, she decided to use her knowledge and skills to serve others and improve their lives in whatever capacity. When she's not translating/interpreting or supporting FNE International, the nonprofit where she serves as board member, you will find her hanging out with her two sons, Stefano (22) and Giacomo (15), walking by the ocean in her hometown Lima or drinking a capuccino (while she listens to music and/or reads).
Dora Quintana
Advisory Board Member of Sisters Project Peru
General Coordinator of Yanapana Peru
Dora Quintana, born in Andahuaylas - Peru, studied high school and university in Cusco- Peru, studied Business Administration, and did a master's degree in Investment Projects. Since 2006 she has worked with high Andean communities, where she learned about the reality of Peru and felt the call to help generate Development. She is fortunate to be General Coordinator in Yanapana Peru, non-profit Civil Association, founded in 2006 out of the need to fight poverty along the Salkantay and Lares routes. Yanapana Peru is the Social and Environmental Responsibility arm of the Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) company. The intervention of Yanapana Peru, contemplates the execution of projects in five axes of human development:
•Health and nutrition
• Education and culture
• Productive Projects (especially the Empowerment of the Andean woman).
• Job
• Environmental Projects.
Dora is married, she has two daughters whom she loves immensely, they are her connection with the life. She loves nature and walking, her life commitment is to help generate development. Her favorite phrase is "Make things happen."