Mission and Vision
Our Mission
Our mission is to eradicate poverty from the Los Cabos community by supporting and delivering education to disadvantaged women and children.
Our Vision
We envision a world in which everyone has the academic and emotional tools necessary to reach their full potential in life.
Our objectives as an institution
At the core of Sarahuaro is the belief in the power of education. Education will change the lives of mothers and their children - for generations to come.
We guarantee school attendance and academic performance for children by providing them with healthy and nutritious meals every school day. Additionally, we empower mothers and women through workshops on job inclusion and human development, transforming their lives and those of their families.
We imagine a society in which every child and mother has access to the necessary tools and opportunities to reach their full potential. Through comprehensive education and ongoing support, we aspire to create equitable and prosperous communities where success and well-being are within everyone’s reach.
Our Team
Edith Vizcarra
Executive Director
Edith is the passionate and energetic Executive Director of Sarahuaro Foundation. She has a degree from the University of Massachusetts and is a certified teacher. She brings an extensive community service background - years of volunteering with the Mexican Agency for Family Development and teaching English to children and adults in school programs. Edith has three children and has lived in Los Cabos since 2015. She is a believer in the evolution of human consciousness and the ability of all people to rise up even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Maria del Carmen Sanchez Aguilar
Program Director
La Cocina De Los Niños (Kitchen)
Carmen has the responsibility of overseeing Sarahuaro’s Children’s Kitchen, feeding 350 children and leading a team of close to 20 volunteer mothers each and every school day. Carmen took over the program in 2015 after many years of experience in the hotel and restaurant industry where she received an award of distinction. She has lived in Los Cabos for more than 20 years and she says that feeding the children of Sarahuaro brings her a joy that is only rivalled by her experience as a mother to her own child.
Marco Guzman
Finance Director
Marco is responsible for safeguarding the foundation’s financial resources and ensuring compliance with all required tax and legal requirements. He oversees adherence to the strict financial controls set by the Board. Marco has a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration and Computer Systems with additional Finance studies. His experience in Project Administration and Multidisciplinary Work Groups Management in the construction field enhances his contribution. Originally from Mexico City, Marco and his family have resided in Los Cabos for over five years.
Sarahuaro understands that it is imperative to make the best use of the funds our investors provide. In support of this fundamental premise, we engage volunteers who are recognized experts in fields that directly relate to our programs. Our Advisory Board boasts of this in-depth expertise. We take it a step further by involving the entire community with the support of hands-on leadership from our Associate Board Members. Contact us if you have interest in sharing the Sarahuaro experience in this way.
- Sarahuaro Board, -
Board of Directors
Nancy Brelos
Chairwoman
A three-year resident of Los Cabos, Nancy spent most of her career in Rochester, New York. Prior to the most recent ten years engaged in the Geospatial Software Industry, Nancy held various General Management positions in the computer industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Business Administration from the State University of New York. While in Rochester, she participated on the Board of the local Sojourner House – a non-profit home for abused women and their children and was a significant financial contributor to that foundation. Now in retirement, Nancy wishes to bring her general management and non-profit organization experience to good use with Sarahuaro.
Jeffrey J. Smith
Member
Mr. Smith is a co-founder of DCBank and is the President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Smith is an entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in operating, financing, growing and managing large scale international financial services businesses. Mr. Smith was the President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and co-founder of DirectCash Payments Inc., a publicly traded financial services company with operations in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Mexico. Mr. Smith has extensive experience in business valuation, the public equity and debt capital markets. Mr. Smith has sourced, negotiated, financed and integrated numerous acquisitions in Canada and internationally. In 2013, Mr. Smith was honoured as Industry Person of the Year – Prepaid & Payments by Payments eXchange, and in 2005, he was the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Prairies Region).
Barbara Ruley
Member
Barbara's 30-years of vacationing in Cabo lead to her permanent residency in 2018. In Colorado, Barbara owned and managed five insurance companies that catered to Hispanic needs. Over the 20-years in this business they helped developed or continue to work with the women they served during this time. Barbara's earlier career utilized her Early Childhood Degree by teaching children with disabilites. Her very creative side was shown by her work as a professional photographer for the Denver post. Barbara brings extensive background in business, women's empowerment, and inspirational creativity to the Board.
Teresa Anderson
Member
Teresa serves as an Associate Board Member of Fundación Sarahuaro, bringing professional leadership experience and a deep personal commitment to supporting women and children in underserved communities. She believes that when women are empowered with skills and opportunity, entire families are strengthened and future generations are given hope. Professionally, Teresa is Director of Strategic Initiatives & Execution at MoXi – A Global Mortgage Company, where she builds systems, partnerships, and programs that drive sustainable growth. She leads MoXi's partnership with Sarahuaro, aligning corporate support with initiatives that provide daily meals, education, and workforce development for women and children in vulnerable communities. Teresa's commitment to service extends beyond her professional life. She has supported Orangewood Foundation in California, served as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Each experience deepening her belief in the power of community to transform lives. She is honored to bring that same heart to Sarahuaro's incredible work in the Los Cabos community, building brighter futures for women and children and stronger communities rooted in dignity and opportunity.
Suzie Hagmeyer
Member
Suzie Hagmeyer is an entrepreneur and financial strategist with more than a decade of experience in Los Cabos, where she founded Escape to Cabo, one of the region’s leading vacation rental and property management companies. Under her leadership, the company grew to manage over 100 luxury villas, building strong community ties and deep local market knowledge. Prior to moving to Mexico, Suzie built a successful 28-year career in financial services in the United States, advising clients on investment strategies and wealth planning. Her professional discipline is complemented by her artistic background as a concert pianist, performing internationally with renowned orchestras including the Vienna Philharmonic and the Boston Pops. As an Associate Board Member of Sarahuaro, Suzie contributes her business and financial expertise to strengthen governance and expand programs that empower single mothers and provide educational opportunities for children. Her commitment to Los Cabos reflects her belief that education and economic empowerment are the most effective paths to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Our Friends
With heartfelt gratitude, we acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of these benefactors who provide critical assistance and sponsorship that furthers our work for the women and children of Los Cabos.