Learn about our origins

She is a renowned social entrepreneur whose innovative work bridges public systems, community needs, and the private sector. Entrepreneurship Advisor at Tufts University, she leads initiatives to enhance child development and school performance through nutrition science and innovative food systems. Jimena’s dedication has driven transformative projects in Latin America and the United States, improving the lives of children and empowering rural communities. Her achievements have garnered international recognition, including acknowledgment by President Barack Obama and accolades such as “Woman of the Year under 40” and “Top 5 Entrepreneurs of LATAM.

She earned her Degree in Education Sciences from the National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina. She also specialized in Pedagogy of Diversity at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO). She is a pedagogist specializing in curriculum design and program implementation. Member of Scholas International coordinating programs in Mozambique, Argentina, Spain, Italy, and Liberia. Logistics Coordinator & Digital Media Advisor at Learning School Network, Argentina. Pedagogic Coordinator at San Luis High School, Argentina. Scholas USA Program Manager since 2023.

With a Degree in Psychology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Manuel has been a Program Facilitator for Scholas International since its origins in Buenos Aires. He has traveled, trained, and implemented Scholas programs in Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Iraq, Haiti, Liberia, Mozambique, and the USA.

Magui is a seasoned professional specializing in social media management and communications. Her journey with Scholas began as a volunteer during the pandemic. With a background in visual communication, Magdalena oversees Scholas USA's social media platforms, enriched by her previous experience and work as a Scholas volunteer and educator. 

Trained and experienced, Magui has participated in Scholas international meetings in Rome, Sao Paulo, and New York, enhancing her global perspective on communication and education programs.

Maria Luz, or Malu, is a passionate Visual Designer with 10 years of experience in Social Impact Image Development with several international organizations. Including event planning, communication strategy, and social media management for Social projects in Europe (Italy & Spain) and Asia (Philippines & Thailand).

She joins the communication team creating and being responsible for Scholas USA image, by the international organization.

Maricar is a strategic leader and fundraiser with deep experience in racial equity, youth development, and education. She has raised millions of dollars for education and social justice initiatives while working with organizations like YMCA of the USA, Chicago Public Schools, and iMentor Chicago. At CPS, she managed a citywide workforce development collaborative and created summer internship opportunities for over 1,500 students each year. She has also served on multiple racial equity committees and facilitated healing circles in Chicago. Fluent in English, Tagalog, and Spanish, Maricar brings a global perspective and a commitment to building bridges across cultures. She lives in Chicago with her partner and large extended family, and in her free time enjoys yoga, meditation, and traveling.

Max brings more than 30 years of experience in educational theater and youth programming. For 25 years, he worked with Kaiser Permanente developing and facilitating curriculum on healthy living, literacy promotion, conflict management, bullying prevention, social media education, and more. He also directed a middle school intervention program that reached over 65,000 students annually. Formally trained as an actor and performer, Max has appeared on stage, television, and film, and now brings that creativity and energy to Scholas. Passionate about empowering young people, Max believes our youth are the future and is excited to continue his work with students across Southern California.

Ivan Florez is a marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in digital advertising, media buying, and campaign management. As Marketing Director at Scholas USA, he leads national campaigns that amplify the foundation’s mission, expand donor engagement, and promote dialogue and inclusion among young people across the United States.

By combining creativity with data-driven insights, he develops strategies that deliver measurable results while advancing Scholas’ commitment to education, community, and social inclusion.

Yasmin has served as Project Manager and Program Facilitator at Scholas NY since September 2024. Her experience teaching elementary school and working within the field of mental health counseling supports the passion and dedication she has to serving our student community. Yasmin holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and will attain her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University in May 2026. Her favorite part of working with Scholas is the positive relationships she is able to build in the classroom.

Jorge has worked as the Scholas Movement's Program Facilitator at Scholas NY since January 2025. His history with Scholas, however, dates back to 2019, when he attended the movement as a student and volunteer. Jorge holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Florida's Conservatory of the Arts, New World. "What I find most engaging and moving about Scholas, is seeing how students either change, or 'come out of their shells' so to speak, throughout the year. It's heartwarming to know that we genuinely create an impact.