Collaborators & Allies

Wes has been closely linked to the Legacy Foundation since its early years, contributing to project development, fundraising, and international partnerships. A UC Berkeley graduate from Atlanta, Georgia, his professional path has included leadership roles in nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and Latin America, with a strong focus on refugee services, sustainable travel, and community development.

Although he is no longer part of the permanent staff, Wes continues to support Legacy as a collaborator and advisor, helping to strengthen international engagement and donor relations in support of conservation and sustainable tourism in Chile’s protected areas.

Jorge is a native of the Magallanes region who grew up inside Torres del Paine National Park, forging a deep bond with its landscapes, biodiversity, and communities. A Marine Biologist with a PhD in Environmental Sciences specializing in continental aquatic ecosystems (rivers, lakes, and wetlands), he brings over 20 years of experience in scientific research, environmental education, and conservation.

Currently, Jorge is part of Fundación Planeta Agua, one of Legacy’s most important local collaborators. He also supports the Huemul Conservation Project in Torres del Paine National Park, designing and applying strategies to address threats such as livestock presence inside the park.

His work reflects a lifelong commitment to connecting science, community, and conservation.

Andrés is a tourism professional originally from Santiago, Chile, with a strong passion for trekking in wild areas and teaching responsible practices for exploring nature with minimal impact. His professional background is deeply influenced by the Leave No Trace principles from NOLS, which guide his commitment to caring for natural environments.

During his time with Legacy Foundation, Andrés coordinated volunteer programs in Torres del Paine National Park, contributing his expertise to trail maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction projects. Leading volunteers was both a personal challenge and a source of growth, as he developed new techniques for trail preservation and inspired others to take part in conservation efforts.

Although he no longer works on‑site in Patagonia, Andrés continues to support Legacy from Santiago, offering his knowledge and motivation to strengthen conservation initiatives from afar.

Daniela, originally from Pereira, Colombia and now based in Boulder, CO, is an environmental activist who has worked for more than a decade at the intersection of social issues and environmental challenges through nonprofits, philanthropy, consulting, and business. She is one of the cofounders of the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund, created during a year‑long journey through Patagonia with her husband Drew, where they envisioned more sustainable and reciprocal tourism models for beloved destinations like Torres del Paine.

Although the initial financial support has evolved, Daniela remains a committed ally and enthusiastic supporter of Legacy’s mission. She holds a BA from Stanford University, a Certificate in Tropical Forest Conservation from Yale School of the Environment, and a Master’s in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy from CU Boulder. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Nature and Culture International, working to protect areas of exceptional human and biological diversity in Latin America.

Emily is the former Director of the Torres del Paine Legacy Fund. While currently serving as an advisor to the Legacy Fund’s leadership, she worked in her tenure to secure investments that preserve and celebrate this spectacular destination. She has extensive experience with protected area tourism and international development programs, spending the previous ten years working with communities, NGOs, governments and businesses to enhance the economic and environmental vitality of rural areas in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Emily previously served as a senior advisor with Sustainable Travel International and Programs Director for Green Empowerment, an NGO dedicated to expanding access to renewable energy and potable water. She holds a BA from Pomona College in international relations and an MA in international policy studies from Stanford University, where she was also a researcher at the Center for Democracy, Development and Rule of Law.

Emily loves fly-fishing, hiking, and camping with her family and dog Wilson. When not off exploring Patagonia’s rivers and mountains, she is most likely watching her beloved hometown sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers or Penguins.