Peque?as Perlas: A Powerful Combination of Education and Dental Care for Empowering Girls in Rural Communities

Conquer your career future with Latina Professionals Insider! Discover expert advice, inspiring stories, y mucho más with just one click! Join over 78,500+ Latina leaders who already subscribe! Don't miss out! ?Suscríbete Now!

Author Kimberly Bernard-Maga?a & Rafael Maga?a

Latina Professionals is excited to announce the launch of Peque?as Perlas (Little Pearls), a transformative initiative aimed at nurturing the potential of young girls and children in remote communities near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, with plans to expand to other underserved regions across Latin America. This program underscores the importance of supporting underserved children by providing them with the educational tools and healthcare resources they need to flourish. This initiative is rooted in the belief that every young girl deserves access to the essential dental hygiene, to help them thrive and reach their full potential.

Peque?as Perlas Brings Hope to Remote Communities of? Young Girls in Latin America?

• Building Healthy Smiles, Building Confidence: Recognizing the importance of oral health, Peque?as Perlas brings vital dental services directly to young girls and children through weekly mobile clinics held in rural schools and health centers. These clinics provide essential services like basic dental checkups, access to toothbrushes and toothpaste,and most importantly, education on maintaining good oral hygiene habits – a foundation for a lifetime of well-being.
• Investing in Education, Investing in the Future: Education is the cornerstone of opportunity. Peque?as Perlas shatters financial barriers by offering full-ride university scholarships to deserving teenagers from low-income families in rural San Juan del Sur. We've already identified 3 bright stars, and with your help, we envision illuminating countless more futures through the power of higher education.

Leading the Charge: Leading the Way in Empowering Young Girls

Peque?as Perlas is spearheaded by Jeff Landi, the visionary founder of Sonrisas Felices (Happy Smiles). Jeff's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children in rural Nicaragua makes him the perfect champion for this initiative. Under his leadership, Peque?as Perlas is poised to ensure that every young girl receives the best possible care and opportunities to thrive.

But Jeff’s work doesn’t stop here. In 2022, Jeff launched Nicafé, a restaurant with a mission unlike any other: it is staffed almost entirely by individuals who are deaf. This innovative concept was inspired by a friend and fellow expat, Katie Brugger, who had recognized the challenges faced by deaf graduates in Nicaragua, where employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities are scarce.

Nicafé not only provides jobs to deaf individuals but also serves as a unique model for inclusion. Customers and hearing staff at Nicafé have begun learning Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL), the only language created in isolation from other languages and developed during Nicaragua’s Sandinista literacy revolution. The head chef, Edwin Lacayo, took on the challenge of learning sign language to communicate effectively with the team, and today, the restaurant thrives with staff who have mastered both culinary skills and communication in NSL. The Nicafé story represents a powerful example of how innovation and compassion can come together to create life-changing opportunities.

Pioneering a Scalable Blueprint for Remote Communities

Peque?as Perlas is designed as a pilot program with the ambitious goal of expanding its reach throughout Nicaragua. By demonstrating the effectiveness of this initiative, we aim to create a blueprint that can be scaled to other rural and underserved extreme remote regions where the need is greatest, both within Nicaragua and across Latin America. Our ultimate vision is to replicate this model in communities that face similar challenges, ensuring that more children have access to the education and healthcare they deserve, no matter how remote their location.

“In our conversations with Jeff, it became clear that his work has already made a significant impact, and by working together, we can scale this success to reach even more children,” said Kimberly & Rafael Maga?a, founders of Latina Professionals. “We are committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, no matter where they live. This blueprint is about expanding our reach to those who need it most and giving them the opportunities they deserve.”

A Call to Action: Be a Part of the Change

Peque?as Perlas goes beyond just providing resources; it fosters a spirit of collaboration and progress. The program actively seeks involvement from:

• Community Members: Lend your voice and local expertise to make Peque?as Perlas a true reflection of the community it serves.
• Stakeholders: Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.
• Partners: Join hands with us to amplify our impact.

Join our National Steering Committee. Limited space! Be part of the change and join this initiative! Apply here: https://forms.gle/JfAo2RjYUgx1BFUs6

Peque?as Perlas reflects Latina Professionals’ strong commitment to empowering women—particularly through this initiative, which focuses on young girls in underserved, remote communities. Join us in lighting the way to a brighter future for these remarkable young girls.

Get Involved Today!

Peque?as Perlas is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young girls in underserved communities. Whether you’re a corporation, foundation, or a dedicated monthly donor, your support is crucial in helping us expand this transformative initiative. Join us in empowering the next generation and creating a brighter future. Contact [email protected] or make a monthly gift here.?

About Latina Professionals

Latina Professionals is dedicated to promoting the advancement and leadership of Latina women in various professional fields. Through advocacy, networking, and community engagement, we aim to support the development of Latina professionals, ensuring they have the opportunities and resources to lead and innovate. Our efforts are committed to creating a more equitable and diverse professional landscape where Latina women can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.

About Jeff Landi

Jeff Landi, the heart behind Sonrisas Felices, a multifaceted philanthropic project in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua,brings a wealth of experience to Peque?as Perlas. Sonrisas Felices offers a two-pronged approach, providing dental services to thousands in rural areas while simultaneously awarding university scholarships to deserving students from low-income families. Follow Jeff's inspiring work and connect with him on LinkedIn here

Rafael Maga?a is the founder of Latino Professionals, Latina Professionals, & Latinx Professionals. Rafael helps organizations grow and leaders accelerate strategy implementation in their organizations. Veritus Scholar- specialized in donor-centered Philanthropy. Major Gift & Planned Giving Officer. Rafael is also a Board of Trustees at the Hollywood Schoolhouse. Enjoys writing about leadership, management, philanthropy and careers. He resides in Los Angeles, California. You can also find articles and tools that might be helpful to you below. Read Rafael's articles featured in Hispanic Executive Magazine here.

Love our work? Want to get involved with Latina Professionals? Connect with us! It's easy!

For Corporate Sponsors:

Enhance your company's visibility and demonstrate your commitment to diversity by partnering with Latina Professionals as a presenting sponsor. Our "Latina Professionals Visionary Voices" initiative offers a unique platform to showcase your brand and connect with a vibrant network. Explore our various sponsorship opportunities and complete our sponsorship form below to make a lasting impact.

For Individuals:

Get involved with Latina Professionals and join a network of Visionary Voices by becoming a part of our Executive Giving Circle. Connect with like-minded professionals and engage in meaningful initiatives that empower the Latina community. Your participation is crucial to our collective success. Learn more and sign up below.

Take the lead and establish a local chapter of Latina Professionals in your city. By starting your own chapter, you join a network of transformative rising Latina leaders shaping the future of our community. This is your opportunity to foster a local nexus of support and empowerment, connecting Latinas to the tools and mentorship they need to excel. Your initiative will spearhead vital community engagement and growth, amplifying the voices and impact of Latinas in your area. Learn more and begin your journey below.

Thank you for considering a partnership with Latina Professionals. Your support is vital to advancing our mission and making a significant difference in our community. Visit www.latinaprofessionals.org

Please follow our umbrella of initiatives:

• Latinas in the Boardroom?
• Latina Equal Pay Day?
• Latina Influencers?
• LatinaMentors?
• Latinas Giving As One?
• Latina Wealth?
• LatinaMentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Seeking Your Next Big Opportunity? If you are looking for work right now check out this job boards here.

Nonprofit job boards:

• Work For Good
• Impact Opportunity
• Idealist

Search firms that work with mission-based organizations:

• Axis Talent Partners
• Edgility Consulting
• NRG Consulting Group
• RCG Talent Solutions

Thank you to all for growing with us. Juntas we are unstoppable.

For more information about Latina Professionals, please visit their website at www.LatinaProfessionals.org.