Carmen N. Portela is a leader in regenerative tourism, cultural stewardship, and community-based destination development in Puerto Rico. With more than 25 years of experience, she serves as Executive Director of the nonprofit Fundación Amigos de El Yunque and is the founder of Local Guest Collective, a consultancy specializing in responsible tourism, place-based strategy, and cultural and environmental program design. Carmen has collaborated extensively with the U.S. Forest Service, municipalities, artisan networks, and community organizations to develop sustainable experiences that center local culture, ecological integrity, and economic resilience. Her work focuses on building equitable supply chains, strengthening community co-management models like CIRMA, and designing immersive, human-centered tourism experiences that honor Puerto Rico’s heritage and natural resources. Carmen is recognized for bridging conservation, culture, and hospitality to shape more just and regenerative tourism systems across the Caribbean