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Every organization has its unsung heroes and heroines. Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. has virtually hundreds of people who have helped our mission but do not get enough recognition for their efforts. Since you are taking the time to read this newsletter, you are probably one of those individuals.
However, I want to talk about the people who help us on a daily basis - our own staff. These people work tirelessly for us, yet most of us don't even know they exist or who they are. In this issue, we hope to honor them for their commitment and their own personal desire to make the world just a little bit better.
I remember meeting with Nancy Mischnick last February. The Board of Directors had just instructed me to offer her the job as our new Executive Director. At that time, she agreed to lead our small organization knowing that current grants would be expiring. She also knew that she would be facing hundreds of other challenges in order to continue the remarkable work of her predecessor. In exchange, I was only able to offer her a salary and benefit program that was substantially lower than what she could earn in the open job market.
I remember many meetings with Dr. José Crus discussing the prospect of working within the Nicaraguan infrastructure and developing project grants for that country. He was able to acquire several grants over time to keep our medical projects vital. I know his leadership has enabled W/NP to remain active in our programming.
I know Leonor Guerrero is in a class by herself. She has worked tirelessly in our Managua warehouse and with the Learning Centers. I have also traveled with her to some of the communities in her beloved country, where she distributes the donations sent by you. I don't know how to translate the word "heroine" in Spanish, but if I did, I would use that word to describe Leonor.
I think of others in Nicaragua who dedicate their lives, time, and energies for Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. People like Moisés, Mirna, Fernando, Vania, Patricia, Johanna, Lucia, and Hector. These Nicaraguans deserve our heartfelt thanks for their efforts. Whether they assist as coordinators, accountants, or housekeepers, they all work together to make a difference in their own country.
Andrew has been our web weaver for several years and Jake is now designing public relations material. Both are students and invaluable. Joe has just joined us to take up the daunting challenge of grant writing and coordinating programs. Jill has also just begun her new job as our office manager.
These people are paid through various project grants, work-study stipends, and your donations. Because of their commitment, they often work for less money than they could earn in the "For Profit" world. Some are Nicaraguans and some are Wisconsinites. None of them are in it for the money or the glory - there is precious little of either in this line of work. I believe that all of them work for us simply because they care and want to make a difference in the world.
Okay, maybe I don't know how to say "hero" or "heroine" in Spanish, but I do know how to say "thank you." "Mil gracias a nuestros empleados!"
Rick Congdon
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