From Intern to Farmer: Javier Medina Sánchez’s Journey

At Asekia, one of our core commitments is developing the next generation of bilingual agricultural professionals.

During the 11 internship seasons since mYo/Asekia’s internship program began, 91 students have completed virtual or in-person internships as part of their preparation for careers in conservation and agriculture. One of those interns, Javier Medina Sánchez, now works to support farmers in Puerto Rico and aims to create an agricultural institute. 

We’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Javier on several projects, and last month, we caught up with him to hear more about his agricultural journey, his current projects, and his plans for the future. 

Javier’s first internship experience was through the mYo/Asekia program — and it left a lasting impact. From Louisiana to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and back to Puerto Rico, his path has been shaped by a growing passion for agriculture and conservation.

Javier participated in our first internship cohort in 2018.

“It opened my mind a lot,” Javier says about the internship he completed in Louisiana, adding that the program provided him with the opportunity to network, polish his English, and learn firsthand how conservation can be integrated into agriculture. 

Javier’s connection to farming runs deep. He grew up working the land with his father and grandfather. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences with a minor in natural resources at the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez. Afterwards, he began a master’s degree program in international agricultural development from Ohio State University.

“My objective behind that was that I wanted to learn as much as possible from all the places I visited so that I could bring that knowledge back to Puerto Rico and implement it,” Javier says about his decision to study international agriculture.

 Javier leading volunteers at Finca La Familia in Puerto Rico.

Today, he’s doing just that. Javier collaborates with Victus Puerto Rico and Concéntrico to assist local farmers. In his work as an Outreach Specialist with Victus, Javier promotes silvopasture systems that incorporate breadfruit, creating an additional income source for farmers while providing more shade for livestock. Additionally, Javier serves as a Conservation Specialist for Victus Puerto Rico’s PR Agricultural Legacy Initiative (PRALI), providing conservation education to support farm production. 

Javier also works in large-scale agriculture, which has deepened his respect for the physical demands farmers face — long hours in the sun, carrying heavy loads, and working closely with the land.

Despite the challenges, Javier finds joy and energy in the quiet beauty of farm life — the morning sun, freshly turned soil, birdsong.

He encourages everyone to connect with agriculture, even on a small scale.

“It can be as simple as watering a tomato plant while you enjoy your morning coffee,” he says. 

Learn more about Asekia’s work 

Hispanic Forest Landowner Spotlight: A Year of Conservation and Growth at Finca Gaia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNXsE_SWpSU

Last year, Manuel Baez — one of the founders of Finca Gaia — and his family were among the first forest landowners featured in our newsletter. Today, we’re excited to share a one-year follow-up with news and updates from their farm in Dorado, Puerto Rico.

Located in the island’s northern karst region, Finca Gaia hosts an impressive diversity of trees and wildlife — and that diversity has grown to include more fruit trees over the past year. Manuel and his family participated in our Hispanic Forest Landowners Outreach Program, attended our celebration and resource fair in November, hosted our first forestry workshop, and took part in many of our interactive workshops throughout the year. We’re grateful to Manuel and his family for opening the gates of Finca Gaia and sharing their story with our forestry community.

Finca Gaia in Dorado, Puerto Rico

Finca Gaia is a family-led project spanning about 35 acres. It began over a decade ago with Manuel’s mother as the driving force. The family is now planning to transition the farm into a nonprofit organization to deepen its engagement with schools and the surrounding community.

The Baez family at Finca Gaia. Photo courtesy of Finca Gaia.

Though the farm isn’t focused on generating profit, Manuel describes the impact as “priceless” — especially when it comes to the benefits for his two sons.

“Growing up in this environment — with constant exposure to nature — has provided my sons with an education that no school or program can match,” he says, noting improvements in their motor skills, confidence, curiosity, and overall desire to learn.

Beyond the family, Finca Gaia contributes to local conservation and community connection. Manuel highlights the importance of helping neighbors recognize the unique trees and insects in their own backyards.

“If we inspire the community to appreciate, value, and understand what we have here, it becomes easier to protect it,” he explains.

However, the delicate ecosystem of the northern karst region is under threat. Development pressures — including a quarry on land adjacent to Finca Gaia — make conservation efforts more urgent than ever.

Bat Conservation Update:

A bat capture at Finca Gaia. Photo courtesy of Isabel Ferré Sadurní Photography. 

This summer, Finca Gaia celebrates two years of bat conservation in partnership with the Puerto Rico Bat Conservation Program (PCMPR). Monthly nighttime bat captures have been taking place on the farm. So far, seven of Puerto Rico’s 13 bat species have been captured, and three more have been identified through audio recordings. These efforts contribute vital data to ongoing bat conservation efforts.

The variety of bats found on the farm confirms that Finca Gaia’s forest is a healthy habitat. The farm is also planning to install bat boxes — one of the topics featured in last year’s forestry workshops.

For Manuel and his family, this project has transformed their perception of bats. Once associated with negative myths, bats are now seen as vital pollinators and pest controllers. The experience has opened their eyes to Puerto Rico’s rich bat biodiversity — from insect-eaters to fish-feeders.

“We’ve fallen in love with bats. I had no idea so many species lived here in Puerto Rico,” he says.

 A bat captured at Finca Gaia in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Bat Conservation Program (PCMPR). Photo courtesy of Isabel Ferré Sadurní Photography.

Challenges:

Like Tierra Viva Cantalagua, the Costa Rican farm featured last month, Finca Gaia has also faced challenges due to weather. Rains followed by hot days have stressed some plants, slightly lowering this year’s production.

Manuel at Finca Gaia

Manuel’s Advice to Aspiring Farmers:

• Start small: You don’t need a lot of space to start a family farm. A smaller plot is easier to manage and prevents early burnout.

  
  

• Grow diverse crops: Avoid monocropping. Diverse planting provides a year-round food supply and supports ecological health.

  
  

• Make compost: Homemade compost enriches the soil and reduces waste.

  
  

• Keep learning: Explore permaculture, agroforestry, and food forests. Join events like Asekia’s forestry workshops to learn, share, and grow alongside others.

This newsletter was written by Courtney Columbus, reviewed and translated by Nolo Martínez, and produced by Jessica Zafra.