Driven by a lifelong passion for preserving cultural heritage, Dr. Lilia Lizama founded Maya Heritage to create a lasting impact on the study and celebration of Maya culture. Her work is backed by deep academic expertise, including a Ph.D. in Geography and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Archaeology.
A true advocate for cross-cultural communication, she has co-authored works in English, Spanish, and Mayan. Her commitment is further reflected in her active participation in numerous professional and arts organizations, connecting her archaeological work with community engagement.
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Dr. Israel MartÃnez provides the essential administrative and financial stewardship that empowers the mission of Archaeologists of the Maya World. As our volunteer officer, he ensures the long-term sustainability and operational excellence of the organization.
Dr. MartÃnez brings a unique perspective to his role, combining his background as a Medical Doctor from UNAM with a specialty in Senior Management and a Master’s in Health Systems Administration. This powerful skill set is critical for managing our finances, identifying new grant opportunities, and providing strategic support to the Executive Director. His dedicated work is fundamental to turning our shared vision into reality.
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William Rogers serves as our Secretary, handling business planning and logistics for our programs. He has over 20 years of hands-on experience and extensive knowledge in construction, woodworking, and agroforestry.
Originally from California, William has significant international experience, having lived and worked in Mexico and Belize for over 20 years where he designed, coordinated, and administered a wide range of private projects. He is a passionate supporter of preserving and sharing Maya history, participating in archaeological projects and working as a guide for archaeological sites, cenotes, and scuba diving. From 2016 to 2018, he also worked with the Peach Tree Christian Church in downtown Atlanta.
Dr. Ryan Rowberry is the President of our organization. At Georgia State University, he is the Janice C. Griffith Chair in Law, where his work focuses on property and cultural heritage law. He has significant experience in the field, having overseen international conferences and projects involving the protection of historic resources in the Caribbean and Mexico.
In 2017, Dr. Rowberry authored key legislation and processes for sustainably protecting cultural heritage in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, through the creation of a financially independent heritage register. In 2021, he and his students at Georgia State University researched and outlined the step-by-step technical process for creating a U.S. non-profit partner, providing the essential blueprint for our organization’s establishment in Georgia.