Our Board of Directors take great pride and pleasure in welcoming Sarah de Lemus as our new Country Director. After an extensive search, Sarah joined us in August and has been settling into the role with the support and guidance of Heather and Greg.
Sarah is originally from the UK but after graduating from the University of the West of England in 2005, she threw a dart at a map and followed its lead to Guatemala. She volunteered as a teacher in a rural school in Chimaltenango, less than an hour from Project Somos, and fell in love with the country. In 2009, she returned for good and has her home here, dedicating her professional life to working with education and nutrition NGOs whilst building a life here for her and her local husband, Juan Carlos, and two dogs, Psico and Patas.
Sarah comes to Project Somos with vast knowledge and experience in NGO leadership and programming. Her dedicated participation in the Guatemalan NGO field through her work and by volunteering with various organizations around Guatemala has allowed her to develop a deep understanding and respect for the culture and Guatemalan people. Her passion for an equal education for all and for children to grow up in a loving, protective, safe environment is so important to her.
“I’ve followed Project Somos and the special work Heather and Greg have done here with the team for so many years, the love and magic you feel on entering this Project is mind-blowing. It’s a true honour to be here, surrounded by passionate, like-minded people, supporting children in their learning.”
During the interview process, Sarah met Greg and Heather, the board of directors and the staff and children on the ground. It was clear to see from the beginning that Sarah’s values and passions aligned very well with those of the team and the Project; she fit perfectly from the beginning. As Heather said, “Sarah brings fresh energy, enthusiasm, creativity and years of wisdom and experience in the non-profit sector to Project Somos, we’re so lucky to have her.”
Leave a Reply