I currently serve as CAF America’s President and CEO. Prior to this appointment, I held leadership roles at CAF America throughout my 13-year tenure, progressing from roles in Grants and Donor Services through to Senior Vice President of External Affairs. As a leader, I value a collaborative and inclusive approach that fosters diverse perspectives, innovative problem solving, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
In my previous role as SVP of External Affairs, I designed and implemented grantmaking strategies that addressed pressing issues in cross-border giving, and also led the development of major partnerships that enabled the expansion of donors’ global grantmaking footprint. I also played a fundamental role in the founding of CAF Canada by developing its operational model and internal compliance protocols for working with donors to support CAF Canada’s projects around the world. I’ve managed CAF Canada’s programs since their inception.
My career in the philanthropic sector began at the nonprofit Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, an organization focused on providing care for orphaned children in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. As the program coordinator and child caretaker, I coordinated the surgical services brigade and volunteers for the orphanage, while caring for children in the evenings and weekends. This experience deeply impacted me and inspired me to pursue international philanthropy and global charitable causes.
I pursued my undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a B.S. in Anthropology and B.A in Spanish with Honors, along with a Certificate of Spanish Translation and Interpretation. During my time at VCU, I worked with the Hispanic Liaison office of Greater Richmond as a translator and interpreter.
Several years later, I attended American University, where I obtained my Masters in International Development. I have also pursued educational experiences that enhance my ability to lead and serve, including the completion of a Harvard Business School Leadership Development Certificate, a Georgetown University Certificate in Nonprofit Management, a Certificate of ESG Leadership with Competent Boards, and a certificate in Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CFT) by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).