Executive Director

Jeff has over 25 years of mission-driven experience including serving in leadership roles with an HIV policy advocacy project in SE Asia, a Fair Trade education nonprofit in the U.S., and a social venture supporting community health in Uganda. He has managed education programs for over 15 years, including service-learning trips to Ecuador, Cuba, Costa Rica & Thailand. He brings over 10 years of intercultural work and travel experience in 59 countries across 6 continents. Originally from Baltimore, he earned a BS in Systems Engineering from University of Virginia, and a master’s focused on energy & environmental policy from MIT. Jeff is a health nut who enjoys tennis, hiking & cycling in nature’s wonders. Based in Washington, DC, he seeks balance, sustainable living, and life lessons with his wife and two children.

Ecuador Site Coordinator

Vanessa was born in Quito, Ecuador and graduated from UDLA (Universidad de las Américas) with a degree in Political Science and International Relations. She is passionate about working with the community, human rights and traveling. Vanessa’s goal is to create a positive impact in communities during vulnerable situations through the creation of programs that allow community members to develop in the areas they need. Vanessa considers herself an activist for the rights of women and minority groups. Her dream is to travel around the world and leave a mark on the places she visits. Vanessa speaks Spanish, English and Chinese. She is very grateful for the work that Manna does in her home country and is excited to create a much greater impact in Ecuador.

Volunteer Community Advisor & Host Family

Laura has more than 10 years of experience in Social Development Projects and has collaborated with Manna Project since 2008 in various aspects such as summer camps for kids, spanish classes, accommodation for volunteers in the Valley of Chillos, volunteer program in her garden organic besides to support with advising in programs and projects of the foundation. She is a certified Spanish teacher and holds a Masters in Business Administration and a postgraduate degree in Business Creation, Laura works as a freelancer in training and assistant to small businesses. Lastly, she manages a web-based business that encourages national and agro-ecological production known as, De la Mata a la Olla.

Volunteer Community Advisor & Host Family

The main interest of Alexandra is to contribute with good initiatives and improvement to the community. She strongly believes that is important to help to develop skills, customs, knowledge, values and good manners in society. She had implemented different initiatives, such as embroidery class and helping with some recipes in cooking class, even, she is used to helping with the day of inscription to the English course. She and her two children participate in these English classes, the same one that she recommends. Alexandra was a host mother of one volunteer of MPI. Also, she really likes to spend time with volunteers and learn about them and their culture of USA. She likes to share Ecuadorian culture and customs, like food, history, and museums. She has organized different trips with them to the center of the Quito city. She has collaborated in other foundations, always maintaining her spirit of humanity and respect for the values and customs of the people, which fills her with happiness and desire to continue helping.

UCLA '18, Human Biology and Society

Kate grew up in Santa Cruz, California. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in Human Biology and Society. Her mother grew up in Nicaragua and much of her extended family still lives there; thus Kate is strongly connected with this part of her heritage. She travels frequently to Nicaragua and has worked as a volunteer for an orphanage in Mexico. These experiences opened her eyes to the rampant poverty that affects much of Latin America. Her drive to learn about life in different Latin American nations and pursue grassroots efforts to improve the quality of life in such areas drew her to MPI. She particularly values Manna's emphasis on building lasting relationships with community members. In her spare time, Kate enjoys painting, hiking, meditating, and trying new foods. She plans to attend law school after her time with MPI. 

North Carolina State University ‘17, Biomedical Engineering

Gaby grew up in Memphis, TN. She graduated in May 2017 with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from North Carolina State University. After traveling to Ecuador last year to volunteer with a nonprofit, she knew she wanted to return and work in the nonprofit field for a longer duration. She felt drawn to MPI because of its efforts to establish authentic relationships with the community and work toward sustainable change. In Gaby’s spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and relaxing with friends and family. She hopes to attend medical school in the future.

Northeastern University ’20, International Business and Spanish

Abigale is originally from Seattle, WA. In May of 2020, she will graduate from Northeastern University in Boston with a degree in International Business and Spanish with a focus on Social Entrepreneurship and Food Systems Sustainability. Abigale is passionate about social change and sustainability, having worked previously with organizations in the US and abroad that focus on rural community development, sustainable consumption, and issues of urban homelessness. Abigale loves to travel and apply her passions abroad, having most recently spent time working and studying in India and Mexico. In her spare time, Abigale loves to cook, spend time with friends, and explore new places!

University of California ‘15, Political Science and Psychology

Kelly grew up in Oakland, California. She graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2015 with a double major in Political Science and Psychology. Kelly has always loved the Spanish language and is passionate about equality in education and serving communities. However, it wasn't until teaching in Japan that Kelly discovered an interest for international education and development. Kelly is excited to join Manna's team in Ecuador to support, engage with, and learn from the local community. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys hiking, watching sports, and discussing public policy.

Urban Youth Development Volunteer, Peace Corps Ecuador

Coppin State University '15, Global Studies

Imhotep was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He's currently serving as an Urban Youth Development Volunteer with Peace Corps Ecuador's Youth & Families Program. Prior to serving at Manna Project, Imhotep served at Casa de la Niñez #2 working with adolescent boys who have had challenges with drug addiction and experience living in the streets. Prior to his service in Ecuador, Imhotep served as a program manager for Concerned Black Men National's CBM CARES® National Mentoring Initiative where he had an opportunity to serve over 100 middle school boys in West Baltimore. What motivates him to work in Public Service and Youth Development specifically, are the mentors he had growing up and the opportunities they provided that improved his overall quality of life. Imhotep's ultimate personal and career goal is to contribute to ending extreme poverty. 

James Madison University ‘18, International Affairs

Pechta graduated from James Madison University and earned an International Affairs degree with a minor in economics. Her passion for human rights work has driven her to pursue roles inside and outside her community. She served as president within her university’s human rights organization, a devoted activist and coordinator, and life long student. She has a diverse background and identifies with three different countries. And although she has lived in three different countries, Manna will her first solo international trip. She aspires to be a global citizen and assist communities through communication and relationship-building. She is excited to share her knowledge and stories with the world, and she wants them to do the same. On her spare time she likes to try out different sports and activities, but she is currently involved in yoga, journaling and reading.

Radiologist, Villa Guadalupe Clinic

Dr. Mitre became the newest addition to the Villa Guadalupe Clinic team after signing on as our first ever radiologist in November 2018. She works at the clinic one day a week to provide regular and specialty ultrasounds to the community. Dr. Mitre was drawn to radiology because it allows her to work across all different medical specialties and with all kinds of people. With three years of residency in a local public hospital and two years of work experience already under her belt, we know that she will be an extremely valuable resource to the community!