Three words that best describe her

mentor, curious, committed

What’s her role and connection to the cause?

Maria Isabel was born in the small city of Boaco in Nicaragua where she dreamed of going to university and persevered to win a scholarship. It jumpstarted her commitment to co-creating life-changing opportunities for vulnerable communities, particularly children and women.

The instructor in regional leadership programs has developed teams committed to excellence in various senior roles at World Vision.

She leads strategic growth, program development, international and domestic partnerships as well as day-to-day operations in our Nicaragua office.

What academic work set her up for success?

Maria Isabel earned a master of social management for programs and policies from Universidad Centroamericana in Managua, Nicaragua; a master of arts in organizational leadership from Eastern University in Pennsylvania, U.S.; and a bachelor of business administration from Harding University in Arkansas, U.S.

Interesting tidbit

The country director loves karate and meditation, which help her create balance between her mind, body and spirit.