Empowerment International

We have an extremely diverse team, with volunteers from countries as far as Netherlands and India. Many of our team members work virtually, many come down to Granada for a few months and many choose to make this place their home. One feature unites them all – a passion to make a big difference in the lives of children.

Here is a look at all the members of our team -

Kathy Adams – Executive Director / Founder

As a technical engineer, Kathy spent 4 years in Central America working as an engineer with Intel. With the level of poverty and seeing children selling and begging on the streets, Kathy felt compelled to change the situation. In 1998, she purchased the requisite uniforms, shoes and books and enrolled children from two families in schools with her own money.

Today Empowerment International is a US-registered non-profit organization, which gives over 250 children in  Nicaragua access to education. It also currently employs a Nicaraguan teacher to co-ordinate the program locally.

In 2007, Kathy decided to dedicate her efforts full-time to further provide children educational access and enriching communities in Central America. She returned to Central America to live in 2008, leaving her engineering life behind.

Anielka Gutierrez – Program Director, Nicaragua

A former local Nicaraguan teacher, Anielka leads the team of volunteer staff who monitor the program. She addresses any obstacles which may prohibit the children from continuing their education and leads a parent committee to provide support to families and spearhead broader community improvement initiatives.

Anielka is also currently attending university at night for English studies.

GROUND TEAM

Carla Vanessa Velez Medina – Program Assistant

Hildebrando  Guevara – Program Assistant

Margarita Arroliga – Program Graduate and University Intern

Jeaneth Gutierrez – Program High School graduate and university Intern

Danelia Sunsin - Donor Relations and English Teacher

Patrick Chiapetta – Volunteer

Melissa Chiapetta - Volunteer

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Leonardo Vila – Translator

Kshitiz Anand – Graphic Designer

Kristi Rutledge – Director of Events

Neha Singh – Newsletter and Website Content Manager. For website related issues, content ideas or suggestions for improvement, contact her at neha (dot) singh (dot) id (at) gmail.com

WRITERS

Neha Singh

Shamala Pulugurtha

BOARD and ADVISORS

Charlie Partee – Board Chair

Anthony K. Woo -Treasurer

Jody Hughes – Board Secretary

Arthur Griffin- BOD Member

Ingeborge Jille – Advisor

Morgan Smith – Advisor

Our Supporters include:

Cal Ripken Foundation

Weyerhauser Family Fund

Hotel con Corazon

Kenneth King Foundation

YMCA International Club

Rider Family Fund

Scholarship for Granada

Jewish Community Foundation