The Board of Directors of Jóvenes Adelante is proud to announce that Angélica Argüelles García has agreed to step into the newly-created position of executive director. On behalf of the Board, President Robin Loving shared the news, saying, “Angie is a perfect fit for this position. We needed someone with strong administrative and leadership skills — someone who could run an office, manage the staff team and represent our work with the San Miguel community. Angie ticks every box.”
The announcement demonstrates the Board’s ongoing commitment to securing a strong Mexican presence in Jóvenes Adelante. Over the past three years, there has been a deliberate focus on strengthening administrative systems and establishing the small local staff team that now manages the day-to-day operations of an increasingly sophisticated operation. Angie, who joined JA three years ago, is making a natural transition to this new set of responsibilities from her previous administrative positions.
Growing up in San Miguel, Angie was always a goal-oriented high achiever. Her parents recognized her potential and supported her initial post-secondary aspirations to become fluent in English. After a year of full-time language study, Angie joined her brother in the US where she spent several months working and practicing her English. Returning to San Miguel, she held key administrative positions in several local businesses before joining JA in 2014.
Robin reflects on Angie’s rich work history, noting, “Angie’s background is a real bonus for JA. She brings knowledge and contacts from her work in the tourism and agriculture industries that will help extend our fundraising and sponsorship efforts in new directions.”
Angie has also had first-hand experience of sponsorship – she was encouraged and sponsored through university by her former employer, Jim Dolan, who noticed her potential during her time with Dolan Development Company. With Jim’s support, she studied for five years at the Universidad de León campus in San Miguel, graduating in 2009 with a bachelor of business administration degree.
Angie recalls, “I know how important it is to have someone believe in you, and how motivating it is to have someone providing financial assistance. Now I get the chance to help others the same way — it’s like I’ve come full circle.”
Angie reiterates her commitment to the organization’s mission, adding, “I feel lucky every day to be part of the JA family, and proud of the work we do. It is so satisfying to know we make a difference in people’s lives. For me, it’s not simply about the students themselves but about how we are lifting up entire families.”
Looking toward the future, Angie’s optimism and enthusiasm are contagious. When asked about her goals for 2018, she replied, “I will be working on getting the word out to the Mexican community here. I know they care and will support our mission – they just don’t know enough about us yet, or how to contribute!”
Jovenes Adelante grants scholarships to local Mexican honors students who otherwise could not afford to attend university and break the cycle of historic economic disparity in their families. For more information, see JovenesAdelante.org and/or contact Executive Director Angie Arguelles at 415 150 0030 and/or 415 117 3006 in SMA, 512 221 1687 (US) and/or [email protected]
By Kate Greenaway
