María Fernanda Portés Valencia, known by her pseudonym Nefer PorVa (Guayaquil, Ecuador, January 19, 1987), is an award-winning writer and cultural manager who explores ecological, erotic, romantic, and experiential poetry, as well as children’s literature. Her notable work includes En el aire hay sexo (“There Is Sex in the Air”), a collection of erotic poetry. She is the founder of the Fundación de Integración Social y Desarrollo Humano Sostenible (FISDACE) and Círculo Artístico Cultural Brújula, promoting social and cultural projects in marginalized communities. Recognized internationally as a Peace Ambassador, she has received numerous accolades for her literary work. She has also worked as a First Officer in Ecuador’s Merchant Navy and as an engineer in Transport Administration and Maritime Ports.
Early Life and Education
María Fernanda Portés Valencia, also known by her pseudonym Nefer PorVa, was born on January 19, 1987, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She grew up in a humble, optimistic household with her parents, Juan de Dios and María Katty, and her two older brothers, Juan José and Julio César. Her childhood was filled with joy, creativity, and adventure. María recalls climbing eucalyptus trees and playing with her siblings, experiences that shaped her playful and imaginative spirit. The early loss of her mother in 2012 deeply affected her, leaving an indelible mark on her personal and professional life.
María Fernanda’s passion for the sea emerged at a young age, sparked by a school project about ships. This interest led her to pursue a career in the maritime industry. She studied at Ecuador’s Merchant Navy Academy, where she became the First Officer of the Merchant Navy. She also earned a degree in Transport Administration and Maritime Ports from the Universidad Metropolitana del Ecuador. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Cultural Policies and Arts Management at the Universidad de las Artes.
Maritime Career
María Fernanda has served as a Second Deck Officer in Ecuador’s Merchant Navy, navigating Ecuador’s coasts for over a decade. She eventually rose to the rank of First Officer. Her work on board ships has taken her across various parts of the world, where she developed a deep connection with nature, which heavily influences her literary work.
Literary Career
María Fernanda began writing poetry at the age of 14, with her first poem titled “Los problemas son como el mar”. Over time, she became a prominent voice in the literary world, exploring a variety of genres such as ecological poetry, erotic poetry, romantic poetry, and narrative fiction. Her experiences at sea and her love for nature often find their way into her writing, blending themes of beauty, life, and death.
Her first major work, “En el aire hay sexo” (“There is Sex in the Air”), is a collection of erotic poems that examine human sexuality in a sophisticated, romantic, and imaginative manner. She continues to explore eroticism in her writing, firmly defending it as an essential aspect of human experience.
In addition to poetry, María Fernanda has ventured into writing children’s stories, focusing on themes of optimism and personal independence. She is currently working on a new poetry collection centered on death and feminism.
Cultural Advocacy and Social Activism
María Fernanda is an active cultural manager and social activist, passionately working towards the empowerment of marginalized and vulnerable communities in Ecuador. She founded the Círculo Artístico Cultural Brújula and the Fundación de Integración Social y Desarrollo Humano Sostenible (FISDACE), both of which aim to promote social integration and sustainable human development through art and culture. These organizations organize workshops, festivals, conferences, and other community events.
In her role as a cultural promoter, María Fernanda has taken part in numerous reading clubs, such as “Léeme un cuento” for children and “Dulce poesía,” which focuses on female empowerment through literature.
Honors and Accolades
María Fernanda’s contributions to literature and cultural advocacy have earned her several national and international honors. Some of her most notable awards include:
- Ana del Valle 2017 Award, for her work in promoting cultural arts, presented in Rosario, Argentina.
- ANTÓN AWARDS 2017, where she was recognized as a Rising Star in literature and poetry in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
- Santa Cecilia Award in 2017, presented in Caracas, Venezuela, recognizing her contributions as a writer.
She was also honored with the Ana de Peralta Award in 2022 for her advocacy for women’s rights in Ecuador.
In addition to these awards, María Fernanda was appointed Peace Ambassador for Ecuador by the Universal Circle of Ambassadors for Peace, further cementing her role as an influential cultural figure.
Videos
Interview
María Fernanda Portés and Solange Páez at the “Mayúscula” Festival.
Selected Works
- En el aire hay sexo
References
- Pro Ecuador Literario, “María Fernanda Portés Valencia, seudónimo Nefer PorVa.” Retrieved on October 4, 2024. Click to view.
- Ibercultura Viva, “María Fernanda Portés Valencia, perfil.” Retrieved on October 4, 2024. Click to view.
- Advaitam Speaks Literary, “María Fernanda Portés Valencia – Interview and profile.” Retrieved on October 4, 2024. Click to view.
- Poemame, “3 poemas de María Fernanda Portés Valencia, poeta ecuatoriana.” Retrieved on October 4, 2024. Click to view.
- La Poesía del Prójimo, “María Fernanda Portés Valencia (Ecuador).” Retrieved on October 4, 2024. Click to view.
- Nefer PorVa Blog, “Reseña de Nefer PorVa.” Retrieved on October 4, 2024. Click to view.
- Nefer PorVa Blog, “Entrevista de una revista de Cuba.” Retrieved on October 4, 2024. Click to view.