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

Luisa leal
FOUNDER /CEO

Claudia Espinal
Community Engagement coordinator

Claudia Espinal
Community Engagement coordinator

LuLu Quintanilla
Marketing Manager of Special Projects

LuLu Quintanilla
Marketing Manager of Special Projects

Jacqueline Pedroza
Social Worker

Jacqueline Pedroza
Social Worker

Karen Espinoza
HR Manager and Office Assistant

Karen Espinoza
HR Manager and Office Assistant

Ruben Cantu
Content Producer

Ruben Cantu
Content Producer

Annette Hatcher
Chief Financial Officer

Annette Hatcher
Chief Financial Officer

Celeste Marchán
Content Manager

Celeste Marchán
Content Manager

Susanna Hunanyan
Medical liaison executive

Susanna Hunanyan
Medical liaison executive

Katia Zuñiga
Social Media & Web Manager

Katia Zuñiga
Social Media & Web Manager

Alexis Lugo
Patient Advocacy

Alexis Lugo
Patient Advocacy

Enrique Guzmán
Software Developer

Enrique Guzmán
Software Developer

Monserrath Flores
MEDIA PRODUCER

Monserrath Flores
MEDIA PRODUCER

José Ramírez
Translator

José Ramírez
Translator

César Aguirre
Interpreter

César Aguirre
Interpreter
He studied, worked and lived 21 years in the United States. He is devoted to everything related to the English language (Professional English Consulting) for individuals and companies; classes, consulting, translations and projects.
He is also a certified soccer coach and gives coaching talks (leadership and self-improvement).
Team in México

Saúl Leal
Outreach Coordinator

Saúl Leal
Outreach Coordinator

Karina Vargas
Family & community engagement

Karina Vargas
Family & community engagement
Team in Puerto Rico

Carmiña De León
Volunteer Coordinator

Carmiña De León
Volunteer Coordinator

María Colón
Family & community engagement

María Colón
Family & community engagement

Shirley Velez
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