Francesca is originally from the UK but has lived in Guatemala for over 12 years. In the past, she has worked for NdL and been a past member of the Guatemalan Board. In December she re-joined the Guatemalan Board as Vice President. She has worked and volunteered with several NGOs in Guatemala.

“Guatemala is a magical country that is hard not to fall in love with. I strongly believe in working with local communities to help them find ways to achieve their goals, especially women and children – they are the key to Guatemala’s future”

Luis lives in Antigua and has been the President of the Guatemalan Board since the birth of Niños del Lago. He has always believed that children, from the time they are born, are learning something new every day depending on who is nurturing them.

“I believe, and am very confident, that Niños del Lago provides an opportunity for Guatemalan children to discover their own talents and qualities, so that they can channel their energy in achieving everything they wish and dream for.”

Nicolás is married with two children and lives in Panajachel, where he works as an Accountant and Auditor. We have been privileged to have him as the Treasurer of the Guatemalan Board of Directors for several years.

“I have witnessed the humanitarian programs of Niños del Lago that are supporting the most vulnerable. This is the reason that motivates me and makes me commit to continuing to participate in such a noble cause.”

Claudia is Mexican and strongly believes that education with an emphasis on values in the path to change people’s life.

“I fell in love with Guatemala and decided to commit to NdL so that I could continue to work to help improve people’s lives,  through NdL programs, designed to empower guatemalan children”

Niños del Lago was founded by Arlaine Cervantes. During her years of travel between the United States, México, and Guatemala, Arlaine developed a deep respect and affection for the people and culture of Guatemala and was profoundly moved by the hardships suffered by the women and children she meets.

She resigned as Executive Director in December 2019, in order to be able to pursue personal projects. For more information on Arlaine, please CLICK HERE

Claudia is Mexican and strongly believes that education with an emphasis on values in the path to change people’s life.

“I fell in love with Guatemala and decides to commit to NdL so that I could continue to work to help improve people’s lives, especially children through our programs”

Zabdi native from Panajachel studied Business Administration at the University of Mariano Gálvez de Guatemala.

“I love to work with my community, my personal goal is that through my experience help the personal development of the people to achieve their goals.”

José Estrada was born in la colonia El Milagro, Guatemala, but now resides in Ontario, California. He has been a Spanish instructor, tutor, and translator for more than ten years, and is the founder of Talk To Me In Spanish, located in Encino, California. He’s playing chess, dancing salsa, and taking random pictures. He is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful organization that improves Guatemalan children’s lives. 

Michelle Ponce was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S at the age of 11.
She received her BA degree from California State University Long Beach in French. Currently, she is a master’s degree candidate at the American University in Paris for International Management in the NGO & Mission-based management track. She’s grateful to have the opportunity to utilize what she is learning in the classroom and be a part of an organization that improves children’s lives.

José, is an Information Technology professional born in Guatemala who migrated to the US 35 years ago having survived being caught in the middle of the civil war.

“I have recognized Niños del Lago’s potential for empowering and fundamental change for future generations and doing it through education and leadership rather than handouts is a paradigm shift I wholeheartedly support and embrace.”

Dr. David Ader works as an interdisciplinary scholar in the fields of sustainable agriculture and rural development. He currently works as the Assistant Director and Research Assistant Professor in the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. His expertise and research interests include population dynamics of rural communities, sustainable agriculture development for smallholder farmers, and nutrition sensitive agricultural approaches for development.
Ader holds a dual PH.D from Penn State University in Rural Sociology and Demography. His current research focuses on rural communities in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America.

Marteen Numan has worked with Niños del Lago since 2006, Marten became the Chairman of The Netherland Board in October 2011.