LEADERSHIP

 
 
 
 

Elly Rohrer / Board President & Founder

Though raised in Switzerland and upstate New York, Elly has always had a professional and personal interest in Latin America. Elly graduated from Tufts University with a double major in International Relations and Latin American Studies, and has substantial experience living, researching, and working with non-profits throughout Latin America. Elly began working with Investours in 2011 and served as Program Director for two years before founding Human Connections in June 2014. Life experiences since then include getting married, having a baby, and creating a responsible tourism-inspired property called Villa Tayrona - all while at the helm of an organization in which she believes passionately.

elly@humanconnections.org

Gaby Moreno/ Content Marketing StrategistHer biggest passion is applying the power of content and communications to inspire positive change. This passion led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Media by Tecnológico de Monterre…

Gaby Moreno / Executive Director

Gaby Moreno brings over a decade of experience leading international teams in media and marketing, with a career that spans mass media in Mexico, global brand strategy in consumer packaged goods, and LATAM expansion for e-commerce software. Originally from Mexico, with family roots in Nayarit, Gaby has been connected to Human Connections for years serving on the board of directors, offering strategic guidance, and championing the mission through her work in storytelling and social impact. In 2025, following a pivotal moment for the organization, she presented a renewed vision for Human Connections and was unanimously appointed Executive Director. Gaby now leads the organization into its next chapter with a focus on sustainable growth, operational clarity, and deeper partnerships, driven by her belief that purpose and strategy must go hand in hand.

Kevin Donnelly / Advisor

Kevin is a life-long educator and learner who has lived in various parts of Latin America as well as in Europe and Africa. After completing a Ph.D. in colonial studies from the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at New York University, he worked as an academic at the University of Washington, and later headed world language departments at two different independent schools in the New York City area. In 2018, he moved to Mexico to help launch a technology company based in Guadalajara, and joined Human Connections in 2022. His deep regard for the people and cultures of Mexico and his belief in the power of ethical and empathic travel inspire his work every day.

kevin@humanconnections.org

Mariana was raised in Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California and holds a masters degree in Sustainable Economic Development and Responsible Management from the United Nations University in Costa Rica, and an undergraduate degree in International Studies and Latin American Studies from the University of San Francisco. She spent most of her career working in the public sector, specifically in Economic Development providing small business assistance and facilitating strategic development projects to improve local economies. Her passion for sustainable economic development has driven her to volunteer for a non-profit organization that empowers local communities while fostering conversations that shift perspective and increase understanding.

Mariana Garcia / Board Treasurer

Mariana was raised in Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California and holds a masters degree in Sustainable Economic Development and Responsible Management from the United Nations University in Costa Rica, and an undergraduate degree in International Studies and Latin American Studies from the University of San Francisco. She spent most of her career working in the public sector, specifically in Economic Development providing small business assistance and facilitating strategic development projects to improve local economies. Her passion for sustainable economic development has driven her to volunteer for a non-profit organization that empowers local communities while fostering conversations that shift perspective and increase understanding.

 
Claudia Santos, director of Operations & Partner Relations in Human Connections

Claudia Santos / Director of Operations & Partner Relations

Claudia was raised in Guadalajara and graduated in International Relations. She is fluent in French, English and Portuguese, and studied two certificate programs in English & Spanish translation. She served as a professional and freelance translator for 10 years. Performed as certified translator for a year. She gained international, cultural and social experience from traveling and living in France, Quebec, New Zealand and Australia. Claudia acquired reconnaissance of diverse social actors from participating in school programs and volunteering with non profits related with rural and indigenous communities. Her professional background is linked with culture, languages, translation, administration and tourism. She joined HC in 2019, and has been passionate about contributing to a social project focused on empowering local communities while promoting empathy, diversity and compassion among its participants.

 
Mauricio Domínguez

Mauricio Domínguez / Tours Manager