We have a mission
Get to know us
Who we are
Te Protejo works to advance animal-free research and promote environmental protection by driving innovative policy development across the cosmetics industry.
The organization works across five priority areas: Awareness, Certification, Advocacy, Research, and Alliances. Each area seeks to influence different groups within the ecosystem to achieve the organization's mission, incorporating the perspectives of all stakeholders.
Mission and Vission
MISSION
To influence the ecosystem of the Latin American cosmetics industry to develop innovative policies in favor of animals and the environment.
VISION
To transform the ecosystem of the cosmetics and personal care industry in Latin America into one free from animal use.
TEAM
Board of Directors
Camila Cortínez
President
Co-Founder and General Director at Te Protejo. MBA in NGO Management & Corporate Social Responsibility. She has over fifteen years of experience leading nonprofit projects in the environmental and animal welfare sectors. She is a YLAI Fellow, recognized for her work in social entrepreneurship and received the GENIAS Award 2024, among other awards along with Te Protejo.
Daniela Medina
Treasurer
Co-founder and Compliance Director at Te Protejo. A Law graduate from the University of Chile, she has over ten years of experience and has developed expertise in financial management and organizational asset administration. She oversees the organization’s governance and ensures its legal responsibilities are properly fulfilled.
Marisol Queupumil
Secretary
Industrial Civil Engineer with over 8 years of experience working with companies linked to the cruelty-free cause. She served as Director of Certifications and spokesperson, contributing an integrated view of the cosmetics industry from an R&D perspective. She currently serves as Board Member and Secretary, participating in strategic decisions, drafting meeting minutes, and supporting General Assemblies.
Nicole Valdebenito
Director
Co-founder and Advocacy Director at Te Protejo. She is a journalist and social communicator with over twelve years of experience in team leadership, stakeholder engagement, political and corporate advocacy, and editing for print and web publications. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Feminist Studies and Intervention for Equality at the University of Valladolid.
Advisory Board
Felipe Morales
Tech & Development
CTO in El Líbero
Communicator Specialized in Internet & New Technologies, with special enphasis in Information Architecture, usability and Multimedia script in different interfaces.
Denisse Jiménez
Legal Advocacy
Consultant in Studies division in the Ministery of Republic General Secretary
Political Scientis with other 10 years of experience in the public sector, in the areas of planning and implementation of public policies, campaign management, citizen participation and transparency.
Chris Keating
Strategy & Business Management
District Sales Manager at The Toro Company [retired]
With over 50 years of leadership experience as a Director or Trustee of various boards and foundations. He specializes in teaching, coaching, and mentoring. His professional experience ranges from small businesses to large international corporations. He helps identify and clarify problems.
Jessica González
Communications & Education
Director of LATAM at GenV y Funder at Casa Animal
Mexican social entrepreneur, she is the director in LATAM for Generación Vegana. Additionally, she is the founder of the first vegan community center in Mexico, Casa Animal.
Sue Leary
Research
President Emerita, Alternatives Research & Development Foundation (ARDF)
Focused on finding solutions to the ethical and scientific problems of using animals in research and
testing. She led the American Anti-Vivisection Society, which operates the Leaping Bunny Program in
the U.S. and Canda, and ARDF from 1995 to 2025.
Karen Hoyland
Fundraising
Senior fundraiser with 16 years of experience across Individual Giving, Major Donors, Corporate Partnerships, Trusts and Foundations. She is a freelance consultant for the animal advocacy movement and previously led fundraising and marketing teams at several nonprofits. She has a psychology degree, a fundraising diploma and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.
