The meaningful work that we have done together over the last 6 months.
Although we have yet to officially launch the foundation we wanted to share with you all of the meaningful work that we have done together over the last 6 months.
You have been a key part of this process through your support.
True to our startup approach we have defined the challenges, co-created solutions and are implementing scalable systems to empower the economic independence of indigenous women.
Here are some of our pre-launch accomplishments to-date.
Our co-founder, Sara Omi Casamá, once again has been included in a Forbes most Powerful Women list. This time in Forbes Central America's 50 Most Powerful Women 2026 list — a distinction that speaks not just to her individual trajectory, but to the growing weight of indigenous women's leadership in Latin America. As our north star we continue to look to her for leadership.
As part of our Community Development program, we are supporting continuous Starlink internet service and building a brand new computer lab for the community which includes two new computers. For a territory that has long operated without reliable connectivity, this is more than infrastructure — it is access to markets.
Using the startup model of first working together in a Design-A-Thon to define the sales challenges of the artisanal women of Ipetí, and then rapidly building an MVP of the e-commerce website on the Shopify platform, we are filling the biggest economic gap that challenges the community — which is simply access to markets.
Jumara Juwa, the cultural brand and enterprise founded by Sara Omi and Omayra Casama that means “the hands of all” (Las manos de todas), is preparing to launch its first limited edition Mystery Box in a collab with renown street artist PAPE Ink — a curated experience that brings the artistry and heritage of Emberá women directly to your door step. Stay tuned for soon.
On May 16, our team traveled to Ipetí Emberá to celebrate a very special occasion — the birthday of Omayra Casamá, Sara's mother and Panama’s first female cacique. This was an important landmark celebrating the life of the founder of AMARIE, an artisan cooperative and co-founder of Jumara Juwa. We joined her in celebrating her wisdom, love and powerful energy.
A foundational milestone: AFRA ESG has formally filed the Fundación Sara Omi with Panama's Ministerio de Gobierno to be recognized as an official NGO. The process is underway, and once complete, it will open new doors for funding, partnerships, and long-term impact. This is the infrastructure that makes everything else possible.
In December and March, we gathered for the first official public events of our foundation. We were humbled by the turn-out and response of Panama’s civic community and look forward to your continued support and engagement.
Videos:
Holiday Event
Primera Luz
We have purchased a new water filtration system for the community center and have partnered with a leading water filtration company to assess the needs for a community wide solution.
Through a joint community effort we were able to deliver toys for 140 boys and girls for the last Christmas holidays.
All of this is made possible by a team of world-class professionals across business, creative, media, technology, and the nonprofit sector. Their commitment to empowering indigenous women is second to none. They are not just professionals. They are the co-creators of a movement.
Our Team
This is just the beginning…
Imagine what we can do together.
With your continued support and our innovative approach to co-creation, we can build a new sustainable future of economic independence for indigenous women and Panama.
Thank you for following this journey with us.
With purpose,
Eric Humbert, Sara Omi and our foundation team.
Recibe noticias, avances de nuestros programas y formas reales de apoyar el liderazgo de mujeres indígenas. Déjanos tu correo y forma parte de esta comunidad en crecimiento.
