Reducing poverty in Guatemala's Mayan communities through education.
Reducing poverty in Guatemala's Mayan communities through education.

Dreams and Hopes Board of Directors (USA)

Dreams and Hopes was founded as a United Sates 501(c)(3) organization to create the opportunity for individuals and corporations outside of Guatemala to support the work of Sueños y Esperanzas. Sueños y Esperanzas is a formal Guatemalan non-governmental organization (NGO).

Dreams and Hopes is currently seeking Board of Directors members. If you would like to be considered for a position on the Board of Directors, please contact

– President

– Advisor

– Secretary

Josh Townsley – Treasurer

Sueños y Esperanzas Board of Directors (Guatemala)

Sueños y Esperanzas is a formal Guatemalan non-governmental organization (NGO). Dreams and Hopes’ support is crucial to the ongoing success of Sueños y Esperanzas.

Fredy Perez – Executive Director

Francisca Coche – Board Treasurer

Francisco Mendez – Administrative Assistant and We-Connect Computer Lab Program

Emanuel Mendoza – Secretary

Elena Ujpan – Director of Operations

Sueños y Esperanzas Staff

Co-Founder and Executive Director: Fredy Perez 

Fredy is responsible for overseeing all operations of Sueños y Esperanzas, coordinating its projects, and maintaining relationships and communications between donors and the students and their families.

Fredy is an accountant and has been involved in several development organizations for his community. He lived in Guatemala City for twelve years finishing his high school education and working as co-manager of two companies. Fredy has worked in non-profit organizations as a leader and coordinator for volunteer teams from abroad. His passion is to serve and to advocate for his own Mayan roots, with a special interest in education and growth for his people. Fredy is passionate about using his experience in leadership to bring social development to his community.


Co-founder and Board Treasurer: Francisca Coché


Francisca (Chika) worked in various roles in a bank for 14 years. She  is known for her dedication, loyalty and passion for helping others, and she has a deep knowledge of financial management. Before working at the bank, she worked for Funds for Indigenous Development for several years.


Director of Operations: Elena Ujpan

Elena oversees all Sueños y Esperanzas programs to ensure efficient and effective delivery of service. She works tirelessly each day knowing that her efforts effect everyone who interacts with Sueños y Esperanzas.


Administrative Assistant/We-Connect Computer Lab: Francisco Mendez                  

Francisco (Chico), shares his knowledge of computers with students in the computer lab, maintains all the Center’s technology and assists with the Scholarship and Abejitas programs. Chico is continuing his education by pursuing an accounting degree in college.

Chico also works with volunteers to ensure they understand the Sueños y Esperanzas mission and have a meaningful experience while in San Juan la Laguna.


Mentor and Accountant: Marvin Mendoza

Marvin is in charge of making the monthly tax reports and handling all of the paperwork for the organization. His passion is teaching others and sharing his knowledge about accounting with the students. Many students have gone on to study accounting in college because of Marvin’s influence and he now employs a former Scholarship program participant.


Community Health Facilitator/Abejitas Teacher: Greys Culum

Greys’ works to promote nutrition, maternal and child health, basic hygiene, and water sanitation through the Abejitas program.

She is in charge of the older Abejitas program students (ages 9-12). She is passionate about educating students on preventative health efforts.


Abejitas Teacher: Lisbeth Mendoza

Lisbeth joined Sueños y Esperanzas to work with elementary school students (ages 6-8) and has formed a great bond with each of the program participants.

She weaves learning into play, using the Center’s grounds, main learning room and the 3rd floor dining area as her classroom.


Communications/Volunteer Coordinator: Cleida Cholotio

Cleida ensures all projects are documented and shares the program updates on social media and local communications. She also manages international and local volunteer efforts to ensure projects are complete and documented.