AylluCare

As a first-generation student from Peru, moving into the United States to pursue higher education was one of the biggest challenges I had ever faced. The bustling streets, the unfamiliar language, the endless rush—it all felt overwhelming. But deep inside, I carried something more powerful than fear: my heritage. It was the perseverance instilled in me by my ancestors, and the wisdom of my grandmother, who raised me with the richness of our culture and the strength of our Quechua language.

Growing up in Anta, a small village high in the Andes, my grandmother, Justina, would sit me down by the hearth, speaking to me in Quechua, the language of our Incan ancestors. She didn’t just teach me words—she taught me the stories, the values, and the soul of our people. Through her, I learned the importance of Ayllu—our community. She reminded me that no one is ever truly alone, that we are all interconnected, bound by our shared past and responsibility to uplift one another.

When I came to the United States, I often thought of her, and the countless elders like her, whose voices and stories carry the weight of centuries. Yet, in a world so rapidly advancing with technology, many Indigenous elders have been left behind, struggling to access essential information and services in a language they understand. It broke my heart to think that the wisdom they hold might be silenced in a world that is moving too fast to listen.

That’s where AylluCare was born—from a deep need to give back to the communities that shaped me. AylluCare is more than just an app—it’s a bridge. It’s an AI-powered online assistant designed to help seniors who speak Indigenous languages like Quechua, Aymara, and Náhuatl. It’s built for people like my grandmother, who deserve access to modern services without losing the dignity of communicating in their native tongue to our future generations.

With AylluCare, elders can access healthcare information, financial support, and stay connected with their loved ones—all in a language they understand, with the care and respect they deserve. AylluCare speaks more than 15 Indigenous languages, ensuring that no elder is left behind, whether they speak Quechua, Aymara, Guarani, or others. It’s not just about technology; it’s about preserving our cultural heritage and ensuring that our elders remain part of the conversation as the world moves forward.

This project is my way of honoring my grandmother and all the forgotten Indigenous communities around the world. It's a step toward making sure they are not left behind. AylluCare is for those who taught us to speak, to live with integrity, and to value the wisdom of our ancestors. Just as my grandmother taught me Quechua, she also taught me to never forget where I come from—and AylluCare is my way of making sure the world doesn’t forget either.

Our ancestors have given us so much; it’s time we give back.