The other day I rode the gondola up Aspen mountain just in time for a torrential downpour. I was heading to a luncheon hosted by the International Esperanza Project (IEP), an organization that’s powerfully transforming lives in Guatemala.
The storm cleared as I got off the gondola, and with the clouds hanging low over the mountain peaks I entered the Aspen Mountain Club to a room filled with beautifully dressed guests perusing auction items, donated to benefit the work of the organization.
From the moment we arrived it was clear that this gathering was more than just another luncheon. It was a call to action, a reminder of how deeply connected we all are, and how much impact is possible when compassion is met with strategy.
IEP is built on three transformational pillars: Homes, Health and Education. Serving Guatemalan families who face extraordinary daily challenges. Before IEP, the gathering of wood and water took up hours of their day, plus the time it took to chop that wood before be able to cook. The organization offers a direct response to these realities, providing smoke-free homes, water filtration systems, life-changing surgeries, and access to education that encourages young people to not only ask the right questions, but to dream, and dream big.
“We make sure they have a beautiful house, smoke free, and water every day. Why? Because we truly believe that that’s the way we end the cycle of poverty. And by you being here with us today, by flying to Guatemala and investing a week there with us, you’re actually helping us achieve that.” ~ Lénica Marroquin
One of the most powerful messages of the afternoon came during the panel discussion from Michelle Hollaender, IEP’s CEO and Founder, who shared how the organization began as a dream, rooted in her love for Guatemala and a desire to bring tangible hope to families living in generational poverty. With the help of her supporters, volunteers, and a growing global network, that dream has become a life-changing force in hundreds of communities.
Our team has completed 73 surgeries, 162 medical consultations, and installed 59 smoke free stoves and water filters…. With the new stoves the women don’t have to gather wood and chop it and instead they can educate their children. In healthcare, we bring in surgical teams and we have clinics. And we have teacher so that they can graduate from high school. They also can learn a trade so that they can go out and earn a living.
Michelle Hollaender
The discussion also featured inspiring insights from business and nonprofit leaders Kimberly Reilly, Co-Founder and CEO of Everybody Water and Nancy Hairston, CEO and President of MedCAD, whose innovations in clean water and respectively medical design directly tie into IEP’s mission. Susan Salka was also on the panel and she described hugging a mother after installing a stove in her home, both women speaking the universal language of love despite the absence of shared words. She reflected on the generational ripple effect of giving and the joy of watching her own family come together under a shared mission. Her message was simple but powerful: “We want our lives and our work to matter.” Susan currently serves as Honorary Consul to Guatemala promoting and supporting trade and humanitarian efforts to benefit the citizens of Guatemala and the United States.
The moderator, Dodee Crockett, spoke of how when she first went to Guatemala she had no idea what to expect and returned transformed. and demonstrated her commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance issues.
Story of a Guatemalan Family
Elena had four children and she was 21 years old. They were very shy and scared when IEP first got there but when they discovered why they were there they were very gracious and excited. About halfway through, both Elena and her mother began to cry, explaining that what they were really excited about was for Elena to go back to school to learn to write and to read like her children were now doing. Elena’s mother was crying with pride over what her daughter was doing.
You give a mother clean water for her children. You’ve affected her. You put in a vented stove so that they’re not coughing and having illness anymore, and they’re not rolling over onto that burned pile of hot coals at night and burning themselves. Yeah, we’re affecting them. I’m going to tell you how I was affected; I remember staring into one of the mother’s eyes after we installed the stove. I don’t speak Spanish but we spoke the language of love. I didn’t need to know Spanish.
Cindy Engles, Spokesperson
As I looked around the room, I saw a community of inspired, action-oriented individuals who understand that making a difference doesn’t require perfection, just commitment and heart and I believe that if would like to see your support in action, where your time and energy truly change lives, IEP is that organization. Whether it’s joining a trip to Guatemala, sponsoring a stove, or simply spreading the word, there’s a place for everyone in this movement of hope.
To learn more or get involved, visit: www.internationalesperanzaproject.org
