Our Team

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FRANCOIS FRANCESCHINI

Founder & President

Francois Franceschini Lajara, a native of Utuado, Puerto Rico, cultivated a deep connection to agriculture and the environment from his childhood. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and a master’s in environmental management, and his wetlands research is part of the specialized Tropical Restoration library at Yale University.

With extensive experience in agricultural management, landscaping, and bioremediation, his social commitment includes humanitarian work at the U.S. southern border and collaborations with the American Red Cross and the NAICA foundation. During the pandemic, he was recognized as an “Essential Worker” for his efforts in maintaining the critical infrastructure of the food sector.

Passionate about philosophy, art, and pre-Columbian cultures, he currently resides in New York and serves as a Food Safety Inspector for the USDA-FSIS, contributing to sustainable development through local and global food security.

TANIA GARCÍA GONZALES

Founder & Vicepresident

Tania Gracia González, a native of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, has forged a strong commitment to community development since her early calling in education.

Tania holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences with a concentration in Biology and a master’s in education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Education with a specialization in Management and Leadership, deepening her expertise in the administration of educational programs.

For over 15 years, her work focused on managing federal programs for early childhood education in underserved communities. Her five years of experience as a school director strengthened her vision for institutional leadership.

Today, as the president of a professional consulting firm, she advises educational programs in the United States and the Caribbean, linking pedagogy with sustainable development.

Passionate about reading, gardening, and the culinary arts, she integrates into her perspective a deep respect for nature and culture—pillars that resonate with Chinchilejo Foundation mission to empower communities and preserve biodiversity. Her career reflects a continuous drive toward an equitable and prosperous future, rooted in education.

JOSE A. VAZQUEZ VELEZ

Executive Secretary

José A. Vázquez Velez is a Puerto Rican professional from Utuado. His education combines an associate degree in Livestock Industries and a bachelor’s in public communication, specializing in photography, from the University of Puerto Rico.

His career integrates the development and management of agricultural projects, dairy farming, and silage production with a strong focus on innovation through the design and construction of urban hydroponic systems for family use. His expertise extends to landscape design, professional photography, and the production of documentaries and television commercials.

Committed to sustainable development, he actively participates in humanitarian missions for the homeless and collaborates with non-profit organizations. Through activities and conferences in marginalized communities, he promotes ecosystem conservation, endangered species protection, recycling, and the circular economy. Passionate about nature, hiking, and the study of pre-Columbian cultures, his work reflects a holistic vision that unites sustainable production, communication, and community action.

PAULA A. ALVARADO GRANADOS

Treasurer

Paula Alvarado Granados, holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising, a licentiate degree in marketing and communication, and a master’s degree in business administration. Beyond her academic background, she is passionate about the learning she has gained through the people who have marked her life and strengthened her commitment to the protection and conservation of nature.

Paula is a persevering, dedicated woman, always seeking solutions that generate meaningful impact. Through the Chichilejo Foundation, she has found a bridge to connect her goals, dreams, and life projects with social responsibility, promoting a more harmonious way of living with nature.

She currently works in the financial industry, in regulatory compliance, focusing on the prevention of financial crimes, money laundering (AML), and economic and financial sanctions in the United States.

Her academic background, professional experience, and commitment to the Chichilejo Foundation represent a valuable contribution to advancing initiatives that benefit nature and collective well-being.