OUR TEAMEvery member of our team plays a key role in carrying out the mission of our organization. Our team is diverse with many different backgrounds and stories defining their lives. Regardless of whether they are on the ground or thousands of miles away from our schools, they all share a common passion to empower students through education.
|
|
OUR COMMUNITY LEADERS
Lan Vwa works with people on the ground that are invested in the community. These leaders are there pouring into the community when no one is looking. They were there before us, and they will be there long after us. Our students are their neighbors and children. They are a vital piece of our mission.
|
ARMANDO AND NORMA LEIVA
Community Leaders Armando and Norma Leiva have been investing in Joconal for over 8 years. Armando was born and raised in a village close to Joconal. As a teenager, he moved to Guatemala City to pursue an education. There he met Norma. They raised three incredible children and taught them the value of education. With a calling to Joconal, Armando and Norma poured much of their life savings into starting a coffee farm to provide jobs for the people in the village. They give so much, so the people in Joconal can have dignity and provide food for their families. Our school is located in the house on their farm. 
|
PAULINO AND MARIA SANTIAGO
Community Leaders Paulino and Maria Santiago live just down the road from our school in Joconal with their five adorable children. Paulino came to Joconal as a young boy. His parents sent him away at the age of eight to start working. He traveled to Joconal looking for a job and found a home. The woman living at the Leiva’s farm house, Goya, took the him in and raised him. When he was older, Paulino’s cousin, who had come to Joconal, was killed. Fearing for his life, he moved to Guatemala City with Armando. Over time, Paulino knew he was being called back to Joconal to invest in the community. Now, he works with the Leiva’s doing everything you can imagine on the farm and helps our teachers with problems at the school. |
OUR STAff
Lan Vwa has a small but dedicated staff focused on providing access to quality education. Our staff has a passion to provide opportunities to students that have the desire to pursue a better future. Together, they continue to see the positive effect education has in the communities in which they work.
Karina Leiva
Executive Director Karina lives in Guatemala City. She has a Teaching Degree with a focus on Learning disabilities from Universidad del Valle de Guatemala. Karina has been working in education since August 2004 and began working with Lan Vwa in August 2013. She is a single mother that loves working with kids. Growing up, her parents did everything to keep her in school. They taught her that there is more in life than just what you see. She is passionate about showing the students in Joconal that, through education, they can learn more and have a better life. She can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected] 
Licceth Herrera
Secondary Teacher at Chichimecas "Working on the Lan Vwa project is a wonderful experience for me. More than a job, it represents an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Every day I share knowledge and strengthen areas where I need to improve. I feel valued to be part of a team committed to education. The Lan Vwa project is not just a workplace, but a community that impacts lives and inspires me to do my best. As a teacher, I share my knowledge and, at the same time, learn from each student and their different realities. It fills me with satisfaction to know that, through education, I contribute to the personal and academic growth of others. Being part of this team is a true honor". 
Marielos Ramírez
Secondary Teacher at Chichimecas "For me, being part of the Lan Vwa team is not just a job, but an opportunity for personal growth. Every day I explore and develop many of my skills, some of which I was previously afraid to show. It means a lot to be able to be a role model for young men and women, motivating them to keep moving forward. Additionally, I have the opportunity to help in my local communities, giving young people a second chance to study and build a better future. At the same time, this experience allows me to learn more about God and understand the good purposes He has for each of our lives". |
Fabiola Pérez
Academic Coordinator and Secondary Teacher at Chichimecas "Lan Vwa shares a purpose that is "Empowering communities through education" but this empowerment goes beyond education, it is also empowerment through the gospel and thus give a total turn to our society through the empowerment that God allows us to provide to the youth of today, by faith we know that tomorrow's youth will have an equitable society full of values." 
Yeanira Osorio
Secondary Teacher at Joconal "Being part of Lan Vwa is being part of something bigger than myself. I not only studied here, but also learned values that guide my life today. Now, working here, I have the opportunity to give back a little of what I received, to guide others as I was once guided. It's a Christian project that not only educates but also transforms lives. For me, being part of Lan Vwa means continuing to learn, teach, and leave a mark on those who come after me". 
Sayra Osorio
Secondary Teacher at Joconal "For me, being part of the Lan Vwa team is not just a job, but an opportunity for personal growth. Every day I explore and develop many of my skills, some of which I was previously afraid to show. It means a lot to be able to be a role model for young men and women, motivating them to keep moving forward. Additionally, I have the opportunity to help in my local communities, giving young people a second chance to study and build a better future. At the same time, this experience allows me to learn more about God and understand the good purposes He has for each of our lives". |
Alba Martínez
Secondary Teacher at Joconal God has a purpose for me, and it's a great blessing to be able to work here, as it has been my desire to work with children and young people, and why not, for these young ones who want to study and excel through education. Thank you, Lan Vwa, for giving these young people the opportunity and empowering them. 
Orquídea Pérez
Secondary Teacher and Technology assistant at Chichimecas "I am proud to work in an educational system such as Lan Vwa, which allows many young people to continue advancing, but above all empowering themselves through education and the word of God. I am convinced that being in this project is the purpose that GOD has for me and I know that he will continue to use me to guide the education of each one of the young people." |
OUR GOVERNANCE
Lan Vwa’s Board of Directors is a group of leaders whose governance and vision for change has propelled the organization forward. With diverse backgrounds and professional expertise, each member plays a crucial role in growing Lan Vwa’s capacity. Together, they ensure the organization will continue as long as the need is present.
And this is how LanVwa connects with them:
And this is how LanVwa connects with them:
|
Kelly Waugaman
Cofunder/President of the Board Kelly is the co-founder and President of the Board of LanVwa. She loves to travel and has a heart for service; she has found the two work hand-in-hand. She sees a critical need for improved education in low-income areas abroad and works to address this need.
|
|
Geovanni Leiva
Vocal “I am passionate about empowerment, to me there is no better way to empower people than to educate and capitalize. Poverty is at its core, disconnection to opportunities therefore, empowerment is the solution to poverty.
Bringing education to the places where there has been disconnection to this opportunity for generations is and will be my life mission, so therefore LanVwa is a perfect fit for me.” |