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, 13 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

Susanna Hunanyan
Medical liaison executive and community defense

Susanna Hunanyan
Medical liaison executive and community defense

Carolina Delgado
Office Manager

Carolina Delgado
Office Manager
In the time that she has been within the organization, she has quickly learned its operation and its vision, this has led her to feel more identified with the cause.
Her personal vision is to be able to be 100% involved in the foundation under the guidance of Luisa Leal and she hopes at some point in her life to travel to the United States and be present in all the foundation's projects.

Alexis Lugo
Patient Advocacy Executive

Alexis Lugo
Patient Advocacy Executive

Monserrath Flores
MEDIA PRODUCER

Monserrath Flores
MEDIA PRODUCER

Fabiola Losoyo
Thanatology psychotherapist

Fabiola Losoyo
Thanatology psychotherapist
He is currently at The Akari Foundation as part of the team where he can apply his personal and professional experience always thinking about the well-being of patients and their families, with great willingness, empathy and respect.

José Ramírez
Translator

José Ramírez
Translator

Saúl Leal
Outreach Coordinator

Saúl Leal
Outreach Coordinator

Ruben Cantu
Development Program Manager

Ruben Cantu
Development Program Manager

Claudia Espinal
Community Engagement coordinator and fundraising

Claudia Espinal
Community Engagement coordinator and fundraising

Laura Beatriz Estrella Vázquez
Case Worker

Laura Beatriz Estrella Vázquez
Case Worker

Jacqueline Pedraza
Case Worker

Jacqueline Pedraza
Case Worker

Montserrat Garcia
Case Worker

Montserrat Garcia
Case Worker

Celeste Marchán
Content Manager

Celeste Marchán
Content Manager

Katia Zuñiga
Social Media & Web Manager

Katia Zuñiga
Social Media & Web Manager
Team in Puerto Rico

Carmiña De León
Volunteer Coordinator and Fundraising events

Carmiña De León
Volunteer Coordinator and Fundraising events

María Colón
Nurse Supervisor & Family Care

María Colón
Nurse Supervisor & Family Care
Contact
- San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Info@TheAkarifoundation.org
- (+1) 210-630-5451
Schedule
- Monday - Friday
- 09:00am a 5:00pm
- Holidays: Closed