Jesús Rivera Guzmán, Quechua Coordinator and Lecturer
Jesús Rivera Guzmán holds postgraduate diplomas in Intercultural Dialogues and Pedagogical Designs from both the Universidad Nacional de Jujuy in Argentina and the Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez in Chile. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP). A native Quechua speaker from the Llactacunca community in Tambobamba district, Cotabambas province, Apurímac, Peru, Jesús specializes in philosophy of language, epistemology, interculturality, Latin American philosophy, and Indigenous philosophy. His work particularly explores the foundational assumptions of Indigenous languages and cultures in South America, with a focus on Quechua and Aymara. Jesús is an active member of Mente y Lenguaje (MyL) at PUCP, the Red Internacional de Estudios Interculturales (RIDEI) at PUCP, and Chawpi Atuq: Comunidad de Estudios, where he contributes to collaborative research and discussions on these topics.
Email: guzman12@sas.upenn.edu
SERAFÍN m. Coronel-molina, Mentor and collaborator
Serafín M. Coronel-Molina earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. A native speaker of Huanca Quechua from the central highlands of Peru, he is currently a Professor in the Literacy, Culture, and Language Education Program and the International Comparative Education Program within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the School of Education. In addition, he serves as the Director of the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Head Coordinator of the Global Indigenous Studies Network within the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at Indiana University. His expertise in Indigenous languages and policies is recognized internationally. He is an Expert Member of UNESCO’s Ad-hoc Group 3 on the Recognition, Status, and Implementation of Policy for the Indigenous Languages, part of the Global Task Force advancing the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022–2032).
Email: scoronel@iu.edu
Quechua at Penn board 2024-2025
The Quechua at Penn Board 2024-2025 is a dedicated group of students committed to celebrating, preserving, and promoting Quechua language and culture within the University of Pennsylvania community. Representing diverse academic backgrounds and ancestral ties to Ecuador and Peru, each board member brings a unique perspective and passion for Indigenous heritage. Together, they work to foster a supportive and inclusive space where students can connect with Quechua traditions, engage in cultural and linguistic revitalization, and strengthen Indigenous representation on campus.
Meet the members of this year’s board and learn about their motivations for being part of Quechua at Penn.
Valeria Andrango serves as the President of the Quechua at Penn board for 2024-2025. She is a fourth-year student at the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Political Science and Latin American Studies. Originally from Ecuador, she is passionate about preserving the stories of her Kichwa Puruha ancestors and reclaiming their history.
Why are you in Quechua? “To preserve the stories of my Kichwa Puruha ancestors and reclaim our history.”
Jasmine Gualillasaca Quizhpi is the Vice President of the Quechua at Penn board for 2024-2025. She is a third-year student at the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in History, Latin American Studies, and Hispanic Studies. Originally from Ecuador, she is committed to strengthening Indigenous representation on campus. Why are you in Quechua? “To expand Indigenous presence on campus.”
Melanie Contreras serves as the External Chair of the Quechua at Penn board. She is a third-year student majoring in Nursing, with minors in Latinx Studies and Global Health. Originally from Peru, she values the sense of community Quechua at Penn provides while deepening her connection to her heritage. Why are you in Quechua? “For a sense of community while connecting to my roots.”
Ariana Borda is the Finance Chair of the Quechua at Penn board. She is a third-year student at the College of Arts and Sciences, double majoring in Health & Societies and Nutrition Science. Originally from Peru, she finds meaning in being part of a community that embraces Quechua heritage and culture.
Why are you in Quechua? “To be part of a community that embraces this heritage and culture.”
Killary Goyzueta serves as the Social Chair of the Quechua at Penn board. She is a second-year student at the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Nursing. With ancestral roots in both Peru and Ecuador, she joined Quechua at Penn to connect with her cultural heritage and learn the Quechua language.
Why are you in Quechua? “To learn more about the culture my dad is from and to learn how to speak Quechua.”
Lizbeth Villaita-Gavilanes is the Freshman Liaison for the Quechua at Penn board. She is a student at the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Neuroscience. Originally from Ecuador, she seeks to deepen her understanding of Quechua culture.
Why are you in Quechua? “To better familiarize myself with the culture.”
