Board
Diego de Sola (co-founder), President:
Currently CEO of Inversiones Bolivar SA de CV, a 60-year-old real estate development firm specializing in multi-level housing in Central America. Diego served as CFO of UNEX SA de CV, a bi-national coffee exporter for El Salvador and Guatemala and previously worked as an investment banker with Citicorp Securities / Salomon Smith Barney, in New York City. He received his undergraduate degree from CornellUniversity and his MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. Diego currently serves on the Board of FUNDEMAS, El Salvador's leading Corporate Social Responsibility promotion organization, as well as on INCAE's El Salvador National Committee. He is also a Fellow of the Central American Leadership Initiative ("CALI"), a group of young leaders focused on helping the region through values-based leadership, and organized by the Aspen Institute, INCAE and FUNDEMAS. Diego, a father of three boys, is also a founding member of Glasswing.
Marian L. Vidaurri, Member:
Recently, Marian served as Editor of the Intelligence Unit at Estrategia y Negocios, a business magazine serving Central America. Previous to this, she was a manager of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at FUNDEMAS, the leading business association in El Salvador spearheading CSR. Here she managed projects and promoted case studies to further the impact and reach of CSR. Marian received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and a Master's in Latin American Studies from the University of Oxford. She has also received extensive training involving the integration of corporations within communities.
Beatriz Borja, Member:
Beatriz is currently the Chapter Administrator for the Young Presidents´ Organization, a peer-based leadership education organization where she has worked for the past 3 years. Prior to this she worked as the Communications and Membership Manager for FUNDEMAS (a business foundation for social action) where she was in charge of promoting CSR in public and private sectors and building alliances for the development of strategic projects. She also worked for over five years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, serving in the Social Development Unit, International Aid Office, as International Business Promotion Manager and as Executive Advisor to the Minister´s Office. Beatriz received her Bachelors degree in Public Health Administration and Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Steven Walsh, Member:
Steve received his Masters in Business Administration with a focus on International Business in developing countries from Stanford University in California . He is currently a Senior Project Manager in Strategy and Business Development for TACA International Airlines where his lead initiatives are long-term strategy, commercial growth and operational efficiency. Prior to TACA he worked as a consultant for Bain & Company and for several years at the Bridgespan Group, which is a leading consulting firm for non-profit organizations. Steve has been involved in youth mentoring and international development and microfinance volunteer work, and also happens to be one of Glasswing´s star volunteers, teaching English at a local public school twice a week.
Claudia Cruz, Member, Member:
Claudia has been working for the past eight years as the Corporate Communications Manager for Cenergica-Nejapa Power Company, where she is responsible for internal communications, media, community and institutional relations, and CSR. Nejapa Power is known for its emphasis on CSR and has established award winning health, safety and environmental programs. Claudia also serves as a professor for undergraduate and graduate communications programs at Dr. Jose Matias Delgado University in San Salvador . Claudia obtained her Master´s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility, Accounting and Social Auditing from the University of Barcelona and her undergraduate degree in Communications from University of the Ozarks in Arkansas.
Currently CEO of Inversiones Bolivar SA de CV, a 60-year-old real estate development firm specializing in multi-level housing in Central America. Diego served as CFO of UNEX SA de CV, a bi-national coffee exporter for El Salvador and Guatemala and previously worked as an investment banker with Citicorp Securities / Salomon Smith Barney, in New York City. He received his undergraduate degree from CornellUniversity and his MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. Diego currently serves on the Board of FUNDEMAS, El Salvador's leading Corporate Social Responsibility promotion organization, as well as on INCAE's El Salvador National Committee. He is also a Fellow of the Central American Leadership Initiative ("CALI"), a group of young leaders focused on helping the region through values-based leadership, and organized by the Aspen Institute, INCAE and FUNDEMAS. Diego, a father of three boys, is also a founding member of Glasswing.
Marian L. Vidaurri, Member:
Recently, Marian served as Editor of the Intelligence Unit at Estrategia y Negocios, a business magazine serving Central America. Previous to this, she was a manager of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at FUNDEMAS, the leading business association in El Salvador spearheading CSR. Here she managed projects and promoted case studies to further the impact and reach of CSR. Marian received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and a Master's in Latin American Studies from the University of Oxford. She has also received extensive training involving the integration of corporations within communities.
Beatriz Borja, Member:
Beatriz is currently the Chapter Administrator for the Young Presidents´ Organization, a peer-based leadership education organization where she has worked for the past 3 years. Prior to this she worked as the Communications and Membership Manager for FUNDEMAS (a business foundation for social action) where she was in charge of promoting CSR in public and private sectors and building alliances for the development of strategic projects. She also worked for over five years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, serving in the Social Development Unit, International Aid Office, as International Business Promotion Manager and as Executive Advisor to the Minister´s Office. Beatriz received her Bachelors degree in Public Health Administration and Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Steven Walsh, Member:
Steve received his Masters in Business Administration with a focus on International Business in developing countries from Stanford University in California . He is currently a Senior Project Manager in Strategy and Business Development for TACA International Airlines where his lead initiatives are long-term strategy, commercial growth and operational efficiency. Prior to TACA he worked as a consultant for Bain & Company and for several years at the Bridgespan Group, which is a leading consulting firm for non-profit organizations. Steve has been involved in youth mentoring and international development and microfinance volunteer work, and also happens to be one of Glasswing´s star volunteers, teaching English at a local public school twice a week.
Claudia Cruz, Member, Member:
Claudia has been working for the past eight years as the Corporate Communications Manager for Cenergica-Nejapa Power Company, where she is responsible for internal communications, media, community and institutional relations, and CSR. Nejapa Power is known for its emphasis on CSR and has established award winning health, safety and environmental programs. Claudia also serves as a professor for undergraduate and graduate communications programs at Dr. Jose Matias Delgado University in San Salvador . Claudia obtained her Master´s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility, Accounting and Social Auditing from the University of Barcelona and her undergraduate degree in Communications from University of the Ozarks in Arkansas.
Senior Staff
Ken Baker, Executive Director:
Ken Baker comes to Glasswing with many years of experience in the public, private and governmental sectors. Ken spent the last six years with AmeriCares Foundation, a leading humanitarian organization based in Stamford, CT. While at AmeriCares, he served as Vice President for International and Corporate Relations, forging and managing partnerships with over 30 leading multinational corporations. During his time at AmeriCares, he oversaw an increase in in-kind donations of over 300%, as well as pioneering the expansion of AmeriCares' operations to India. Prior to AmeriCares, Ken spent years working in the private sector in both marketing and management. His experience in this sector includes 8 years, including tenures at the Snapple Beverage Group, Market Reach, General Electric Capital and IBM. Having served two elected terms on the City Council of Norwalk, CT, Ken also brings government experience to Glasswing. While serving as part of the City's government, Ken served as Chairman of the Maritime Aquarium Authority, Connecticut's second largest tourist attraction, as well as the City's Planning and Finance Committees. Ken has also consulted with the US Department of State, and spent months at a time in countries around the world including: China, Peru, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Armenia, Georgia, and Thailand. Finally, Ken spent over five years as a mentor in the US through the Big Brother Big Sister program, and has been very involved in the community.
Celina de Sola, Vice President, Programs:
Prior to her work with Glasswing, Celina worked as a consultant for international development organizations, including the Population Council and the University Research Corporation, as well as several family foundations, advising on and managing their international project investments. Prior to this she also worked for AmeriCares as a Project Manager and subsequently, Director of Emergency Response. During her time with AmeriCares, Celina led responses in more than 15 countries, including: El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Sudan, Liberia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Celina has worked as a counselor, advocate, and resource specialist for Latino immigrants in community-based organizations in and around Philadelphia. Celina has also served on the Boards of several non-profit organizations, including: Help the Afghan Children, the Salvadoran American Health Foundation, and the Carver Community Center in Norwalk, CT. Celina has a BA in Political Science and Latin American Studies and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as her Masters in Public Health from Harvard University.
Sofia Baldocchi-Iturbide, Director, Glasswing Guatemala:
Sofia received her MBA degree from Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala and her BS with a major in Economics from Southern Methodist University. She worked for several years in Estrategia & Negocios, a business magazine serving Central America. During that time she was in charge of sales and management of E&N in Guatemala. She also managed for several years Rustika, a furniture store, where she was responsible for buying the merchandise and exporting it from Guatemala.
Marcela Aquino, Manager, Volunteering Programs:
Marcela spent 2 years as a human values instructor in Mexico City, where she provided social services to different institutions including the elderly, orphans, and individuals with handicaps. In 2001 after earthquakes shook El Salvador, Marcela worked with FUSAL (Fundación Salvadoreña para la Salud y el Desarrollo Humano) in inventory and logistics management. In 2003 she worked with SalvaNATURA, an environmental organization based in San Salvador on fundraising and event planning. Marcela also worked with Basilea for three years as their promotion manager organizing their events and publicity.
María Alicia Carvajal, Program Manager, Education:
María Alicia has spent over 10 years working as a teacher in both private and public institutions in Mexico, Spain, and El Salvador. Prior to Glasswing María Alicia worked as Educational Director at Tin Marín Children's Museum. Her experience at Tin Marin included doing research investigations and working with a multidisciplinary group of experts in the design and creation of museum exhibits. María Alicia studied Philosophy in Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (UCA) and has a BA in Humanities from the University of Navarra (Spain).
Cristina Figueroa Bennett, Manager, Communications:
Cristina obtained her Bachelor's degree in International Studies from the University of Richmond and her Master's in Business Administration from Florida International University. Cristina comes to Glasswing with years of experience in human resources, as well as in academic advising in both high school and university settings.
Ruth Mercedes Vega de Manzano, Project Manager:
Ruth has a broad range of professional and academic experience across many sectors relevant to development, including agriculture, economics, health, and education. Ruth has an undergraduate degree from the University of El Salvador in Agricultural Engineering subsequently obtained a Masters in Agricultural Business Administration from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores in Monterrey, México. Ruth worked as a consultant for the Pan American Health Organization for 12 years. During that time, she coordinated the Women, Health, and Development Project, as well as the PLAGSALUD project, which addressed issues around exposure to pesticides in the Central American Isthmus (PLAGSALUD). During her three years with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), she coordinated the Interagency Program for Empowerment of Young Women. In the 1980's, Ruth also worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of El Salvador, as a project consultant with the Planning and Evaluation Project of the Agricultural Reform, and subsequently as Director of Agricultural Economics and as Sub-Director for the Office of the Sectary of Agricultural Planning (OSPA).
Ken Baker comes to Glasswing with many years of experience in the public, private and governmental sectors. Ken spent the last six years with AmeriCares Foundation, a leading humanitarian organization based in Stamford, CT. While at AmeriCares, he served as Vice President for International and Corporate Relations, forging and managing partnerships with over 30 leading multinational corporations. During his time at AmeriCares, he oversaw an increase in in-kind donations of over 300%, as well as pioneering the expansion of AmeriCares' operations to India. Prior to AmeriCares, Ken spent years working in the private sector in both marketing and management. His experience in this sector includes 8 years, including tenures at the Snapple Beverage Group, Market Reach, General Electric Capital and IBM. Having served two elected terms on the City Council of Norwalk, CT, Ken also brings government experience to Glasswing. While serving as part of the City's government, Ken served as Chairman of the Maritime Aquarium Authority, Connecticut's second largest tourist attraction, as well as the City's Planning and Finance Committees. Ken has also consulted with the US Department of State, and spent months at a time in countries around the world including: China, Peru, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Armenia, Georgia, and Thailand. Finally, Ken spent over five years as a mentor in the US through the Big Brother Big Sister program, and has been very involved in the community.
Celina de Sola, Vice President, Programs:
Prior to her work with Glasswing, Celina worked as a consultant for international development organizations, including the Population Council and the University Research Corporation, as well as several family foundations, advising on and managing their international project investments. Prior to this she also worked for AmeriCares as a Project Manager and subsequently, Director of Emergency Response. During her time with AmeriCares, Celina led responses in more than 15 countries, including: El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Sudan, Liberia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Celina has worked as a counselor, advocate, and resource specialist for Latino immigrants in community-based organizations in and around Philadelphia. Celina has also served on the Boards of several non-profit organizations, including: Help the Afghan Children, the Salvadoran American Health Foundation, and the Carver Community Center in Norwalk, CT. Celina has a BA in Political Science and Latin American Studies and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as her Masters in Public Health from Harvard University.
Sofia Baldocchi-Iturbide, Director, Glasswing Guatemala:
Sofia received her MBA degree from Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala and her BS with a major in Economics from Southern Methodist University. She worked for several years in Estrategia & Negocios, a business magazine serving Central America. During that time she was in charge of sales and management of E&N in Guatemala. She also managed for several years Rustika, a furniture store, where she was responsible for buying the merchandise and exporting it from Guatemala.
Marcela Aquino, Manager, Volunteering Programs:
Marcela spent 2 years as a human values instructor in Mexico City, where she provided social services to different institutions including the elderly, orphans, and individuals with handicaps. In 2001 after earthquakes shook El Salvador, Marcela worked with FUSAL (Fundación Salvadoreña para la Salud y el Desarrollo Humano) in inventory and logistics management. In 2003 she worked with SalvaNATURA, an environmental organization based in San Salvador on fundraising and event planning. Marcela also worked with Basilea for three years as their promotion manager organizing their events and publicity.
María Alicia Carvajal, Program Manager, Education:
María Alicia has spent over 10 years working as a teacher in both private and public institutions in Mexico, Spain, and El Salvador. Prior to Glasswing María Alicia worked as Educational Director at Tin Marín Children's Museum. Her experience at Tin Marin included doing research investigations and working with a multidisciplinary group of experts in the design and creation of museum exhibits. María Alicia studied Philosophy in Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (UCA) and has a BA in Humanities from the University of Navarra (Spain).
Cristina Figueroa Bennett, Manager, Communications:
Cristina obtained her Bachelor's degree in International Studies from the University of Richmond and her Master's in Business Administration from Florida International University. Cristina comes to Glasswing with years of experience in human resources, as well as in academic advising in both high school and university settings.
Ruth Mercedes Vega de Manzano, Project Manager:
Ruth has a broad range of professional and academic experience across many sectors relevant to development, including agriculture, economics, health, and education. Ruth has an undergraduate degree from the University of El Salvador in Agricultural Engineering subsequently obtained a Masters in Agricultural Business Administration from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores in Monterrey, México. Ruth worked as a consultant for the Pan American Health Organization for 12 years. During that time, she coordinated the Women, Health, and Development Project, as well as the PLAGSALUD project, which addressed issues around exposure to pesticides in the Central American Isthmus (PLAGSALUD). During her three years with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), she coordinated the Interagency Program for Empowerment of Young Women. In the 1980's, Ruth also worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of El Salvador, as a project consultant with the Planning and Evaluation Project of the Agricultural Reform, and subsequently as Director of Agricultural Economics and as Sub-Director for the Office of the Sectary of Agricultural Planning (OSPA).