MEET THE TEAM
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Dr. Lilia LizamaExecutive Director, FounderDr. Lizama has a PhD in Geography from the University of Quintana Roo, Mexico, a Master's and a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology from the Autonomous University of Yucatan. She is currently the Senior Representative for Central America and the Caribbean at the World Archaeological Congress (WAC). She has worked on several projects with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Mexico, and is a member of several professional academic groups, including the Historical Society of College Park, the Register of Professional Archaeologists, (RPA), the Society for American Archaeology, (SAA), the American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA) and currently is a board member at the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center of Tifton Council for the Arts. Dr. Lizama has co-authored publications in English, Spanish and Mayan languages. She has dedicated her life to the preservation of cultural heritage.
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Eng. Otilia ValenzuelaAssistant Executive Director Community Education ProgramEngineer Otilia Valenzuela is from Mexico City who moved to Quintana Roo in 1985. She is an Agricultural Engineer, and provides coordination, supervision, & administration of educational, environmental, agricultural & agro-forestry programs in Mexico under the ED. Provides Technical Assistance and training. She specializes in regenerative and Sustainable Agricultural Production & Biodiversity conservation. She is currently an advisor, evaluator, and trainer, for the public sector in Mexico for a variety of projects. She lives in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo.
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Dr. Israel MartinezBoard Member, Chief Financial OfficerDr. Israel Martínez shares the vision and mission of Archaeologists of the Maya World organization. He gives strength to our organization as our volunteer officer and is in charge of our administration and financial accounts. He is a Medical Doctor who graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He has a specialty in Senior Management and a Master's in Health Systems Administration. Israel is engaged in grants identification, and works directly with the Executive Director, and supports largely our vision.
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William RogersBoard Member, SecretaryWilliam Rogers is our secretary. He provides the business planning and logistics procedures for our programs. He has over 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge in construction, woodworking and agroforestry. William is native from California. He has worked in designing, coordinating and administrating private projects, while living and exploring in Mexico and Belize for over 20 years. From 2016 to 2018 he worked at Peach Tree Christian Church in downtown Atlanta. He is a supporter of the Maya civilization history and dissemination, participating in archaeological projects, and eco-tourism as a guide to archaeological sites, cenotes, and scuba diving.
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Dr. Ryan RowberryBoard Member, PresidentDr. Ryan Rowberry is our president of our organization. He teaches property law in Georgia State University and is currently the Janice C. Griffith chair in law. He has overseen work and conferences in the Caribbean countries and Mexico involving cultural and historic resources.
In 2017, Dr. Rowberry wrote about the legislation element and process of protecting cultural heritage in a sustainable manner in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, through the creation of register laws, a financially sustainable heritage register. In 2021, and his students from Georgia State University have written about the necessity of creating a partner non-profit in the United States to assist in the mission of the Arqueologos Sin Fronteras del Mundo Maya. With an outline step-by-step of the technical process for creating a non-profit in Georgia, United States. |
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Eng. Laureano GonzalezPresident, Mexico OperationsLaureano Gonzalez Aguilar He is an industrial engineer, his experience has been in the development of projects, with a strategic vision of analysis, planning and implementation of strategies to achieve specific objectives. Moved to Cancun to work with Nacional Financiera in 1988 with the creation of Cancun. He has experience in the creation, branching, promotion and sale of new companies since 1980. He was the director of operation of the administration, traffic arrival or cabotage ports of Cozumel, Calica, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres and is the director of the board of directors of the Fauna, Flora y Litoral Foundation and GOAL Shipping.
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John Carlton
CRM Relationships
In Maya Heritage Center, John Carlton's role extends beyond his archaeological experience. He is actively involved in our organization's outsourced CRM initiatives, where his skills to connect with relevant prospects and generate and close opportunities are critical. John's involvement is integral to our U.S.-based sales team, focusing on business development, channel development, market assessment and strategy, presentation of valuable partners, strategy and pricing.
With John's extensive experience and strategic mindset, he is an asset to our team as he helps us grow and achieve our goals. His involvement ensures that our efforts are rooted in a deep understanding of cultural heritage and are aimed at creating meaningful and impactful experiences for our customers and partners. He specializes in iconography, and archaeoastronomy, the study of how ancestors understood phenomena, natural beings in the sky and the role this had in their cultures. He was Laude at the Millsaps College for her Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology and Sociology. He completed his studies in Anthropology at the University of Alabama. His master's thesis is entitled "The origins of Minoan Bull-leaping Iconography" he has been widely quoted and revised. Carlton has worked at four sites in the northern lowlands Maya and has also participated in the management of projects on pre-Columbians in Mississippi.
With John's extensive experience and strategic mindset, he is an asset to our team as he helps us grow and achieve our goals. His involvement ensures that our efforts are rooted in a deep understanding of cultural heritage and are aimed at creating meaningful and impactful experiences for our customers and partners. He specializes in iconography, and archaeoastronomy, the study of how ancestors understood phenomena, natural beings in the sky and the role this had in their cultures. He was Laude at the Millsaps College for her Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology and Sociology. He completed his studies in Anthropology at the University of Alabama. His master's thesis is entitled "The origins of Minoan Bull-leaping Iconography" he has been widely quoted and revised. Carlton has worked at four sites in the northern lowlands Maya and has also participated in the management of projects on pre-Columbians in Mississippi.
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Dr. Batún's is the Principal Investigator of our Research Program. He is a Professor at Universidad de Oriente. His academic background, including a degree in Anthropological Sciences, a Master's in Archaeology, and a Ph.D. in Anthropology with a specialization in cultural resource management, positions him as a distinguished scholar with a profound understanding of the cultural and archaeological landscapes. As the organization prepares to embark on bio-cultural expeditions under Dr. Batún's adept guidance, it symbolizes a natural extension of his scholarly pursuits. These expeditions, set against the backdrop of lesser-known archaeological sites and the natural splendor of Quintana Roo and Yucatan, promise a unique and immersive exploration of Maya culture. Dr. Batún's accreditation of archaeologists further solidifies the program's authenticity, ensuring participants benefit from a genuine and insightful experience. Dr. Iván Batún, a seasoned anthropologist with eight years of transnational experience spanning the United States and Mexico.
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MSc. Brenda Adriana Marín Bolaños
Social Media Hangout Program
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Brenda's extensive experience in education, tourism, and cultural heritage positions her as a valuable asset in advancing MHC's objectives. Mrs. She currently teaches at Universidad Tecnológica de Cancún. Marin's background in education and capacity building directly addresses MHC's commitment to empowering contemporary Maya communities. Brenda's involvement in social media hangouts for local students and her proficiency in languages contribute to the potential development of community heritage workshops and educational programs. She brings a wealth of skills and experiences that complement MHC's mission.
As well as her expertise in developing and implementing educational programs aligns with MHC's goal of providing equitable access to educational resources. Her experience as a professor and involvement in research projects, including the evaluation of cultural heritage resources, positions her as a key figure in supporting MHC's initiatives, especially her important involvement in activities like the Annual Symposium. |
Rosa Maria Poot Pool
Native Maya Council
Rosa María Poot Pool, originally from Valladolid, Yucatán, emerges as an essential pillar in our Local Committee of the Maya Heritage Center. She is distinguished by her roots in the Mayan culture and her deep commitment. Rosi, as we affectionately call her, comes from a Maya-speaking family and completed her primary education in her place of origin.
In 1986 she moved her residence to Centro Vallarta with her husband, with whom she started a family. Two sons, currently 35 and 33 years old, have followed different paths: one immersed in agricultural work and the other a law graduate. In addition to playing her role in household chores, Rosi also excels in embroidery and practicing massages. As a perceptive observer, she points out the lack of schools in her locality and, with a visionary perspective, would express the desire to stop the destruction of the forest if she had a magic wand in her hands. Her commitment to the preservation of Maya culture and community education highlights Rosi's importance on our committee, where her experience and passion come together to advance the cultural and environmental legacy of the region.
In 1986 she moved her residence to Centro Vallarta with her husband, with whom she started a family. Two sons, currently 35 and 33 years old, have followed different paths: one immersed in agricultural work and the other a law graduate. In addition to playing her role in household chores, Rosi also excels in embroidery and practicing massages. As a perceptive observer, she points out the lack of schools in her locality and, with a visionary perspective, would express the desire to stop the destruction of the forest if she had a magic wand in her hands. Her commitment to the preservation of Maya culture and community education highlights Rosi's importance on our committee, where her experience and passion come together to advance the cultural and environmental legacy of the region.
MSc. Zelmy Mariza Carrillo Góngora
Cultural Heritage Safeguard Committee
Her dedication and extensive involvement in our annual workshops and conferences make her an integral part of the Maya Heritage Center's organizational committee. With eight years of teaching experience at Universidad de Oriente, her expertise spans tourism development, tourism anthropology, art, Yucatan history, and archaeology. Her commitment to education is further demonstrated by her advisory role for bachelor's students' theses, encompassing diverse fields, including gastronomy.
Notably, she played a pivotal role in the creation of a community museum, demonstrating a hands-on approach by involving community members in cataloging and inventorying local artifacts. Her engagement in logistics for the Tiholop Yucatán museography highlights her commitment to preserving and showcasing local heritage. Having moved to the Universidad Intercultural de Campeche in 2023, she continues to dedicate herself to our shared mission. Her multifaceted contributions, both within academic realms and community engagement initiatives, align seamlessly with the Maya Heritage Center's goals of education, preservation, and community empowerment.
Notably, she played a pivotal role in the creation of a community museum, demonstrating a hands-on approach by involving community members in cataloging and inventorying local artifacts. Her engagement in logistics for the Tiholop Yucatán museography highlights her commitment to preserving and showcasing local heritage. Having moved to the Universidad Intercultural de Campeche in 2023, she continues to dedicate herself to our shared mission. Her multifaceted contributions, both within academic realms and community engagement initiatives, align seamlessly with the Maya Heritage Center's goals of education, preservation, and community empowerment.
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