We’re excited to share highlights from our Executive Director, Emily’s first visit to our Mary’s Pence team and partners in El Salvador!
Emily spent time with the women of the ESPERA program, which has been transforming lives for 17 years through leadership, emotional wellness, and economic empowerment.
“It was inspiring to see the energy and commitment of these 20 incredible community leaders — many of whom traveled long distances to be there. Everyone had space to share their challenges and hopes for the year, and I really appreciated the way people both shared and listened. Each ESPERA group worked on their yearly plans with support from the staff. It was clear that the ESPERA staff deeply understood each project, from the larger, urban organizations to the small rural groups,” shared Emily.
‘We shared more personal stories, and I realized that each woman is doing so much more every day than just their work with ESPERA. It is important for us as an organization to understand the reality of the multiple roles that women often fill in the home and family and the ever-increasing demands placed upon them. But despite this, there was levity throughout most of the meeting — jokes, laughter, and a lot of excitement about what we could do together in the coming years,” Emily added.
Emily also felt humbled to join this connected community of women leaders and left inspired by their strength, joy, and vision.
The visit also served as a heartfelt farewell for our former Executive Director, Katherine. Each ESPERA group presented her with a memento, expressing gratitude for her years of service and dedication. The moment was a beautiful passing of the torch, organized by the team, and filled with laughter, hugs, and meaningful conversation.
Check out the photos from this special visit!
