For the Love of México
We are dedicated to empower communities engaged in sacred indigenous practices to preserve and share their wisdom and knowledge.
The Quetzalli Team
Michael DeNicola
Executive Director
Michael has been leading nonprofits since 2016. He is a trained educator with over 16 years of experience teaching. He is married to a Mexican native and has 2 children born and raised in México. Michael first visited a Wixárika community in the mountains of México in 2018, and has been in support of indigenous communities since. He is passionate about growing forests and regenerating ecosystems for our future generations.
Joel Brierre
Board Chair
Joel Brierre is the Founder and CEO of the psychedelic wellness companies Kaivalya Kollectiv and Tandava Retreats, as well as co-founder of the 5-MeO-DMT education and resource platform, F.I.V.E. Joel’s work revolves around bridging the ancient lineages with modern therapeutic practices.
Luis Fabian Rodriguez
Treasurer
Luis is a 1st generation Mexican American raised in Chicago, IL. He followed his path in the hospitality industry to the upper echelon of the culinary world and private sector in Los Angeles. Luis has opened and operated many successful hospitality projects in Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and more. He now runs operations for Kaivalya Kollectiv.
Jason Burdge
Board Member
Jason has over 17 years of non-profit leadership experience and has a Master's degree in Nonprofit Administration. His focus has been on increasing mental health services to underserved communities. Jason is an advocate for foster youth and military veterans to receive services that help them live full and productive lives.
Dr. Lorenzo Martínez
Board Member
Dr. Lorenzo Martínez is a well known Mexican scientist with over two decades of experience. His journey includes creating over 42 patents focused on sustainable development, green energy, and space research nationwide. With distinguished degrees from renowned institutions like Harvard University and a PhD in Mexico, Dr. Martinez holds the esteemed title of the world's youngest CP4 scientist and possesses over 16 NACE certifications. He is the founder of the Mexican nonprofit Integritat and the Web3 charitable organization Maya Spirits.
Cultural Advisory Board
Arturo Gutiérrez del Ángel
Arturo is an anthropologist with decades of experience working with indigenous tribes of Mexico. His first time visiting the Wixárika tribe was in 1994. Since then he has published an academic book on the ceremony and culture of the Wixárika, as well as numerous other academic papers and books on other indigenous cultures. He has worked with the indigenous Mexican tribes Wixárika, Nayari (Coras), and Mazahuas. Photos of his studies can be found here.
Bore
Bore is born and raised in Durango, Mexico. He has been working closely with the Marakame Don Eusebio for over 10 years. Bore dedicates the majority of his life to the understanding and integration of the Wixárika culture and ceremony. He is also a sun dancer and walks the " Camino Rojo" of the indigenous Americans.
