US Team

Mario Flores
Co-Executive Director
Mario is our Co-Executive Director, overseeing all of Global Visionaries’ Programs in the US and Guatemala. He first joined GV in 2006 as a Country Coordinator in Guatemala. Mario brings to GV his leadership and management skills, knowledge of restoration, and experience in environmental education and community outreach.

Sarah Popelka
Co-Executive Director
Sarah is our Co-Executive Director, overseeing all of Global Visionaries’ Development & Operations. She brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit development with her to GV. She holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management with an Emphasis on Global Studies from Northeastern University.

Jennifer Jallos Restrepo
Director of Finance & Operations
Jennifer has been with Global Visionaries since 2018. She holds an MA in the Humanities from the University of Chicago and has over 10 years of operations and administrative experience. As an at risk youth herself, Jennifer is passionate about working alongside and serving young people in her community.

Cassidy Nelson
Senior Program Manager
Cassidy Nelson holds a B.A. in Global Studies and Spanish from The New School in New York City. She has spent over 15 months living, working, and studying in Ecuador, Cuba, and Argentina, and has worked with nonprofit organizations focused on immigrant rights, refugee resettlement, and international affairs. Cassidy is passionate about supporting young people in becoming global citizens and committed to making cultural immersion accessible for all.

Jasmine Fernandez
Program Assistant
Jasmine is a third-year Interdisciplinary Honors student at the University of Washington pursuing a BA in Law, Societies, and Justice with minors in Labor Studies, Human Rights, and Political Science. Since joining Global Visionaries as a sophomore in high school, she has held various roles within the organization and has worked to enhance its program.

Mason Tepper
Program Assistant
Mason is a student at the University of Washington studying Computer Science. He joined the program in 2018 as a high school freshman and continued to participate in Global Visionaries as a Pro-Justice Leader

Karla Berduo-Ortega
Program Assistant

Josh Patel
Program Intern
Josh is a rising senior at Lakeside High school, and this is his first year working with GV. He discovered GV through his involvement in the Teens in Public Service program. Josh is passionate about youth empowerment, serving on the Bellevue Youth Council Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Team. Josh seeks to support the program in any way he can while gaining valuable work experience in the non-profit sector.
Guatemala Team

Aurelio Hernandez
Guatemala Senior Director
Aurelio has worked with GV since 2003. Prior to his involvement, he worked with El Centro Linguistico, La Union in Antigua. He coordinates all on-the-ground activities in Guatemala, connecting GV with local partners for service projects and cultural exchanges.