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, now 27 years old, who was born with a congenital anomaly in her right hand, and her youngest daughter, 14 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 "LuLu" Quintanilla
Marketing Manager of Special Projects
Karen Espinoza
Human Resources Manager and Office Assistant
Annette Elizabeth Hatcher Brito
Chief Financial Officer
Susanna Hunanyan
Medical liaison executive and community defense
Alexis Lugo
Patient Advocacy Executive
Monserrath Flores
MEDIA PRODUCER
Fabiola Losoyo
Thanatology psychotherapist
José Ramírez
Translator
Saúl Leal
Outreach Coordinator
Ruben Cantu
Development Program Manager
Claudia Espinal
Community Engagement coordinator and fundraising
Jacqueline Pedroza
Case Worker
Montserrat Garcia
Case Worker
Celeste Marchán
Content Manager
Katia Zuñiga
Social Media & Web Manager
Team in Puerto Rico
Carmiña De León
Volunteer Coordinator and Fundraising events
María Colón
Nurse Supervisor & Family Care
Contact
- San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Info@TheAkarifoundation.org
- (+1) 210-630-5451
For media consultations or interviews, send us an email to:
- akarimedia@theakarifoundation.org
Schedule
- Monday - Friday
- 09:00am a 6:00pm
- Holidays: Closed
