Rocío González (2010, Guatemala (Mexico))

2010 iLEAP International Faculty
Common Hope
rocio@iLEAP.org
Download Rocío's Profile

 

Organization

Common Hope (CH, commonhope.org) works in partnership with over 2,700 children and their families in 17 villages outside of Antigua and Guatemala City to sustain and improve health care, housing, education, and family development. CH's main focus is education, however programs maintain a systemic approach and are rooted in relationship within the community, working earnestly to stabilize children's lives and supporting family members toward greater self-sufficiency.

Rocío's Work

As the Satellite Coordinator for CH in San Rafael, Rocío has worked with over 100 families in Guatemala on issues of environmental sustainability, healthcare, education, and legal support. She has established important partnerships between CH and local communities, which further enhances the effectiveness of CH's programs. Rocío often acts as a translator between the rural families and donors; this has been one of her more difficult challenges. During these times she focuses on the relationships she has with the families, and the power of story to illustrate the hope and inspiration that grows within the challenging conditions in which many dwell. Rocío is originally from Mexico, but is now a permanent resident of Guatemala.

"The Fellowship will give me the opportunity to engage in learning and sharing, and I will be exposed to people of different areas and experiences. I am committed to gaining leadership abilities that will allow me to better support my staff so that, together, we can create positive change in the marginalized indigenous community where we work."

Rocío is a recipient of the Central American Women's Leadership award, a program developed in partnership with the Seattle International Foundation to equip and inspire women's leadership in sustainable social change throughout the region.