My name is Sandra González, and I am originally from San Juan La Laguna, Sololá. I am the regional coordinator for Village Banking; my main role is to supervise and monitor activities at the various branches.
I joined the Foundation about 10 years ago. To be honest, it wasn’t easy — I applied several times — but I understood that when we want to achieve something, we have to be persistent and fight for that purpose, until I was finally given the opportunity to serve at the institution. The wait was truly worth it.
What has caught my attention most about what FUNDAP does is the service to others — the way everyone shares their energy and the enthusiasm with which things get done.
Beyond the position I hold, I am an independent woman. I have learned to work hard and fight to reach my goals, to make a difference as a woman in a society where opportunities don’t come easily. Still, I am convinced that we can fulfill our dreams no matter how long we have to wait to reach them.
Working in communities has completely changed the way I see my work and the service I give to others. I have come to realize that people’s daily struggles become easier with support, and I have also learned that it’s not about having a lot of things, but about valuing what one has — and that has motivated me every day.
Being part of the Foundation is something I can’t put into words. It is such a great source of fulfillment as a woman to receive that respect for our dignity — it has marked a before and after in my life. Since joining the Foundation, I have felt valued.
The message I want to share with new collaborators is to value the opportunity they are given at the Foundation: our dreams are what we can bring to life through service to others. Don’t stay in your own small space — always think about serving.
I love being able to watch women move forward through the financial support they receive — to come back later and see how they have transformed something small into something great, believing in their dreams and creating new opportunities, not only for themselves but even for their communities. That is deeply rewarding. For me, FUNDAP is respect, service, commitment, and passion for what we do.
