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On August 22, 2018, six members of the Peru team will be traveling to Shiringamazú on the initial assessment trip for a water system serving 400 people. Shiringamazú is an indigenous Yanesha community located in the Central Amazon Jungle, about 300 miles northeast of Lima. At an elevation of 300 meters, it is one of 12 plus communities located within the Yanesha Reserve. The population of Shiringamazú depends primarily on subsistence farming, hunting and fishing. If you’re interested in learning about the community we’re working with please see the Shiringamazu introductory post.
Currently the children within Shiringamazú have parasites from the water that have affected their nutrition and growth and the adults suffer from diseases and health related issues. The goal of the assessment trip is to determine how we can best make a meaningful impact to improve the health and welfare of the community.
Meet our travelers in their own words:
Gabe Illingworth
- What is your role within the travel team?
Role within the travel team: Traveling Mentor/Banker. - What is your background?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, a big Dodgers fan, and a product of Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo’s Environmental Engineering Department. I work for Kroner Environmental Services as an Environmental Engineer/Manager and provide all aspects of environmental consulting for heavy civil construction projects, including the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project in Washington, DC. - Why did you join EWB?
I joined EWB to provide for people and communities in desperate need of basic commodities. - What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m most excited to meet the new community. I look forward to meeting as many people as I can and learning as much about them as possible to better gauge the upcoming project. - What part of the trip are you nervous about?
I am most nervous about the long bus rides ahead. Six people and luggage will make for a less than cozy van ride. - What is a fun orinteresting fact about yourself?
This will be my fourth trip with EWB-DC to a third Project Community/Country.
Sana Hussain
- What is your role within the travel team?
Role within the travel team: Education lead. - What is your background?
I love international travel and look for every opportunity to explore new places and cultures. I work at the FDA in the office of generic drugs and live in DC with fellow-EWB traveler team member Sasha. - Why did you join EWB?
I joined EWB to help underserved communities with respect to public health issues. - What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am looking forward to meeting the people and experiencing a new culture. - What part of the trip are you nervous about?
Whether we can truly make an impact. - What is a fun orinteresting fact about yourself?
I’ve performed improv comedy on stage in DC.
Sean Jones
- What is your role within the travel team?
Role within the travel team: Health & Safety Officer
- What is your background?
I’m a Kansas kid, big K-State Wildcats fan, and still love the open spaces of the Heartland, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed living here in the midst of DC’s international scene for the past decade, including the amazing travel opportunities it has provided. I currently work as a design program manager in the shipbuilding industry, and while I’m not doing the engineering myself anymore, I still get to enjoy the problem-solving aspects weekly. - Why did you join EWB?
I joined EWB to get back into international development, which I was previously involved with years ago and loved. I enjoy helping others and this was a great way to blend my experience with a charitable cause. - What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m excited to visit a new country and experience a different culture, not to mention the majestic scenery that abounds in Peru. - What part of the trip are you nervous about?
The inherent uncertainty of the terrain and road conditions up the Andes and down to the Amazon, make me somewhat nervous, but that’s all part of the adventure. - What is a fun orinteresting fact about yourself?
I Spent this past Christmas in Antarctica celebrating with the penguins!
Iliana Quintanilla
- What is your role within the travel team?
Role within the travel team: Translator, Health & Safety Officer, Focus Group Moderator, Bug repellent for others.
- What is your background?
I am a designer based in Washington, DC, teaching English as a Second Language from time to time. My diverse background gives me a mindful and visual approach and am fueled by my passion for understanding the world around me. - Why did you join EWB?
I joined EWB to help make a positive and responsible difference in communities that might not be so fortunate to have the same luxuries many of us do have. I also love engaging and learning from different people and cultures. - What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I am most excited about trying local foods and meeting the locals. - What part of the trip are you nervous about?
Preventing altitude sickness is my number one priority for the ride in and out of Shiringamazù, as well as, avoiding large insects. - What is a fun orinteresting fact about yourself?
I usually get eaten alive by the mosquitos and also enjoy sketching and painting, so, I will have my sketchbook handy!
Sasha Rao
- What is your role within the travel team?
Role within the travel team: International Development Coordinator
- What is your background?
Originally an engineer from NJ and a water-sanitation Peace Corps volunteer in Panama, I’ve landed in DC practicing patent law. I’ll be traveling with my wife, Sana, but we’ll be leaving our awesome dog and cat at home. - Why did you join EWB?
After serving in the Peace Corps working on sustainable public health solutions, I wanted to continue that work despite being State-side. - What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I’m looking forward to getting to know the people and culture of Shiringamazu. - What part of the trip are you nervous about?
Whether we can truly make an impact. - What is a fun orinteresting fact about yourself?
I’ve survived a sloth attack.
Damien Salgado
- What is your role within the travel team?
Role within the travel team: Health and Safety Officer
- What is your background?
I grew up in upstate NY and moved down to DC after graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I have been working in Research and Development for the U.S Navy for over 15 yrs. This requires me to travel all over the country and occasionally the world to visit various Naval Ships. - Why did you join EWB?
During my last overseas vacation, I spent a decent amount of time in northern Myanmar visiting small villages and spending time with a family in each village. These villages are very similar to the villages that EWB has been working in. When I returned home I happened to see an EWB happy hour and thought that it was a worthy cause where I would be able to contribute time and energy towards. - What part of the trip are you most excited about?
I really enjoy learning about cultures and customs from different regions of the world. I am very excited to spending time with and learning from the people of Shiringamazú, Peru. - What is a fun orinteresting fact about yourself?
When I am not traveling for work, I enjoy traveling for fun, hiking/camping, mountain biking and enjoying the outdoors. I am also a big Football and Hockey fan. In spite of the fact that I grew up in NY, I do root for the Washington Capitals (When not playing the NY Rangers) and have had season tickets for about 7 years.
Help support us by donating at the following link! Donate here