Our Leadership Team

Jocelyn Skolnik, based in Guatemala, is currently the Executive Director at Common Hope | Familias de Esperanza, bringing experience from previous roles at Funsepa and El Sol, Jupiter's Neighborhood Resource Center. Jocelyn holds an Executive Education degree in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School. With a robust skill set that includes nonprofits leadership, fundraising, community outreach, volunteer management, grant writing and more, Jocelyn contributes valuable insights to our organization.

Pablo arrived at Common Hope as IT Director in February 2006 and in 2016 he was made Administrative Director in charge of IT, Human Resources, and Accounting. He is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of each department. Prior to Common Hope, Pablo spent eleven years working in systems with a large non-profit in Guatemala.

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Of his work Pablo states that of course he loves working with the technology, but above that he enjoys the opportunity he has at Common Hope to feel connected with the families we serve. From his office at the Family Development Center, he is able to see the work going on all around him as the families arrive daily for social work meetings, medical appointments, support groups or educational classes.

Luis, our Director of Finance, brings extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning to our organization. His wealth of expertise, combined with his fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, strengthens our team and helps drive our mission forward. Luis’s professional background and invaluable contributions make him an essential part of our organization’s success.

Doug arrived at Common Hope in April 2020 to continue his career in nonprofit finance, administration, and operations. A native of the Twin Cities, Doug has spent his entire career working in the business offices of the Guthrie Theater, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, MacPhail Center for the Arts, Macalester College and Augsburg University. At Common Hope, Doug oversees and works collaboratively with colleagues on budgeting, accounting, finance, HR, IT and office administration.

Doug holds a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and a Masters of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Saint Thomas (MN). He is an active member of the Twin Cities Nonprofit Financial Group and an active member at his church. Doug enjoys spending time with his family and doing outdoor activities (hiking, biking, cross country skiing), and attending sporting events and concerts.

Juan de Dios Simón has two master's degrees and more than 20 years of work experience in the field of social and educational programs. He is a graduate of Harvard University School of Education (HGSE), Cambridge MA, USA, with a Master’s degree in International Education Policy. He also holds a Master’s in Leadership and Public Management from the School of Government of Guatemala, EDG. 

He has worked as an Education Specialist for UNICEF in Peru, as a Social Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank -IDB in Washington DC, USA-; General Director of Extracurricular Education -DIGEEX- of the Ministry of Education of Guatemala, Program Manager at ChildFund International, and Program Manager at Fundación Educo, with offices in Guatemala.

He was motivated to be part of Common Hope team because he believes in scholarships and considers that there are opportunities to contribute to strengthening programs and achieving a positive and lasting impact on the lives of poor children and their families.

As program development director, Renato focuses on gathering, prioritizing and setting up special projects to be developed for future or existing programming, such as the Common Hope educational quality initiatives, the launch of future outposts and general program monitoring and evaluation work.

Renato was born in Guatemala and orphaned at age five. He was then adopted by a couple in the United States. After graduating from St. John’s University with a degree in political science, he decided to devote the next stage of his life to Guatemala and its people. In 1996, he returned to Guatemala as a full-time volunteer with Common Hope and worked with home construction, stoves, eyeglasses, and computers.

From 1998 to 2008, Renato served as the director of New Hope, overseeing the construction of the village and primary school, as well as overseeing the development of primary and secondary education and community development. In January 2009, Renato accepted his current position of program development director. Renato lives in Guatemala with his family.

Alejandra has more than15 years of experience supporting nonprofit and social organizations in Guatemala. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), complemented by specialized training in human resources management. She is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Coaching and Emotional Intelligence.

She has worked with various NGOs in Guatemala in the areas of talent development, organizational culture, and the implementation of HR policies and manuals. Her experience includes leading internal transformation processes and fostering values-based work environments.

Alejandra was motivated to join the Common Hope / Fundación Familias de Esperanza team because she believes in the power of human connection and sees great value in building strong, mission-driven teams that can create long-term impact in the lives of Guatemalan families. She brings a people-centered approach, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector to help strengthen the organization from within.