About Us
Ariel and Enrique Nájera the reason for this organization
Luisa leal Our founder is a single immigrant mother who came to this country at the age of 19 when she was pregnant with her eldest daughter LuLu, now 29 years old, who was born with a congenital anomaly in her right hand, and her youngest daughter Rebekah, now 15 years old, who had a disease in her right eye where she was close to losing her eyesight several times.
She spent years in hospitals and clinics taking her daughters to therapy and medical checkups. As an undocumented immigrant, she saw how difficult it was to care for someone with different needs.
After meeting the children of her ex-partner, learning about their disease, and seeing how difficult it was to find information in Spanish and support for immigrants with this disease, she set out to find a way to support Hispanic families who are going through this illness. She devoted herself to seeking the best possibilities for children and families in their language; thus, The Akari Foundation was born.
The Akari Foundation is not just about translations; it is about culture, equality, diversity, equity, advocacy, acceptance & belonging.
Our Mission
Educate and empower the Hispanic community about rare diseases, help with resources, awareness, advocacy, and education, entirely in Spanish, specializing in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Our Vision
We aim to create a world where the Hispanic community affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other rare diseases is united, educated, empowered, and equipped with the necessary resources and support to thrive and overcome challenges, all done exclusively in Spanish. We envision a future where everyone, regardless of background, has access to comprehensive information, compassionate care, and a strong network that fosters awareness, advocacy, and education in our primary language.
Our Team
Luisa leal
FOUNDER /CEO
Claudia Espinal
Community Engagement coordinator
LuLu Quintanilla
Marketing Manager of Special Projects
Jacqueline Pedroza
Social Worker
Karen Espinoza
HR Manager and Office Assistant
Ruben Cantu
Content Producer
Annette Hatcher
Chief Financial Officer
Celeste Marchán
Content Manager
Susanna Hunanyan
Medical liaison executive
Katia Zuñiga
Social Media & Web Manager
Alexis Lugo
Patient Advocacy
Enrique Guzmán
Software Developer
Team in México
Team in Puerto Rico
Carmiña De León
Volunteer Coordinator
María Colón
Family & community engagement
Shirley Velez
Family & community engagement
Contact
- (+1) 210-630-5451
- Info@TheAkarifoundation.org
Schedule
- San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Monday - Friday
- 09:00am a 6:00pm
- Holidays: Closed
