Team Members

Dahlia is a Teach for America alumna with a Bachelor’s in Human Development from Binghamton University, and a Masters in Teaching from Pace University.

After graduating from High School, she decided to volunteer as an English teacher in Cusco, Peru.  She participated in a semester-long program called International Cultural Adventures. The experience was life changing, and inspiring.

In 2002, she completed a project at the school where she had taught, which included painting the entire exterior of the building with a bright mural displayed in large-view from the courtyard, and replacing broken lights and windows.  In 2003, she founded a library at the same school. An adobe storeroom was transformed into a bright and peaceful room of educational resources, full of early readers, novels, magazines, encyclopedias, and other reference materials. She learned that if she set her sights high, she could realize dreams that previously seemed out of reach.

In 2006, Dahlia learned of a boys’ home that was run by the Peruvian Police Force.  Upon visiting and seeing the poor conditions, she raised funds to provide the boys with counseling services, environmental education, health education, social skills training, music, and dance.  She purchased gas for their stove, repainted and repaired the kitchen, and purchased a refrigerator, a juicer, and cooking utensils, among other necessary items.  

Dahlia has partnered with Laura Miranda Acuña of Cusco, Peru who is the Director of the Corazón de Dahlia Center for the Promotion of Child & Family Development, which is now opened! 

Geneva Sands-Sadowitz, Vice President of the Board (Brooklyn, NY)

Geneva studied International Relations at American University in Washington D.C., and recently completed her graduate studies at the CUNY School of Journalism in New York City.  Geneva has much international travel experience, including study abroad, in South Africa and Chile.  She is proficient in the Spanish language, and has traveled to Peru. She currently works at Bloomberg News.

Julia Santos Solomon, Board of Directors (Woodstock, NY)

Julia Santos Solomon is an international artist and educator.  As an artist, Julia’s work centers around the concepts of culture, identity, and empowering our voices and stories.     She received her education at the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University.  Julia studied fine art throughout Europe, Northern Africa, South America and the Caribbean.  As an advocate for cross-cultural communication, Julia is proud to be fluent in four languages.  For the last thirty years, Julia has taught art and design.  On the university level, Julia was a faculty member at Parsons School of Design and as one of the founding faculty members of Altos de Chavon School of Design in the Dominican Republic, an affiliate of Parsons.  She has also enjoyed many years of teaching and mentoring young children and teenagers.

Julia has always taken an interest in people in need, particularly children because they are the most vulnerable, and she can make a  difference in their lives in a profound way.  She has advocated for these children throughout their lives into adult hood.  This work brings Julia tremendous joy.

Alexis Tuchman, Board of Directors (New York, NY)

Alexis studied Industrial Management Engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.  Alexis is now a consultant for Accenture in New York City.  Alexis has traveled widely across the globe, including Peru. 

David Kone, Board of Directors (New York, NY)

As a self-proclaimed international citizen, David has focused on international development from an economic perspective. He has traveled throughout South America, including living in Peru for four years working as Director of a textile apparel company. In 2005, he co-founded a non-profit organization in Lima, Peru and contributed as both a board member and volunteer to community-based projects within Peru. He received his BS in International Marketing and World Business at the University of Alabama, and also studied abroad at the University of Costa Rica. Recently, he relocated to New York City working for an international logistics company with future plans to attend graduate school to specialize in International Development.

Karina Cabanilla, International Volunteer (Hopewell, NY)

Karina studied Child Development at Tufts University in Boston, MA. During her time at Tufts she worked for Jumpstart, an Americorps organization, for three years. She had the opportunity to mentor underprivileged preschoolers while also working with families to provide them with the support that they needed to help their children succeed. After working as a research assistant on a public health study at Children's Hospital Boston, she became interested in health and social disparities in international communities. Karina is excited to be joining Corazon de Dahlia as an international volunteer and is looking forward to the rewarding experiences she will have during her time in Peru. 

Laura is one of the most generous and loving people that you will ever meet.  She is a retired teacher who has given her life to educating those in need.  She has also worked as a Spanish language teacher in Cusco for Excel Language Institute.  Laura named the organization, and has been actively at work on the various initiatives since its inception. 

Marco Antonio Gastañaga Gudiel, Accountant (Cusco, Peru)

Mariela is a patient and creative psychologist who works with children both individually and in groups.  She designed effective programs that were implemented successfully at the Colibri boys home in Lucre.  Mariela will serve as an advisor for our Center in Saylla. 

 Michal Richtman, Fundraising Consultant (Zurich, Switzerland)

Michal is a graduate of the School of International Business in Barcelona, Spain.  She holds a Bachelor's degree in Managemnt, Public Relations, and Communication.  Michal is an accomplished young woman who has lived in Israel, Italy, Ireland, Spain, and Switzerland in addition to many international travels, including a visit to Indonesia.  Michal speaks five languages, and has a positive attitude that is an asset to our organization.  Michal is very interested in helping Corazon de Dahlia.  She is currently working on finding funds and support to open the home in Cusco.