On Thursday 23rd June, a coalition of community, public sector, and private sector partners – including WWF – met with leaders from the Government of Colombia to sign a joint declaration launching the Herencia Colombia (HECO) conservation initiative. On Thursday 23rd June, a coalition of community, public sector, and private sector partners – including WWF – met with leaders from the Government of Colombia to sign a joint declaration launching the Herencia Colombia (HECO) conservation initiative.
Pictured above, Celina is with the speakers that took part in the ‘In Her Hands’ roundtable discussion led by VP Kamala Harris. From left to right are: Carolyn Cawley, President of U.S.Chamber of Commerce; Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE; Blanca Trevino, President & CEO of Softtedk; Luz Urrutia, President & CEO of Accion; Suzy Ferrerira, Founder & CEO of Dinie and Pili Luna, Founder & CEO of Vos Honduras.
Celina participated on a panel at the Youth Forum, on health and workforce roundtables, as well as had the opportunity to meet with Vice President Harris and eight women entrepreneurs working in Latin America.
The Summit of the Americas brings together leaders from the countries of North, South and Central America, and the Caribbean to promote cooperation towards region-wide, inclusive economic growth and prosperity based on a shared respect for democracy, fundamental freedoms, the dignity of labor and free enterprise.
This year’s Summit theme focused on ‘Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future’ for the region. During the Summit, Vice President Harris made the following statement: “A year ago, I issued the Call to Action and encouraged companies and civil society to work with us to deepen a commitment in northern Central America and to expand collaboration. This Call to Action is creating new jobs and opportunities for the people within those countries. These investments are also a good example of what our policies beyond our shores can do to benefit the people within the United States. Because we know the American people will benefit from stable and prosperous neighbors. And when we provide economic opportunity for people in Central America, we address an important driver of migration.”
US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles
“When we provide economic opportunity for people in Central America, we address an important driver of migration”
– US Vice President Kamala Harris
In line with both the US’ Strategy to Address the Root Causes of Migration in northern Central America and VP Harris’ Call to Action, the Central American Service Corps (CASC) was announced as a strategy to promote the development of a network of youth service corps programs in the region. This $50 million initiative will be led by VP Harris and administered by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and will benefit from technical and financial support provided by a wide range of stakeholders from the public, private and philanthropic sectors. The Partnership for Central America (PCA), multi-national and local private sector actors, and local governments are also key partners in this effort.
Celina de Sola speaking at the Young America's Forum’s Transforming Communities through Youth Volunteer Service panel discussion
The idea for CASC was inspired by – and builds on – the innovative Central American Youth Corps (Jovenes Lideres de Impacto) initiative, which was launched by Glasswing in 2021 with $13.2 million provided exclusively by The Howard G. Buffett Foundation to harness the power of youth for positive change in their communities. The program provides thousands of young women and men aged 15-22 with training to develop life, professional and financial skills; the opportunity to work at community impact organizations (i.e. health clinics, schools, environmental organizations); a monthly stipend; and the possibility to open their own bank account.
The program offers participants with a life-changing experience through which they acquire the ability to believe in themselves, a strong social network of peers and mentors, and the skills they need to become the best versions of themselves and fulfill their dreams. In line with Glasswing’s core belief that local NGOs are the backbone of many Central American communities, the Youth Impact Leaders program was also set up to provide training and support to other nonprofit organizations operating in each country.
Participants of the Youth Impact Leaders program
Young people in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador face numerous challenges that are brought on by violence, family disintegration, the impact of climate change, poverty and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the ongoing lack of economic opportunities.
Although young women and men are the biggest asset societies have, immeasurable human potential is lost because of adversity, stigma and a lack of opportunity. These youth service programs directly transform paradigms around youth – positioning young people as a valuable resource generating both social and economic value, rather than as a liability and risk.
“Young people are our biggest resource, and the long-lasting impact they can have on their communities is immeasurable”
– Celina de Sola, Co-Founder and President of Glasswing International
“We are grateful to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Howard G.Buffett Foundation, USAID, and the Partnership for Central America for believing in us and their commitment to this exciting initiative. We are also excited to partner with the Peace Corps, YouthBuild, and the InterAmerican Foundation, as well as other Central American community-based local organizations. Together, we will create meaningful opportunities for tens of thousands of young people in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; empowering them with the tools and resources they need to create positive change in their own communities. Young people are our biggest resource, and the long-lasting impact they can have on their communities is immeasurable.” – Celina de Sola, Co-Founder and President of Glasswing International
Last week, Glasswing celebrated its 15th anniversary in San Salvador, the place where it all started back in 2007. From its humble beginnings – running an after-school program in 1 school – Glasswing has grown into an organization capable of raising $90 million for health and education programs. During its first 15 years it has impacted the lives of over 1.5 million children, families and communities in 10 countries across Latin America.
Carmen has been on Glasswing’s board since 2018 and helped to start its US program which provides opportunities for migrant youth in NYC. She is incredibly proud of how hard the entire team has worked to make all of this happen.
If you are able to, please consider making a donation that will help transform the lives of children and families through education, health and community empowerment programs.