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About us

The Guardians of Human Rights Foundation is an international NGO dedicated to empowering communities through human rights, education, and prevention. From women and youth in South Asia and the Middle East, to Hispanic immigrants and refugees in the United States, to students seeking higher education opportunities, our mission is grounded in the belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and the freedom to shape their own future.

Our work spans more than 15 countries through active chapters and leadership teams, delivering programs in women’s empowerment, drug prevention, HIV prevention, higher education access, and global human rights awareness. Through measurable, community-driven initiatives, we equip individuals with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to overcome barriers and thrive.

Our story

The Guardians of Human Rights Foundation began with a simple truth: communities thrive when they understand their rights and have access to education and opportunity. Our founder and CEO, Zarai Maza, knows this firsthand. As a displaced person who faced human rights violations as a result of her work as a human rights defender, she transformed her own story of resilience into a mission to support others facing similar injustices.

What started as a small initiative has grown into an international NGO with chapters in more than 15 countries, delivering programs in women’s empowerment, drug prevention, HIV prevention, higher education access, and global human rights awareness. Today, GOHR continues to strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and uphold dignity—driven by the belief that every person deserves the chance to rise.

International team

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Zarai Maza
CEO
Biography
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Mariam Ramirez

Executive Coordinator of Global Operations
Biography
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Lennard Garcia

Coordinator of Alliances and Cooperation
Biography
Gerard Camejo
Gerard Camejo

Regional Planning & Strategic Assessment

Biography
Jaime Zablah Siri
Jaime Zablah Siri
International Development Committee Advisor
Biography

MEET OUR REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Whyrlin Rhygual Zamora
Whyrlin Zamora
Europe Director
Biography
Shaleen Das1
Dr. Shaleen Das
South Asia Director
Biography
Maya Qushair
Maya Qushair
Middle East Director for Peace
Biography

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Guardians of Human Rights Foundation is registered with the Florida Departmente of Agriculture under registration number CH62068
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Zarai Maza

Zarai Maza is an internationally recognized human rights leader, social strategist, and global advocate. She is the Founder, President, and Executive Director of Guardians of Human Rights Foundation (GOHR), leading initiatives that advance human rights, democratic resilience, and institutional capacity across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

She has been recognized twice by the United States Congress, honored by the White House, and awarded multiple official city proclamations, along with institutional recognitions from the Organization of American States. She is an official speaker before the OAS and the United Nations, and a voting member of the UN Committee on Drugs and Human Rights in Vienna.

Zarai Maza holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies, a Master’s in Law and International Relations, an MBA, and a Master’s in International Business Administration (MIBA), and is currently pursuing a Doctorate, integrating governance, social impact, and global policy into her leadership work.

Mariam Ramirez

My name is Marian Ramírez. I was born in Venezuela and came to the United States when I was 14 years old. My whole life I have been inspired by international relations and how they affect the world. I graduated from FIU with a double major in International Relations and Political Science, and I also completed my master’s in Global Affairs with a focus on international crimes and justice. Guardians of Human Rights has not only helped me bring together and connect different people from all over the world (India, Japan, Spain, among others) to collaborate toward a common goal, but as a Global Engagement Coordinator, it has also allowed me to put everything I’ve learned into practice.

Lennard Garcia

is a Venezuelan human rights activist with over 15 years of experience in civic and political advocacy. After being persecuted and detained for his role in organizing resistance movements in 2017, he was forced into exile. Currently based in Houston, Texas, Lennard continues his work raising international awareness about human rights violations in Venezuela, advocating for political prisoners, and promoting democratic values through public engagement and strategic activism.

Gerard Camejo

Gerard Camejo is a professional committed to institutional development, strategic cooperation, and the creation of meaningful social impact through initiatives focused on organizational and community strengthening. His work is defined by analytical thinking, a strong work ethic, and a consistent ability to build bridges across sectors and stakeholders.

Throughout his career, he has contributed to projects related to management, coordination, and the support of initiatives that promote sustainable growth, social responsibility, and international collaboration. His approach combines strategic vision with practical execution, emphasizing measurable results and long-term capacity building.

His leadership and contributions have been formally recognized by the United States Congress, as well as through official proclamations and honors from multiple U.S. cities, reflecting his commitment to public service, institutional excellence, and community impact.

Gerard is recognized for his ability to work in multicultural environments, his sense of responsibility, and his commitment to values such as integrity, transparency, and service. His professional focus centers on developing efficient structures that transform ideas into concrete actions with lasting impact.

Jaime Zablah Siri

Jaime Zablah-Siri is the Honorary Consul of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in El Salvador. He previously served as an elected City Councilor in the municipality of Santa Tecla, El Salvador, with his term concluding in May 2021. He is the founder and executive director of La Factoría Ciudadana, an organization focused on the rehabilitation and social reintegration of Salvadorans previously affected by violence, including gangs, incarceration, and irregular migration. He is also the founder and chief executive officer of Inversiones Caoba, an organization dedicated to the prevention of violence and drug abuse, as well as structural prevention and consulting. Jaime was appointed Human Rights Ambassador by Youth for Human Rights in California. He previously served as Vice President for Central America at HARTSOOK Companies, a consulting firm specializing in fundraising for NGOs, and as executive director of FUNDASALVA, an anti-drug foundation in El Salvador. He is an active member of the International Task Force of the Free Drug Foundation (USA) and serves on the board of directors of VNGO (Vienna NGO on Drugs), a civil society organization that advises the United Nations on drug-related matters. A national and international speaker, he has lectured on crime, drugs, gangs, and the prevention of child abuse. He is a TED speaker, known for his talk “Beyond Violence.” He is a member of the Rotary Club and CALI (Central America Leadership Initiative, Aspen Institute). He has been married for 29 years and is the proud father of four daughters.

Whyrlin Zamora

Whyrlin Rhygual Zamora Gil is the International Director for Europe at Guardians of Human Rights (GOHR) and has been part of the foundation since its inception. He leads GOHR’s work across Europe by connecting human rights protection with strategic advocacy, institutional partnerships, and on-the-ground project delivery—always focused on real-world impact, responsible growth, and outcomes that can be clearly evidenced.

His profile combines strong academic foundations with practical execution. He holds a degree in Naval Sciences, completed studies in Law, and further strengthened his expertise with a master’s degree in International Relations, Diplomacy, Security, and Defence. He is also a PhD candidate in Law and International Relations. This interdisciplinary background informs a rigorous, evidence-based approach that is legally sound, strategically guided, and centered on people.

As GOHR’s European representative, he builds cooperation networks, shapes programs and initiatives, and engages with strategic partners to translate principles into protection—strengthening the rule of law and delivering tangible improvements for individuals and communities affected by human rights violations.

Shaleen Das

Dr. Shaleen Das is an internationally recognized human rights educator, youth empowerment advocate, and human resource management professional with extensive experience spanning academia, international organizations, and the corporate sector. She currently serves as the Brand Ambassador for Youth for Human Rights International (Washington, D.C.) and as the India & Guardians of Human Rights Country Director – Florida, actively promoting human rights education on a global platform.

Based in Kolkata, India, Dr. Das began her journey in social work at a young age, inspired by early exposure to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Over the years, she has emerged as a powerful voice for human rights awareness, gender justice, youth empowerment, and anti–human trafficking initiatives. Her work addresses critical social issues including domestic violence, legal literacy, dignity for marginalized communities, sustainability, AI awareness, and inclusive development.

Dr. Das is a guest lecturer and faculty member at nearly 20 colleges and 4 universities across India, including institutions in Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Raipur, and internationally in Qatar (two universities), the USA, Russia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and more. She teaches at St. Xavier’s College and St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata, including the School of Law, integrating human rights education across disciplines such as law, management, aviation, HRM, ethics, and soft skills development.

A strong believer that education must evolve with global realities, Dr. Das has introduced and promoted subjects in India that are often missing from traditional curricula, ensuring Indian youth gain access to global knowledge and opportunities. Her mission is to make human rights education, soft skills, sustainability, AI literacy, and gender justice essential components of mainstream education.

She has conducted hundreds of seminars, workshops, and webinars, both nationally and internationally, and has distributed thousands of educational booklets to spread awareness. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she continued her outreach through impactful digital programs, ensuring uninterrupted learning and engagement.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Dr. Das received the Human Rights Champion Award (2020) from Youth for Human Rights International. She earned her Doctorate in Youth Empowerment from the USA on 2nd December 2023 and has trained and mentored youth from Indian, Nigerian, American, Latin American, and other international communities.

Academically, she studied Human Resource Management in Qatar and is a certified hospitality, etiquette, and professional grooming trainer, specializing in training aspiring airline cabin crew. She is also a sought-after speaker on Human Rights, Gender Justice, and Inclusive Legal Awareness.

Dr. Shaleen Das envisions a world where human dignity, equality, and justice are global realities rather than privileges. Her lifelong mission is to empower youth, uplift communities, and transform human rights education into meaningful action—especially for India, while impacting the world.

Maya Qushair

Maya Qushair is a Palestinian lawyer, and women’s rights activist. She serves as the Honorary Director and Middle East Representative for Guardians of Human Rights Foundation (GOHR) and is a Global Peace Ambassador and Human Rights Leader with the Universal Peace Council. As a mother of four, Maya’s mission is grounded in humanity, compassion, and lived experience. Her work focuses on highlighting the challenges faced by women in the Middle East, presenting constructive solutions, and promoting love, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence among communities and cultures worldwide.