Our team
Our directors grew up in the communities we serve. Several were sponsored as children. They know every family's struggle because it was once their own.
Leadership
Zoe Mara Smart
Executive DirectorBorn in Guatemala, Zoe grew up with Fundamaya from a very young age and speaks Spanish and English. She holds a degree in teaching English and founded our volunteer firefighter program, training and equipping more than 18 Bomberos stations.
Dwight Mara
Co-Founder & Senior DirectorDwight first came to Guatemala in 1988 and has dedicated decades to Maya families around Lake Atitlán. He leads U.S. relationships, planned giving and partnerships from San Diego.
Program directors in Guatemala
Julio Coroxon
Co-Founder & General ManagerWith Fundamaya since it was just an idea. Julio grew up in San Jorge and Panajachel, began working at age 7, and was sponsored through school, graduating in accounting. He speaks Kaqchikel, Spanish and basic English.
Gloria Chiroy
Co-Founder & Program ManagerA Kaqchikel-speaking Maya woman who grew up in a family of eight children. Gloria's deep connections in the communities are vital to every program. She began helping women and families around the lake in 1989.
Sandra Chiroy
Education Program DirectorOne of the first children sponsored, at age five. Sandra earned a master's in social work and a second master's in community development. She is a mother of two.
Asusena Coroxon
Community Aid Program DirectorSponsored from age four, Asusena joined the staff in 2020. She is a psychologist with a master's degree and a Kaqchikel-speaking Maya woman.
Fredy Vásquez
Director of OperationsWith a degree in business administration and more than 12 years at Fundamaya, Fredy oversees management, administration and monitoring of our programs.
Oscar Guarcax
Empowerment Program DirectorA business administration graduate who promotes entrepreneurship and economic opportunity for families, and respect for the art of our peoples.
Lucrecia Guarcas
Director of Preschool Nutrition CentersLucrecia created our preschool nutrition centers, where the youngest children learn Spanish, hygiene and self-care, and get a nutritious meal every day.
Come meet the team in Panajachel
Sponsors, families and groups are always welcome to visit.