Ecuadorian Changemakers:
Leading Locally, Impacting Globally
Betsabe Mantilla
Betsabe Mantilla is a dedicated scientist, leader, and advocate for women and Hispanics in STEM. Originally from Ecuador, she earned her B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, and her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics at Iowa State University. Since joining Monsanto/Bayer in 2018, she has excelled as a Spring Wheat Breeder and later as the North America Soybean Product Design Lead, contributing to innovative solutions and significant economic impact for Bayer.
Recognized for her scientific and advocacy work, Betsabe received accolades such as the 2022 “WiSE Woman of the Year Award” and honors for her soybean breeding advancements. She mentors diverse graduate students, speaks at international forums, and collaborates with “Plant Breeders without Borders” to support farmers in marginalized communities.
Currently, Betsabe participates in the Hispanic Leadership Institute and continues promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation through her outreach and leadership roles. She is passionate about serving farmers globally and aligning her work with Bayer’s mission of “Health for all, Hunger for none.”
Rafaela Andrade
Originally from Latacunga, now based in Saint Louis, Rafaela Andrade is the founder of UKU, an Ecuadorian brand with a social purpose, established in 2020. She has always been passionate about working with people and creating projects that make a meaningful impact, particularly for women in communities where hope, self-love, and the belief that they deserve to dream have often been taken away. Through UKU, she strives to ensure that each garment serves as a way to restore confidence, dignity, and new opportunities.
Sumak Kamari
Sumak Kamari, founded in 2018 by a group of visionary women from the Ecuadorian Society in St. Louis, is more than just a traditional dance group—it’s a movement of cultural pride and community transformation. Under the artistic direction of professional choreographer Mabel McGuire, Sumak Kamari has brought the rhythms, rituals, and rich heritage of Ecuador to life through vibrant performances that celebrate Indigenous Kichwa traditions, mestizo customs, and Afro-Ecuadorian expressions. Their name, which means “beautiful gift” in Kichwa, reflects their mission: to share Ecuador’s cultural wealth as a gift to the greater St. Louis region.
Through dances like Inti Raymi, Pawkar Raymi, Fiesta del Yamor, Baile del Tucumán, and Marimba, Sumak Kamari preserves ancestral traditions while building bridges of understanding and inclusion. Each performance is not just a visual feast, but an act of education and empowerment. They serve as change-makers by using the arts to elevate multicultural awareness and promote unity, particularly among communities that may not otherwise encounter Ecuadorian heritage. With each step, ribbon, and rhythm, they invite audiences to reflect, rejoice, and reconnect with the universal value of cultural expression.
Maria Giamportone
Asador del Sur, a South American–inspired grill in Maplewood, celebrates the flavors of Uruguay and Ecuador, offering a rich culinary experience. Co-owner Maria Giamportone, originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and her husband, Daniel Gonzalez, have crafted a menu featuring unique cuts of meat, fresh seafood dishes, and traditional flavors like chimichurri. Their dedication to authentic cuisine and hospitality earned them the Emerging Business Award in 2022.
In addition to their signature dishes, the restaurant serves Ecuadorian specialties such as hornado (slow-roasted pork), ceviche, encocado de camarón (coconut shrimp stew), and hayaca (Ecuadorian tamales), bringing a true taste of South America to the Midwest.
Andrea Holtgrave
Meet Andrea – a proud Ecuadorian who has called St. Louis, Missouri home for the past 10 years. She is a full-time mom, lifestyle content creator, and a Certified Advisor in Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) and complementary feeding for infants.
Andrea shares her journey as a woman, immigrant, wife, and mother who chose to build a life far from her birthplace. She believes in the magic of everyday moments, in honoring cultural roots, and in supporting others with authenticity and transparency through the motherhood experience. Her content is a heartfelt invitation to those seeking real inspiration and a genuine community.
IG: andy.holtgrave
