Bolivia - Palmira Villarroel, MPH, RN

Palmira Villarroel, MPH, RN is the Executive Director of Esperanza Bolivia, our partner organization in Bolivia. Palmira has served the people of Bolivia on behalf of Esperanza Bolivia for over 22 years. She is a Registered Nurse with a Masters in Public Health. Palmira is responsible for all of the organization’s administrative and financial functions, which includes supervising more than 180 staff.

Mexico -Leonor Sesteaga

Leonor Sesteaga serves as Director of the Nogales Promotora Assocation, our partner organization located on the border of Mexico. Leonor has served as a Community Health Worker and Promotora for almost ten years. Born and raised in Nogales, she has intimate knowledge of the community’s needs and strengths. Leonor has multiple roles within the organization and currently serves as their director, accountant, educator, and trainer.

Mozambique - Ana Micas

Ana Micasserves as the Health Coordinator for Care for Life, our partner organization in Mozambique. Ana has been working with Care for Life for over 8 years, first as a volunteer and now as a full-time employee. She is a Registered Nurse, and has demonstrated incredible commitment to the people of Mozambique. Ana oversees all aspects of health including health education, community health programming, and Home Based Care. She is responsible for coordinating and training local staff in 13 communities!

Nicaragua - Victorino Centeno

Victorino Centeno serves as the Executive Director for AVODEC, our partner organization in Nicaragua. He provides administrative oversight for Esperança’s projects, and has over 13 years of experience in managing public and health development programs in Nicaragua. His educational background is in business management, economics, and local business development. He was the original founder of AVODEC and is truly passionate about improving the health of poor Nicaraguans. Victorino oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, resource development, and supervision of community health projects.

United States - Maria Valenzuela

Maria Valenzuela has served as the Community Health Coordinator of Esperanca, Inc. for the last 9 years. She has over 12 years of experience working on community health programs within the Phoenix metropolitan area. She is completely bicultural and bilingual, and is passionate about the health issues affecting the Latino community. She currently uses her skills and expertise to support Golden Gate Community Center’s Health Program where she serves as an integral member of their health team. Maria’s primary responsibilities include providing oral health education, co-facilitating a healthy living curriculum series called Salud con Sabor Latino, and coordinating the Esperança Women’s Guild projects and activities.