Founders

In 2002, Dr. Gabriela de la Vega became inspired by individuals in the community who were giving free English classes to local residents. Gabriela envisioned that, with a focus on broader English language education, La Manzanilla could become the first truly bilingual town in Mexico.  As a step towards making this vision a reality, she initiated and sponsored free English classes for children in La Manzanilla public schools, as well as evening English classes for adults.

Not long after, Julie Catton became a board member, initially functioning as the Coordinator of the English program. As Julie became more involved with La Manzanilla public schools, it became clear that educational needs of students went far beyond English language training. The public schools lacked resources and student literacy levels in their native language of Spanish were astonishingly low.  Additionally, almost 2/3 of the youth were dropping out after middle school. These statistics were not unusual for rural schools in Mexico. Julie’s expertise was invaluable in assessing additional educational needs for students.

Victor Amezcua, a mathematician and educator from Mexico City,  responded to this educational gap.  He was instrumental in guiding the organization through the difficult and painstaking process of setting up a Mexican non-profit.  Victor then gathered the small group of educators and philanthropists already involved with the existing English program and established the founding board of La Catalina Foundation.  The board included himself, Gabriela de la Vega, Pablo Martinez del Campo Rendon, Julie Catton, and Jose Valentin Chavez Castro.  Victor, along with the support of the board, lobbied for a land donation from the local Ejido in order to construct an educational center.  The land was granted in 2004, and presently houses a computer lab and LCF administrative office, a multi function room (including a mini library), a washroom and a storage facility.

The non-profit was named “La Catalina Foundation” (LCF) in memory of Victor’s deceased wife, Kathleen Amezcua, who frequently traveled to Mexico and was called “Catalina” by the Mexican people.

Since the establishment of the non-profit in 2003, LCF has become a major educational force in La Manzanilla.  In addition to English language classes, a scholarship assistance program for academic students has emerged with over 60 students presently receiving scholarships.  After-school programs, including computer training and art classes – as well as business and university information classes are offered, too.  Click here to learn more about the programs the foundation administers.