We'd like to introduce Juan Bautista and Orlando!
Juan
Juan Bautista Morales is JustHope's new Partnership Director. Juan is excited to have a job that will give him the opportunity to engage in his life's passion of helping others experience first-hand the opportunities and the responsibilities of international collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.
Juan is a native of Managua, Nicaragua, but also spent several years living in Guatemala and in the United States, where Juan not only learned to speak great English, but developed a deep sense that he is not just a citizen or resident of one country, but is a "global citizen." His background in psychology and public health have provided him multiple opportunities to work for organizations such as International Development Research Centre of Canada, and Nutrition Institute de Central America in areas of international relations and sustainable development.
Juan will be leading JustHope in the critical work of deepening and expanding ways Partners in both Nicaragua and the U.S. encounter and engage one another across borders, languages and cultures. While his "home base" will be Nicaragua, Juan will spend significant time each year in the U.S. working directly with Partners to further develop ways all of us can enhance and more fully embody our mutual vision of accompanying one another as "global partners".
When asked about his favorite food, Juan says, "Yummmm - gallo pinto [Nicaraguan rice and beans] with tortillas - it's the perfect combination!"
Orlando
Starting at JustHope in the beginning of 2017, Orlando Morales serves as the Partnership Coordinator, arranging logistics for visiting groups and helping them implement their projects. He is thrilled to be working in his hometown and is proud to be part of a team that is improving the livelihood of the poorer parts of his country.
Orlando is a native of León, Nicaragua, and has spent considerable time in Managua as a student at the American University (UAM). Although he is an Information Systems Engineer by education, he has made a career in the nonprofit field dedicating himself to social justice in Nicaragua. Inspired by his parents, who both came from humble backgrounds and found success through education and dedication toward the betterment of their country, Orlando began his career as a local lead for medical missions and an assistant researcher for health research in Chichigalpa.
His favorite quote and one he really believes in is by Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."