Resilience

Before sharing Natik’s updates this week, I want to let you know that my life partner, Manuel Oca, passed away on July 12th. I am deeply grateful for the kind messages, prayers, and support many of you sent during his illness and since his passing.

While this is a time of profound personal loss, I feel truly fortunate for the 38 extraordinary years we shared. Manuel’s unwavering support and energy were foundational to Natik’s existence, and his spirit continues to inspire our work every day.

At our recent board meeting, Martita Mestéy, who is leading the search for Natik’s next Executive Director, shared valuable insights from several months of recruitment. She emphasized that the organization’s most pressing need is for entrepreneurial, founder-type leadership—someone who can build and secure our future. Finding this profile is more complex than hiring a traditional administrator or fundraiser, especially given our current organizational size and funding limitations.

After thoughtful discussion, the board and I agreed that I will continue leading Natik’s storytelling, donor engagement, and income growth over the next period. This approach allows us to strengthen the organization’s philosophical foundations and financial position, ensuring that when a new Executive Director joins, they step into a solid platform for growth.

I’m looking forward to upcoming travel in the U.S. for in-person events and to running cultural trips in Guatemala and Chiapas, our two most effective strategies for expanding our donor base and increasing revenue in the months ahead.

We remain on track for a full transition to the next generation of leadership by the end of 2026; this adjustment is simply a strategic refinement of how we’ll get there.

If you’re interested in organizing a trip to one of our partner locations or hosting an in-person event in your home or a favorite restaurant, please reach out, I would love to collaborate with you