Field Team

SERGIO GONZALEZ : Country Director, Guatemala

Sergio has worked in senior level positions, including as Executive Director, in both the insurance and microfinance industries for over 30 years. He has overseen the growth and enhanced the effectiveness of multiple non-profit organizations. Sergio holds his masters degree from the University of San Carlos, Guatemala. He also holds multiple Microfinance and Management certificates from institutions in Guatemala and Israel. Sergio has been the treasurer of the Central American Microfinance Network KATALISYS, and has been on the Board of Directors of the Guatemalan Microfinance Network REDIMIF. He has participated in, and presented at, microfinance conferences and events throughout the Americas.

Sergio has taught subjects such as Business Administration and Financial Mathematics at the University of Galileo, the University of San Carlos, the Institute of Advanced Studies Suger Montano, and the Technical Institute of Capacity Building and Productivity.

HEBE LLERENA: Country Project Coordinator, Guatemala

Hebe is passionate about international (community) development and has many years experience with women and gender issues, at-risk youth, vulnerable groups, and ethnic minorities within Latin America and Canada.

As a Program Manager in Argentina, she successfully managed 240 development projects for INCLUIR, working with vulnerable youngsters through business and social entrepreneurship skills building. She has also worked as a Social Entrepreneurship Trainer at the National University of Jujuy, where she trained hundreds of micro-entrepreneurs in spotting market gaps, costing and pricing strategies, financial literacy, basic accounting, business plans and marketing. She also trained 500 non-profit organizations’ leaders in grant-seeking, proposal development, logical framework analysis and strategic planning. As a Project Manager for a grassroots Andean women’s association, she was in charge of the promotion of micro-credit programs.

Hebe holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the University of Liverpool (England), an MSc in Management of Development from the University of Turin (Italy), and a Post Graduate Certificate in Local Economic Development from the Weitz Center for Development Studies (Israel). Her Bachelor degree is in Accounting. Hebe has also received a national distinction from the Argentine Senate and Israeli Embassy for her achievements in community-development.

SURIA RAJINI : Country Director, India

Suria has worked with non-profit organizations for decades, organizing and promoting women's associations and fighting tirelessly for women's rights in Southern India. Her focus has been on projects which has helped to ensure women's economic independence, involvement in decision making processes, access to land and housing, and good health. She has held senior positions including that of Executive Director. Suria holds her M.A. in Sociology from Madhurai Kamaraj University.

KARINA NUNEZ : Country Project Coordinator, Peru

Karina has spent the last seven years working in Microfinance as a Credit Promoter, Manager of Services, and Chief of Products and Technology. She studied Social Work at the University of the Altiplano and also holds a Masters of Public Health from San Agustin University in Arequipa, Peru.

Karina has developed capacity building programs for women and children and worked with vulnerable popluations such as orphans and street children.

PATRICIA HERNANDEZ : Country Project Coordinator, Dominican Republic

Patricia has worked for various non-profit organizations and has strong experience in project management, monitoring and coordination using the lenses of gender and social development. Patricia has developed studies in the areas of Cooperation, Globalization and Development, Gender, and Community Participation. She holds a degree in Business Management.