Staff
Staff & Leadership
Featured
National Director
Doris has a deep passion for transformation in vulnerable people. She believes that with opportunities people can reduce their vulnerability, and she seeks to inspire with her testimony that change is possible. She joined Project Suma in 2009 and has most recently developed our Economic Strengthening Program to support women to be leaders with freedom and live abundantly. She is a resilient leader who seeks to make an impact through her life experience, as well as a mother of two teen daughters.
B.S. Public Accounting, Universidad Central
A.A. Accounting, Instituto Comercial INCOS
Elaboration and Evaluation of Projects Certificate, IDEA Foundation
Community Care Coordinator
Through her role as Community Care Coordinator, Liss aims to cultivate a healthy and happy work environment, encouraging each member of the Project Suma team to reach their goals and to work in a respectful, trusting environment. In addition to having over ten years of experience in human resources, she has volunteered at her local church, supporting internal healing processes, confident that God has a better plan for them. She is passionate about reading, writing and neuropsychology - a defender of human rights, social justice and animal rights.
B.A. Psychology, minor Human Resources, Universidad Católica Bolivia
Women’s Program Coordinator
Working with the International Justice Mission, the UN International Organization for Migration and others, Paola is experienced in violence prevention, victim restoration and justice. She is passionate about serving others by following the example of Jesus. With appropriate professional intervention, she believes women and children who have experienced trauma can find restoration.
B.S. Political Science and Public Management, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Preparation and Evaluation of Participatory Social Projects Certificate, Universidad Mayor de San Simón
Psychotherapist
Tania has over ten years' experience as a violence prevention specialist and psychotherapist in social projects. At Project Suma she utilizes EMDR therapy to help women overcome trauma, forging a path towards healing. Her warm presence and unwavering support accompany them every step of the way. Tania's impact is tangible, equipping women to overcome their past, create a brighter future and fostering a community of resilience.
B.A. Psychology, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Specialization in EMDR Therapy, Emdria & EMDR Iberoamérica
Social Worker
With over eight years of experience serving families facing violence, Roxana is passionate about accompanying others during their restoration process. Trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TCC-FT) for sexually abused children, she has also mentored other professionals in the fields of social work and psychology. Her fluency in Aymara allows her to more effectively address the needs of the women in the context we serve.
B.A. Social Work, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Comprehensive and Preventive Therapeutic Intervention in Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Certificate, Universidad La Valle
Social Work Assistant
Vania joined the team after completing a 6-month internship. She considers Project Suma a safe and mutual space for growth, not only for women and their children, but also for the staff. One of her passions is to serve God through her profession and gifts; she loves working with women's groups and is talented in managing group dynamics. She is empathetic and a leader, and will be supporting our newest outreach efforts in La Paz.
B.A. Social Work, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Economic Strengthening Assistant
Byron works with women and teens to support their development, leadership and economic success. With a keen sense of perception and service, Byron has built trusted relationships with those we serve, as an example that there are still men in this world with great hearts and kindness to share. Byron is attentive and kind, and he is seeking God's reconciliation in his life.
T.D. International Trade, INCOS
T.D. Accounting, Instituto Don Bosco
Children & Youth Program Coordinator
Having served previously as a therapist at Project Suma, Hugo has helped implement an innovative therapy approach to better equip children with vital emotional tools within a nurturing therapeutic community. As a psychologist and educator with expertise in domestic violence prevention, Hugo's work to enhance children's learning and well-being is driven by the recognition that lasting change relies on God's guidance.
B. A. Educational Sciences, Universidad Salesiana de Bolivia
B.A. Psychology, Universidad Central
Higher Education Certificate, Universidad Salesiana de Bolivia
Child Development Facilitator
Aidee is a seasoned preschool educator with a background working in diverse child development centers. Specializing in tutoring children with intellectual challenges and early childhood education, she is committed to fostering young minds. Aidee also has extensive volunteer experience working in municipal day care centers, her church’s Sunday school, and at Project Suma, she helped develop educational initiatives for building life skills and improving decision-making for teens. In her free time, she's enjoys learning English, playing the ukulele, singing and exploring the great outdoors.
B.A. Early Childhood Education, Salesian University of Bolivia
M.S. Education, Salesian University of Bolivia (in the process of graduation)
Child Development Facilitator
Roos is passionate about education, which she believes is a powerful tool to change realities. With extensive experience in working with children with learning difficulties and disabilities, Roos uses recreational experiences, games and meaningful learning to transform difficulties into opportunities. Roos graduated with academic excellence with a Psychopedagogy degree. Since 2021, she has been an activist in the fight against sexual violence in the group GSN - FÉNIX, a survivor advocacy group. She is currently continuing her training in Sociology, pursuing a specialty in neuroeducation. Roos loves animals, is passionate, fun, creative and has a young soul.
B.S. Psychopedagogy, San Pablo Catholic University of Bolivia
Sociology student, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Child Development Facilitator
With over five years of experience serving children and families in vulnerable situations, Lizeth is a specialist in developing tools for enhancing family bonds and overall well-being. She has learned to adapt her work to the new challenges involved in helping transform risks into opportunities. She loves to serve others, likes outdoor meditation spaces and desires to teach Biblical tools. She is creative, insightful, empathic and observant.
B.A. Psychology, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Higher Education Certificate, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Advocacy Coordinator
Studying law, Lorena grew in her desire to defend human rights, especially those of vulnerable populations, and joined Project Suma in 2019. Lorena loves connecting with people and stands out for her ability to identify opportunities for collaborative work, especially in situations where there seems to be no connection. She recently has begun to further her study of feminist theology as a path of restoration of women with God and society, and plans to continue her professional career with studies focused on international cooperation for development.
B.A. Law, minor International Relations, Universidad Católica Boliviana
Development Facilitator
Andrea stands out for her responsibility and excellent work, maintaining all donor information and presenting strategies for connection and fundraising based on quantitative analysis. She also collaborates in project proposals, is detail oriented, proactive and enjoys photography.
B.S. Business Administration, Marketing concentration, Universidad Privada Boliviana
Media & Communications Facilitator
Desiring to use his advertising skills for deeper impact, Gustavo joined Project Suma in 2017. Gustavo designs all Project Suma communication materials, and is very committed to sharing our work in a respectful and ethical way. In between projects, he can be found leading worship or spending time with kids in the Children’s Program. He is a creative mastermind and a talented musician.
B.A. Marketing/Graphic Design, Universidad de Los Andes
Coordinator of Administration
With over 12 years of experience in Administrative Finance in social-service institutions, Sandra is passionate about financial strategic planning to use our resources efficiently and with integrity. Since 2017, Sandra has prepared transparent reports, to promote institutional development and increase credibility with our funders and donors.
B.S. Finance, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés
Administrative Assistant
Raquel has over 6 years of experience in the field of administration, working in strategic alliances, financial management and operational coordination. Her high level of integrity, with strong interpersonal, communication and coordination skills, drives her to cultivate productive and efficient relationships. Her past experience serving women in exploitative situations has fostered a compassionate commitment to provide support without relenting in the process.
B.S. Business Administration, UMSA University
Administrative Financial Management Certificate, UMSA University
Accounting Assistant
Yesica is dedicated to ensuring administrative efficiency and financial transparency to support Project Suma objectives. She firmly believes that teamwork and a shared vision are essential for success. Known for her proactive approach, Yesica is focused on delivering results and resolving tasks effectively.
B.S. Public Accounting, Salesian University of Bolivia
Commercial Accounting Certificate, UPEA University
Formation Facilitator
With over 13 years experience accompanying women and children in situations of vulnerability and violence, Ariel trains staff, volunteers and interns in holistic support. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where others can learn skills that will help them break cycles of violence and vulnerability. She also connects with faith communities, so they can better engage and respond to the problems around them. Most recently Ariel created a trauma-informed, survivor-informed Bible Study based on her thesis on the spirituality of the women we serve. She and her husband Gerhard have two children.
M.A. Theological Studies, National University of Costa Rica and the Biblical University of Latin America
B.A. International Relations, Baylor University
Co-Founder & Advocate
Andrea is passionate about fighting gender violence in all its forms. With over 20 years of experience, she has inspired and grown a global community, connecting marginalized persons to vital resources, developing big-picture strategy, driving growth and increasing impact year-after-year. She is a passionate visionary, leader, speaker, writer and advocate, wife to Andy and mother to four boys.
M.A. World Missions and Evangelism, Asbury Theological Seminary
B.A. Communications/Public Relations, Asbury University
Economic Strengthening Coordinator
Dedicated and results-oriented, Janis works to disrupt cycles of poverty for vulnerable women and youth. She is deeply committed to guiding program participants through their developmental journey, leveraging insights gained from her previous role as a Sales Representative at SutiSana, a social enterprise for survivors of sexual exploitation. Her expertise extends to utilizing established contacts with other institutions, enhancing program impact. Janis is characterized by her passion, leadership and advocacy skills, making her a valuable asset to initiatives focused on empowering individuals and communities.
B.S. in Accounting, Don Bosco Institute