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About Us
Who We Are
SOMOS is Costa Rica non-profit community foundation that works in collaboration with diverse organizations to CREATE, MANAGE, and INCUBATE projects and programs that build community resilience.
What is community resilience? It is the sustained ability of a community to use available resources to respond to, withstand, and recover from adverse situations.
Community resilience is the belief that WE ARE (SOMOS) the solution!
Using tools such as consultation, project management, and financial administration, SOMOS is the catalyst for the collaborative development of social, economic, and environmental projects.
Our Mission
To CREATE, MANAGE, and INCUBATE projects and programs
that build community resilience.
INCUBATE
We generate conditions favorable for the development of new organizations and innovation for growing organizations.
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What We Believe
We believe going above and beyond traditional civic service duties is the only way to build a resilient community; together we are the solution and our actions do matter whether you classify yourself as a Costa Rican citizen, permanent or temporary resident, tourist, or investor.
We believe that we should ask ourselves
these two questions from time to time:
How can I be a better version of myself?
How can I be of service to my community?
Timeline Of Project Work
2018
In 2018 the co-founders applied to become a legally registered non-profit foundation in Costa Rica. During that year SOMOS supports several community-based programs and non-profits; among which are: Playa Tortuga Reserve, TurisTica Association, Local Tour Guide Association (ASOGUIBA), Uvita Town Council (ADIU), Reforestation Semilla de Ballena Project (GEOPORTER).
2019
After approximately a one-year process SOMOS completes the non-profit foundation legalization and gets to work on developing the public-private partnership between the Municipality of Osa and the Costa Ballena Lifeguard Association. The 4-year contract provides the lifeguard association approximately CRC3.326.921 /USD$5,600 per month toward salaries. Later that year SOMOS is selected by Stanford University to manage, administer, and execute the SELAL English Language and Leadership camp designed to empower youth with the necessary skills, knowledge, and opportunities to become future leaders.
2020
In response to the COVID-19 emergency, SOMOS and Uvita Town Council (ADIU) developed a cohesive emergency assistance program that was implemented to deliver essential food and supplies to those most affected. The efforts delivered 752 packages of food and supplies and 90 gas cylinders that represented approximately $40,000 USD in direct aid to families residing in Costa Ballena. This initiative was the impetus for the incubation of Costa Ballena Disaster Relief organization.
Additionally, during these challenging times, SOMOS collaborated with community organizations such as the Uvita Town Council (ADIU), Tour Operators of the Marino Ballena National Park (ASOTU), and responsible business owners to reopen the main driver of tourism in our community: the Marino Ballena National Park. Together we were able to open the Punta Uvita, and later, the Playa Colonia National Park entrances. SOMOS contributed a total USD 5,000.00 and collectively our community donated more than 4500 hours of volunteer work.
2021
SOMOS established an alliance with the Colegio de Cortés to expand the SELAL program to 25 more students from Cortés and surrounding communities graduating from SELAL for the January 2022 class. SOMOS obtained counterpart funds to execute the ninth edition of SELAL and its expansion, raising US$30,000 to execute the 2022 SELAL program whereby 100 students benefited and 50 businesses and community leaders supported the program.
2022
SOMOS actively participated in the 3 public consultation workshops to update the Marino Ballena National Park Management Plan, a process in which the organizations that participated managed to include the focal management element: livelihoods and cultural values linked to ecosystem services.
Working together with the private sector SOMOS incubated the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in Association which later that year implemented the Electrical Routes for Electric Cars initiative. Finally, SOMOS participated in the first meeting of community foundations in Costa Rica, financed by the Mott Foundation and led by the non-profit Costa Rica Por Siempre. These meetings brought together 7 community foundations from different parts of Costa Rica.
2023
The SOMOS team managed the complete support plan for the Lagunas de Barú School; building a new kitchen space, a multipurpose classroom and installing a Playground. The Lagunas School is a single-teacher school that, before the SOMOS project, had a single physical space, where lessons were given, cooking was done, children ate in the same classroom, and it did not have a playground.
Using their knowledge, skills, and network SOMOS helped create and duly register the Goals 4 Chicas organization. The organization Goals 4 Chicas was created because of the enormous interest in soccer, and the need for girls' activities in the local community that focuses on building their confidence and health. Additionally, SOMOS provided a platform for fundraising to support the 4 goals of the organization.
SOMOS brought together community leaders and organizations to address the community needs to organize, strategize, and implement community safety plans. Planning, hosting, and managing over 20 strategic meetings throughout 2023-2024 with Costa Rican government organizations; Ministry of Public Security, Tourism Police, Costa Rica Justice Department, National Park Rangers, Municipal directors, and the United States Embassy. These efforts led to a Public-Private Partnership and a legally binding agreement between SOMOS and the Ministry of Public Security to fundraise and invest in public security vehicles and motorcycle maintenance.
2024
SOMOS partnered with Stanford University Extreme Design to co-design VERA: Visión Ecológica de la Recreación y el Aprendizaje enriches children's lives in Uvita through immersive environmental education and hands-on field trips. The program aims to inspire as it fosters an understanding of local ecosystems, promotes conservation, and engages students in scientific inquiry and cultural appreciation.
Another notable partnership was developed with the Educational Excellence Recognition Program of the Tabacón Hotel. Somos Foundation joined the social responsibility efforts, to administer funds to support programs for education, health, environment, and culture in La Fortuna de San Carlos.
Meet Our Team
Ana María Camacho
Executive Director
Ana brings more than 15 years of experience developing creative projects of high environmental value and social impact. She has experience not only in project development but management, land management, and property rights. As CEDAREN's Land Trust Director, she lead the private land conservation strategy in the Osa for over a year; which was developed under the Osa Campaign execution. Ana also worked for the Omar Dengo Foundation as the International Relations and Resource Mobilization Officer and obtained fundraising and strategic partnership development skills.
Ana has worked as climate finance advisor and specialized in sustainable markets and transformative decarbonized practices in the agricultural and industrial sector. She has experience providing support to private sector, cooperation agencies, national authorities, and NGO's on developing strategies to create climate finance mechanisms and enable existent market-based instruments to support climate actions.
Ana graduated from the Universidad de Costa Rica, is a lawyer, and also holds a master's degree in Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility from Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) in Madrid, Spain. Ana is fluent is English and Spanish.
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Ana aporta más de 15 años de experiencia desarrollando proyectos creativos de alto valor ambiental e impacto social. Tiene experiencia no solo en el desarrollo de proyectos, sino también en la gestión, la gestión de la tierra y los derechos de propiedad. Como Directora del Fideicomiso de Tierras de CEDAREN, lideró la estrategia de conservación de tierras privadas en Osa durante más de un año; que se desarrolló bajo la ejecución de la Campaña Osa. Ana también trabajó para la Fundación Omar Dengo como Oficial de Relaciones Internacionales y Movilización de Recursos y obtuvo habilidades de recaudación de fondos y desarrollo de asociaciones estratégicas.
Ana se ha desempeñado como asesora de finanzas climáticas y se ha especializado en mercados sostenibles y prácticas descarbonizadas transformadoras en el sector agrícola e industrial. Tiene experiencia brindando apoyo al sector privado, agencias de cooperación, autoridades nacionales y NGO's en el desarrollo de estrategias para crear mecanismos de financiamiento climático y habilitar instrumentos de mercado existentes para apoyar acciones climáticas.
Ana se graduó de la Universidad de Costa Rica, es abogada y también tiene una maestría en Sostenibilidad y Responsabilidad Social Corporativa de la Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) en Madrid, España. Ana habla inglés y español.
Travis Bays
Co-founder and Vice President
An Ecopreneur, Travis serves as a true catalyst for community development and innovation. Travis began his career in international development in Mexico before coming to Costa Rica in 2005 with the Peace Corps. Since then he has worked as a consultant for several organizations including the Costa Rica-USA Foundation and the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. As Vice President of SOMOS, Travis provides clear direction and purpose to the board and executive team that advises all individual staff and projects. In 2020 Travis’ Bodhi Surf + Yoga will celebrate its 10th anniversary; you can be sure to find him surfing the waves at Playa Chaman.
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Un eco-empresario, Travis sirve como un verdadero catalizador para el desarrollo e innovación de la comunidad. Travis comenzó su carrera en el desarrollo internacional en México antes de llegar a Costa Rica en 2005 con el Cuerpo de Paz. Desde entonces, ha trabajado como consultor para varias organizaciones, incluyendo la Fundación Costa Rica-EE. UU y el Instituto para el Medio Ambiente de Stanford Woods. Como Vicepresidente de SOMOS, Travis proporciona una dirección y un propósito claro a la Junta Directiva y al equipo ejecutivo que asesora a todo el personal y los proyectos individuales. En 2020, su empresa Bodhi Surf + Yoga celebrará su décimo aniversario. Puede estar seguro de encontrarlo surfeando las olas en Playa Chaman.
Noilyn Ramírez
Co-founder and Treasurer
Noilyn is a nature lover. She’s been an advocate for the environment for as long as she can remember, always in awe and dedicated to protecting the natural resources that make up her beautiful country. She is co-founder of Costa Rica Culture Tours, a local initiative focused on diversifying the tourist services available in the area by reclaiming Bahia Ballena’s history and culture and sharing it with visitors to ensure the history and traditions of the community endure the changes of modernization. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for Geoporter, is a member of the local emergency committee, and member of the Bahia Ballena local guiding association. In her free time, Noilyn enjoys traveling and sitting down for a good conversation, particularly when there are community elders willing to share their knowledge and life stories.
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Noilyn es una amante de la naturaleza. Ella ha sido una defensora del medio ambiente desde que puede recordar. Siempre ha admirado y se ha dedicado a proteger los recursos naturales que conforman su hermoso país. Es co-fundadora de Costa Rica Culture Tours, una iniciativa local enfocada en diversificar los servicios turísticos disponibles en el área al reclamar la historia y cultura de Bahía Ballena y compartirla con los visitantes para asegurar que la historia y las tradiciones de la comunidad sobrevivan los cambios de la modernización. Además, forma parte de la Junta Directiva de Geoporter, es miembra del Comité local de emergencias y miembra de la Asociación de guías locales de Bahía Ballena. En su tiempo libre, a Noilyn le gusta viajar y sentarse para una buena conversación, especialmente cuando hay ancianos de la comunidad dispuestos a compartir sus conocimientos e historias de vida.
Laura Ruiz
Co-founder and Secretary
Co-owner of MAD About Diving, Laura is a native Costa Rican who left San Jose for the coast ten years ago. A dedicated community and environment advocate, Laura has volunteered and worked with numerous community organizations in the region including serving three terms as Secretary for the Chamber of Tourism and Commerce (CACOBA). Laura’s compassion, strength of character and conviction gives a strong and clear voice to the SOMOS board. She resides in Ojochal with her husband, dog, and rescue bunny.
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Co-propietaria de MAD About Diving, Laura es una nativa de Costa Rica que se mudó de San José para la costa hace diez años. Una defensora dedicada a la comunidad y el medio ambiente, Laura se ha trabajado como voluntaria y ha participado con numerosas organizaciones comunitarias en la región, incluyendo tres períodos como Secretaria de la Cámara de Turismo y Comercio (CACOBA). Su compasión, la fuerza de su carácter y la convicción de Laura dan una fuerte voz a la Junta Directiva de SOMOS. Reside en Ojochal conjunto a su esposo, perro, y conejo rescatado.
Michelle Coffey
Member
As former Executive Director and current Programs Director of the Costa Rica USA Foundation (CRUSA), Michelle brings a wealth of experience and resources to the SOMOS Board. In addition to her many years served in the development and aid industry, Michelle also offers a unique perspective as a dual citizen Costa Rica-USA.
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Actualmente Directora de Programas de la Fundación Costa Rica USA (CRUSA), Michelle aporta una gran cantidad de experiencia y recursos aplicables a la Junta de SOMOS. Además de sus muchos años en la industria del desarrollo y la ayuda, Michelle también ofrece una perspectiva única como ciudadana de Costa Rica-EE. UU.
Marcela Sequeira
Project Manager
A local entrepreneur born and raised in the area, Marcela is always at the center of community action in the Costa Ballena Region. In addition to her retail businesses and responsibilities with SOMOS, Marcela is the current president of the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de Uvita (ADIU), town council for Uvita, Bahia, and surrounding areas. Marcela studied abroad in Germany and speaks three languages, German, Spanish and English. She has been serving her community of Bahia-Uvita for 15+ years.
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Una empresaria local nacida y criada en el área, Marcela siempre está en el centro de la acción comunitaria en la región de Costa Ballena. Además de sus empresa y responsabilidades con SOMOS, Marcela es la actual presidenta de la Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de Uvita (ADIU). Marcela estudió en el extranjero en Alemania y habla tres idiomas, alemán, español e inglés. Ella ha estado sirviendo a su comunidad de Bahía-Uvita por más de 15 años.
Yeudhy Murillo Zuñiga
Finance Director
Yeudhy was born and raised in the bosom of a humble and hard-working family, with a great spirit of service and collaboration to the community -- values that were instilled in him by his parents.
After finishing his high school studies, Yeudhy moved to the capital to develop professionally and professionally.
During his more than 20 years as a collaborator in the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, he held various positions, among them, Office Manager, which allowed him to have a closer relationship with the different productive sectors of the country.
About 17 years ago, Yeudhy got to know the Bahía Ballena district and it was love at first sight. The area's beaches, mountains, nature and fauna definitely captivated him. He has had the blessing of being able to offer collaboration in the Bahía Ballena community as a member of different community organizations such as the Sports Committee, the Comité Pro Cen-Cinai, and the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral de Uvita. Currently he is very pleased to be part of this great work team as Financial Director of the SOMOS Foundation of Costa Rica providing support and accompaniment in all current and future community projects.
Katherine Stanley Obando
Advisor
Katherine is a journalist, author and nonprofit leader with 16 years of experience in journalism leadership, content production, communications strategy, grant writing, education and nonprofit management. She works with individuals and organizations so they can more effectively reach their target audiences and expand their impact; she also writes about parenthood, social justice, Costa Rica and change makers everywhere. Katherine lives in San José with her husband and daughter.
