Building Dreams with Heart and Hope

In a home filled with love and hope, Julissa (17) and Juan Carlos (19) have learned that dreams are built with discipline, effort, and heart.

Both are part of IEP’s Class of 2025 and will graduate from high school in just one month. They live with their parents and three siblings, including little Fátima, a third grader at Colegio del Futuro-IEP who looks up to their perseverance.

At the Esperanza Center, Julissa and Juan Carlos discovered a passion for Guatemalan cuisine through the Chapina Gastronomy course. Twice a week, they rise early to attend classes, knowing that every recipe brings them closer to their goals, while in the afternoons they continue excelling in school.



Julissa hopes to study Gastronomy at the university level and share the flavors of her homeland with the world, while Juan Carlos dreams of becoming an agronomic engineer, raising cattle, and contributing to Guatemala’s agricultural development. With faith, family, and determination, they believe their future is filled with opportunities—and their journey is already inspiring their siblings, community, and the next generation.

Esperanza Gala: Wings of Hope Award

The Wings of Hope Award is presented to those extraordinary individuals whose unwavering belief in our mission helps hope take flight.

They are the ones who stand beside us — not only in moments of celebration, but through the tireless effort, dedication, and teamwork that make lasting change possible. Their generosity, faith, and love for Guatemala become the wings that lift our mission higher, reaching families and communities across the country.

This award honors those who embody the true spirit of Esperanza: people whose compassion inspires action, whose vision creates opportunity, and whose hearts remind us that hope, when shared, can truly change the world.

This year, in our 2025 Esperanza Gala we are proud to present the Wings of Hope Award to Dodee and Billy Crockett, whose steadfast support and belief in our mission perfectly reflect the essence of this recognition. Their commitment, kindness, and love for the people of Guatemala have helped hope soar farther than ever before.

Team Gratitude 2025

November 19 - 23

Homes & High School Graduation

Experience the beauty of giving back with Team Gratitude. Dedicated to home improvement, this team installs stoves and water filters in Chimaltenango, creating safer and healthier living conditions. Join us in celebrating our High School graduates and witness first-hand the impact that our education program has in the community.

Your Chance to Make an Impact

Get your tickets to win amazing items!

Each ticket brings us closer to providing hope and critical support to the commuties we serve. Ready to make a change and win something special?

Soaring

Cuff - Gold & Champagne Inspired by Angela Mia's full-figure sculpture, Soaring, this bracelet cuff is cast on 18K gold plate and decorated with subtle champagne enamel details. Like the sculpture that inspired it, this cuff celebrates the joy of freedom, reminding us to embrace our true selves and touch the sky!

Three Nights at Hotel Casa Santo Domingo - Antigua Guatemala

3 nights / 4 days for 2 guests (18+)

Includes round-trip transportation to and from La Aurora Airport. Experience the timeless charm of Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, a five-star retreat built within the ruins of a 16th-century convent in the heart of Antigua. Voted Best Spa in Central America, the hotel blends colonial elegance, sacred ruins, and lush gardens showcasing Guatemalan art and heritage.

Your stay includes a guided coffee plantation tour in the Antigua region. Beyond the hotel, explore Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with cobblestone streets, colonial churches, artisan markets, and vibrant local life.

*Restrictions may apply; visit our Gala website for details.