Youthlinc connected with Norma Urena and Nukari while Norma was a participating in a professional development exchange called Young Leaders of The America's Initiative (YLAI). While visiting Utah with the U.S. Department of State, Youthlinc and Norma connected and realized the potential of working together to help achieve each others Missions. 

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Nukari has bee a Youthlinc Partner since 2023. 

Since 2017, our founder has been actively engaged with indigenous women to understand their unique challenges and learn from their experiences. As a trained linguist, Norma immersed herself in the communities where she cultivated deep relationships, gained firsthand insights that helped shape and strengthen the foundation’s programs and initiatives.

In 2019, Norma and Makarena, bounded by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a meaningful impact on indigenous communities in Chimborazo, recognized the urgent need to formalize their work and create a sustainable platform to empower indigenous communities. They started a remarkable journey together, channeling their collective energy, skills, and resources into the creation of NUKARI Foundation. 

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Nukari's Mission: 

Nukari is a non-profit organization that offers free educational and empowerment training to indigenous women in Ecuador. Our work focuses on sustainable community development and it seeks to empower young indigenous women through education.

We believe that all women should have the same opportunities to create their own future. 

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To create a future where indigenous women have access to equal education opportunities to achieve their dreams and economic independence to positively impact their communities and the world.