Board of Directors and Officers
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.
