
Vilma Mendoza, Maternal Child Health Program Manager
Quick with a smile, Vilma is a strong role model for the women of her community. Now, as the new manager of the Maternal Child Health and Family Planning Champions projects, she is taking on one of the most challenging positions in Pueblo a Pueblo. No stranger to the organization, Vilma previously worked as a project assistant and helped organize our Family Planning Champions pilot group.
Although quiet in the office, Vilma is electrifying when she speaks to a crowd about issues she is passionate about, like domestic violence, family planning, and women's health. She turns taboo topics into comfortable conversations, easily switching between Tzutujil and Spanish. Her enth usiasm for supporting the women and families in her community shines through at every monthly project meeting and event, and we're happy to have her leading these programs.
Vilma's Message to Our Supporters:
"Thank you" are the words I want to say in an important message to those who generously support the families in my community and help our program to advance every day. May God continue to bless you.
Misael Ramirez Samuc, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator
Misael was one of the first staff members hired in our Guatemalan office, and he has been part of Pueblo a Pueblo's evolution during the last few years.
Misael is very thoughtful and when he speaks, people listen. His charisma, attentiveness to detail, and ability to read between the lines make him a natural leader. These skills will also be beneficial in his new role as he balances the thoughts and opinions of diverse stakeholders and developed the tools needed to gauge Pueblo a Pueblo's impact in Guatemala.
Misael's creativity has long been an asset to Pueblo a Pueblo. As he steps into the role of Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, he is excited to use his creativity is to further develop a data collection system that uses smart phone devices, helping us to better understand and meet the needs of the families we work with and the surrounding communities.
Misael's Message to Our Supporters:
Thank you for the help provided to our communities and the colorful futures that you give to many boys and girls, their teachers, fathers, and mothers. Every year a little more than 3,000 people have grown in their knowledge and have new skills and abilities that promote a safe and happy future for the communities where we work.
Tomas Pacay Mendoza, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project Coordinator
Tomas is adaptable, intelligent, and has excelled at every position he has held with Pueblo a Pueblo. Tomas first joined the organization in 2013 as the assistant for our Pathways to Literacy project. He then became the assistant of our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project. Now, his ability to oversee the implementation and construction of WASH infrastructure, coupled with his talent for educating both teachers and students, will make him an excellent manager for the entire WASH project.
One fun fact about Tomas is that before working with Pueblo a Pueblo, he graduated from one of the best universities in Guatemala with a degree in education and educational administration. So, every day Tomas leaves the office at noon to go to his second job as a local high school principal. Tomas's dedication to improving the education and health of rural Guatemalans is contagious, and we share his excitement to see the smiling faces of students as they wash their hands.
Tomas's Message to Our Supporters:
All hands can help with the healthy development of rural communities in Guatemala. Clean hands, smiling faces!