DESGUA Team

Willy Barreno, Co-Founder and Co-Coordinator in Guatemala, Willy@desgua.org

Willy Barreno took up arms and joined the guerilla movement at the age of eighteen during the Guatemalan Civil War. He fought for and then migrated to Wisconsin in search of a better life. While in the U.S., he worked as a chef and grassroots organizer on indigenous and human rights issues in Wisconsin, New Mexico, Texas, and Illinois. After twelve years of living in the U.S., he decided to return to Guatemala to regain his identity, rediscover his roots, and help create the Guatemalan Dream.

Nany Zepeda, Co-Coordinator and US Representative, Desguainfo@gmail.com

Nany Zepeda was born in Guatemala City. At the age of thirteen, her mom had to go seek asylum in the United States. With her father distraught, Nany took over the household and cared for her younger siblings. At the age of sixteen, Nany migrated to be with her mom in Texas. She is now studying at Prescott College where she is majoring in global studies with a focus in entrepreneurship and multicultural systems. When she is not working on projects related to DESGUA, Nany is heavily involved in several projects of the Amala Foundation.

Executive Managers

• General Coordinator and Co-Founder: Willy Barreno
• Administrator: Ubaldo Ramierz
• Technical Coordinator of Proyecto Puente: Jorge Simaj

United States Coordination Team

• National Coordinator: Nany Zepeda
• Technical and Communication Support Coordinator: Juan Pablo
• Outreach coordinator: Magdalena Kaluza

Board of Directors

• President: Santiago Boc Tay
• Vice President: Edna Hernandez Saraccini
• Secretary: Marleny Rameriez
• Treasurer: Edgar Perez
• Chair 1: Lucia Orellana
• Chair 2: Cecilia Cuc Alonzo
• Chair 3: Israel Vall Lopez

Advisors

• Giovanni Lopez
• Ruby Zelada

Technical Support Group

• Guillen Lorentzen
• Alfonso Ralda

International Group Support

• Page Harris
• Julia Miyahara
• Amanda Morelli