Sarahí Leon

Bachelor of Anthropology, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos.

Sarahi grew up on the southern outskirts of Lima, in the district of Villa El Salvador. From a young age, she moved through the vibrant rhythms of her neighborhood—among street vendors, local markets, and the ever-present sounds of chicha music. These early experiences made her aware of the contrasts between her community and the more affluent areas of central Lima, sparking a deep curiosity about the social structures that shape people’s lives.

This questioning led her to explore how people understand and relate to the world, eventually guiding her to study Anthropology. Her background gave her the tools to investigate diverse forms of knowledge, culture, and human–nature relationships. She also grew up learning from her grandmother, who has deep knowledge of medicinal herbs and traditional healing practices—an influence that nurtured Sarahi’s interest in land-based wellness and traditional medicine.

As an anthropologist, Sarahi is especially passionate about non-Western epistemologies and is committed to creating spaces that recognize and value knowledge systems beyond dominant academic frameworks. She believes that decentralizing knowledge is essential to building more horizontal societies and learning from the wisdom that emerges in different contexts.

Her involvement with Where There Be Dragons is driven by a desire to highlight knowledge systems often overlooked by mainstream narratives. For Sarahi, helping students move beyond a tourist gaze to truly listen, learn, and connect is both a privilege and a deeply meaningful journey.

Known for her empathetic nature and ability to bridge cultures, Sarahi is deeply rooted in the landscapes of her country. Outside of her work, she enjoys practicing yoga, staying active, reading, spending time with her beloved cats, and exploring the insights of tarot readings.