The Worthy Village Team
Mayra Perez
President/CEO and Co-founder
Mayra, current President/ CEO and a Co-founder of Worthy Village, holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management with a minor in International Business Management from UMass Dartmouth. Her formative years were spent in the village of Santo Domingo, Jalapa, Guatemala, where she experienced firsthand the challenges of living in poverty until the age of nine. In 1995, her family relocated to the United States, and she obtained citizenship in 2012. In 2013, Mayra led a group of students from UMass Dartmouth to Jalapa, Guatemala, aiming to instill a sense of empowerment and encourage positive change in the village where she spent her childhood. The impact of this journey was profound, resonating especially with one of the participants, Julia Rayberg, who two years later joined forces to be the two co-founders of Worthy Village.
Julia Rayberg
Co-founder
Julia is a Co-founder of Worthy Village. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in December 2015 with a BS in Business Marketing. While traveling to Guatemala in 2013 with a professor, Julia was exposed to extreme poverty, and claims that it changed her life forever. Julia has stepped back from her active role to dedicate more time to her family, but she remains a steadfast supporter of our cause. While she no longer works full-time or part-time with us, her ongoing support and guidance are invaluable as we continue our mission. Her commitment to making a difference in Guatemala remains unwavering, and her contributions, both past and present, are deeply appreciated.
Erin Cook
Vice President
Erin is a Radiological Engineer and holds a BS in Bioengineering from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Erin first traveled to Guatemala in 2018 with a group of students at UMass, and then went on to organize and lead two trips of her own. Over the years, Erin has stayed involved with Worthy Village and today Erin serves as the Vice-President as well as a Worthy Village Board Member.
Regina Victoria Joj Suy
Director of Programs & Guatemala Country Representative
Victoria, a resident of Panajachel, Guatemala, has deep roots in the local community. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University Mariano Galvez of Solola. She is proficient in English, Spanish, Tzʼutujil, and Kaqchikel. Victoria plays a crucial role within the organization by serving as the country’s legal representative and program director. She not only fosters partnerships with various NGOs in the region but also oversees day-to-day operations. Her unwavering dedication lies in implementing sustainable development strategies to further the mission of Worthy Village.
Sylvia Mateo
Programs Manager & Social Worker
Silvia was born and raised in Panajachel, Guatemala. She is currently working on her Masters degree in Social Work from the Universidad Mariano Galvez Solola. She had been in social work since 2013 working in orphanages and safe homes of Guatemala. She is passionate about her work and enjoys working with the youth.
Silvia works both in the office and in the field, assisting the Director of Programs and expanding into new programs available through local government. She is eager to bring her experience and ideas into Worthy Village to make positive, sustainable impact in the communities on Lake Atitlan.
Loida Minchez
Board Member
Loida has long admired the remarkable work that Worthy Village carries out through its services and programs in Guatemala. Growing up in Panajachel, Sololá, she has a deep understanding of the challenges posed by poverty and the lack of economic opportunities, education, and affordable healthcare for the people of Guatemala, particularly women and children in the communities surrounding Lake Atitlán.
Loida earned both her law degree and master’s degree from prestigious universities in Guatemala. Since 2010, she has resided in Rhode Island, United States, while maintaining strong ties to her hometown through frequent visits. During her time in the U.S., Loida has actively engaged with local and international non-profit organizations, focusing her efforts on supporting Guatemalan and other immigrant communities in the northeastern region of the country.
Loida brings this wealth of experience to the Worthy Village Board, which she joined in 2023, and is excited to contribute her expertise to furthering the organization’s mission.
Alli Buley
Board Member
Meet Alli Buley: A Passionate Advocate for International Development
Alli is currently pursuing a master’s degree in International Development at Colorado University, with a focus on education. She holds a degree in Secondary Education from Duquesne University and is certified in teaching English as a second language. Her passion for cross-cultural education and working with students from diverse backgrounds sparked her interest in international development.
Alli’s experience includes working as a communications specialist in Pittsburgh, where she collaborated with non-profits, including Living in Liberty, to combat sex trafficking. Her involvement in these initiatives inspired her to pursue a career in non-profit work.
Currently interning at Locally Haiti, a non-profit focused on economic development and family well-being in rural Haiti, Alexandra is eager to further her engagement with global non-profits. She believes her background in education and international development aligns well with Worthy Village’s mission to end poverty, improve healthcare, and make education more accessible.
Cinthya Anzueto
Board Member
Cinthya is an excellent fit for Worthy Village due to her diverse expertise in international relations, political science, and translation services, which are crucial for navigating complex global issues and fostering effective communication across cultures. Her advanced degrees in public management, leadership, and political consulting demonstrate her strong leadership capabilities and strategic thinking, essential for driving your organization’s mission forward.
Moreover, Cinthya’s experience with international organizations like Plan International and DAI Global, Inc./USAID Guatemala highlights her ability to manage projects, coordinate with stakeholders, and contribute to large-scale initiatives—skills that are invaluable in a non-profit setting. Her work in program management, particularly in the regional migration program for Fundación Avina, shows her commitment to addressing critical social issues, aligning perfectly with your organization’s goals of poverty alleviation, healthcare improvement, and educational access.
Additionally, Cinthya’s fluency in Spanish and English, coupled with her extensive experience in translation and interpretation, would enhance Worthy Village’s ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities and partners. Her background in administrative management, event organization, and strategic planning would further strengthen your team’s operational efficiency and outreach efforts.
Alec Watts
Board Member
During a recent trip to Guatemala with Worthy Village, Alec was profoundly impacted by the remarkable work being carried out in this beautiful region. The experience not only inspired him through the richness of the culture and the dedication of the organization but also deepened his commitment to making a meaningful difference for those in need.
Alec believes he brings a unique and valuable perspective to the Worthy Village team, particularly in the areas of business and sustainability. As a member of the board, his objective is to help the organization set a clear and impactful course for 2024 and beyond. By focusing on strategic opportunities such as road mapping, project management, cost-benefit analysis, and scenario planning, Alec aims to contribute to the development of a trajectory that is closely aligned with the organization’s mission.
Natalie Perez
Board Member
Natalie’s passion for community development and commitment to making a positive impact align seamlessly with Worthy Village’s values. With a strong dedication to education, she believes in the transformative power of knowledge to uplift individuals and communities. With 8 years of experience as an educator, she has witnessed firsthand the profound influence education can have on shaping lives and fostering sustainable growth.
In addition to her background in education, she brings a wealth of experience in social work and psychology. These disciplines have provided valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior, community dynamics, and the systemic challenges many face. She is eager to leverage this multidimensional perspective to contribute to Worthy Village’s initiatives and collaborate on innovative solutions that address the diverse needs of the community.