Nice to meet you!
We are proudly committed to a culture of inclusion that fosters diversity and encourages everyone to strive towards leadership opportunities.
In 2019, we made a collective decision to adopt a new organizational structure most commonly referred to as Teal or Holacracy. This means that our organizational structure is much more dynamic than a traditional leadership model. We are organized in circles, each one holding its own purpose and accountabilities in alignment with other circles and SERES’ overall higher purpose. This new model enables all of our members to self-organize and self-manage to achieve our higher purpose.
As a result, we have strong female and local participation at all levels. Over 80% of staff positions, 75% of our leadership team, and more than 50% of our Board of Directors are women.
SERES alumni have the opportunity to elect three youth representatives to be part of our Board annually.
Get to know our team
Sara joined the team in 2016, looking for a space where she could contribute to youth. She had previously worked with youth social programs at government institutions. While studying abroad, she was encouraged to look for a different space when she returned to Guatemala, and of course… she found SERES.
Sara is an amazing mentor to all of our members and through her effective questioning, her capacity for analysis and her attention to detail, she inspires the youth to achieve their full potential. She is a brilliant at building relationships , always looking to create connections with our allies and she ensures that we have efficient and transparent processes. Sara is an amazing asset to be leading our dynamic team.
s.hurtarte@seres.org
Abigail started her journey with SERES back in 2011 when she participated in the Activate Community Congress, where she created an action plan that moved her to become an active citizen in her community alongside Rupalaj K´istalin. In 2013 Abigail joined the team as a junior facilitator, she soon discovered the potential of having a learning mindset and how this is key in developing skills and using them to exercise her leadership with the Guatemalan youth.
Through her incredible skill-set which includes appreciative leadership, good and assertive questioning, deep listening, team working and creatively problem solving, she is an extraordinary team leader and mentor. We are lucky to have her leading this team.
a.quic@seres.org
In 2010 the first “Youth Leading the World” congress was organized by Antonio and Corrina, our co-founders. Antonio realized that youth need safe spaces, where they can be heard and be inspired.
He dreamt of a new reality where the youth are the ones that change it and transform our nation. With deep listening and appreciative leadership skills, he develops strong connections between youth as our facilitator. His vision of a better world has made him a rockstar in leading our operations in El Salvador.
Lucia joined the team back in 2019, with a vast experience in research, educational project management and youth curriculum development.
Her passion, commitment, and energy makes her an innovative problem-solver. She loves working with us as we address social issues, solutions and brings a continuous intercultural connection with local communities. We love having a fearless Nicaraguan woman in our team!
Victor arrived at SERES in early 2019, with the vision of generating social impact in rural communities and expanding his knowledge in agroecology and measuring impact. He brings extraordinary knowledge in the use of renewable energy in rural communities, critical thinking, community-based scientific research, and deep listening. This allows him to lead projects that attract new development opportunities at Ulew Fuego.
Victor has a wicked sense of humor that keeps us entertained in the office, and lifts us during the more challenging days
Mary joined the team in 2017 and "it was an unique experiece" she says. Since then she has been co-creating opportunities for and with the youth. Through her honesty, respect and adaptability she has made her way with many young people that are following her steps.
In 2021 she became a SERES Facilitator and supports program activities in El Salvador.
Dora, aka Dorita, found out about the opportunity to join the team in 2015 through a friend who loved our work. The impact we were having caught her attention: identifying young leaders, others would overlook, and driving them to be the future superstars of their communities.
A combination of joy, patience and perseverance make Dora a unique and critical player for the entire organization. Currently most of her roles are in support of our daily operations and she delivers on them with clarity, transparency, and coherence. She will always make you feel welcome in the SERES family.
Glenda joined SERES in 2016, and since then she has put her heart into all that she does. She awakens critical thinking in the minds of the youth, as they work to create action plans for personal development and bigger changes in their communities.
She is a tremendous program facilitator and mentor!
Steven crossed paths with us back in 2016 through a community congress held in Escuintla. Since then, it has been our privilege to see him grow and develop into a true leader.
He brings assertive communication, appreciative leadership and active work to our ecosystem as an intern in Escuintla. There is so much more ahead for Steven and we are immensely excited to witness his journey.
Don Abraham, the bee whisperer! With over 40 years of expertise in apiculture, he's a true maestro in beekeeping. Originally from the displaced community San Miguel Los Lotes, he had 20 beehives nestled up in the mountains. When he learned about a new land where he could continue his beekeeping journey, we embraced him warmly.
Don Abraham is not just a master beekeeper; he's also a talented musician. During his free time, you'll find him strumming his guitar and serenading his beloved bees with sweet melodies.
Marco Antonio joined our team after having in depth conversations with our co-founder, Corrina. It was 2015 when he became a key player as one of our land technicians in Ulew Fuego.
He brings knowledge, hard work and some amazing stories to our youth and families. The entire team is blown away by his passion and service for this land.
Selvin joined us back in 2019, introduced by a supporter of SERES. He is a team player, proactive and works with a deep level of integrity. His financial knowledge makes him a key player for the organization. He is our finance wizard.
Back in 2017, Anibal heard from Marco Antonio about this opportunity at SERES. Hard work, responsibility and a sense of initiative have led Anibal to build positive relationships with the community around Ulew Fuego. He keeps the land safe and accessible as a constant presence while coordinating farming activities with the team. Lucky to have him onboard!
our board
Sherry Miller
President
Kathy Ruhf
Secretary
Gary Teale
Treasurer
Jacob Carter
Board Member
Alia Whitney-Johnson
Board Member
Fredy Sitaví Board Member
Magda Yoc Board Member
Corrina Grace Co-Founder and Board Member
Elizabeth Machic Board Member
Alvaro Rivas Youth-Elect representative
El Salvador