Some big news from the SOS Team
There’s no easy way to say it, but after five incredible years as Executive Director of SOS, the time has come for me to pass the torch. And with that, I’m very excited to announce that Alejandra Guzman has been selected as our new Interim Executive Director, effective immediately. With her at the helm, I know the organization is in great hands!
MEET ALEJANDRA
Alejandra has been a contributor to SOS for over four years, supporting with grant writing, research, virtual workshop facilitation, translation and program management. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to SOS with her educational background in international development and her years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector.
Previously, she was a Program Manager for Feeding Canadian Kids and Executive Director of Isthmus. She has also built her own successful small business / social enterprise in the cleaning industry, focused on providing quality employment to newcomers. Alejandra is originally from Lima, Peru, and has been in Canada for seven years. Her favourite hobbies are Zumba, learning new languages, and travelling!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR JAMIE
I’ll continue to be engaged with SOS in a volunteer capacity, helping support a smooth transition for Alejandra and the team. I will also continue to stay involved as a Monthly Donor as part of our Sponsor a Scholar program!
I’m happy to share that in my next role, my work towards improving global access to education will be continuing. This will give me the chance to build on the lessons learned through my experiences with SOS – while also looking for opportunities to pass on the knowledge I’ll be gaining in my new role to help support SOS’ ongoing evolution.
A THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
While I’m excited for the new journey ahead, for SOS and on a personal level, it is difficult to say goodbye. There have been so many amazing memories shared over these years. Whether it was spending time with partner communities throughout Latin America and being on outreach trips with volunteers, getting to experience chapters’ events in action, or feeling relief from pandemic lockdowns through the joy shared during our virtual workshops, I’m so grateful for the experiences I’ve had and all the people I met along the way.
Many thanks to each and every one of you that helps to make SOS the unique grassroots-driven community that it is.
There are really no words to capture what these experiences have meant to me, but they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here’s a few of those instead.
STAY IN TOUCH
While my role in the organization is changing, my commitment to our mission is unwavering. I look forward to contributing in whatever ways I can and hope to stay in touch with as many of you as possible. I will continue to have access to my SOS email and welcome you to please keep in contact. For now, I am wishing you all the best and sharing all my gratitude for the time we’ve shared.
Thanks for everything SOS – keep on doing the amazing work you do. Please join me in giving a very warm welcome to Alejandra!
From the bottom of my heart,
Jamie