Our Founders
Cheryl and Carlos Vargas
Leading the Hope of Life team through exemplary hard work, passion, and dedication, Carlos and Cheryl’s dream of changing the world drives Hope of Life’s mission of saving lives. Starting the ministry 30 years ago, their compassion has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives. Coming from an impoverished upbringing, to being named as the 3rd most influential Guatemalan, Carlos with Cheryl by his side, has never stopped striving to create a better Guatemala. The parents of 5 children, and grandparents to 7, they love to spend time with their family and look forward to how the Lord will bless their future generations.
Executive Leadership
Katie Arriaza
With a degree in accounting, a passion for hard work, and a thirsty entrepreneurial spirit- Katie is known for always reaching new levels in everything she does. As President and CEO of Hope of Life International, she dreams of the opportunity to expand, grow, and assist thousands more in Guatemala. Under her direction for the last 7 years, growth has doubled numerous times and we are projecting over 15,000 volunteers coming to serve in 2015. Katie is the mother of two wonderful sons. She loves spending time with her husband Oscar, and is passionate about being devoted to her family.
Lourdes Milian
Working with the Hope of Life team for over 15 years, Lourdes is part of Hope of Life’s foundation. Overseeing the daily ministry of Hope of Life’s Guatemala base- Esperanza de Vida, she manages over 400 staff with excellence and a solution-oriented approach. Constantly finding innovative ways to minister to thousands, she is responsible for obtaining numerous awards on behalf of Esperanza de Vida. With her passion for improving the efficiency of Esperanza de Vida, Lourdes has changed the future of Guatemala. In her time away from the ministry, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and participating in her local church activities.
Salvatore Vargas
Serving at Hope of Life for nearly 30 years, Sal is a gifted discipler, teacher, pastor, and ministry developer. Sal has worked hand in hand with his brother Carlos in what started as simply backpacking Bibles into the Guatemalan mountains, has now grown to impact over a million people a year. He spends 80% of his time on the ground in Guatemala, overseeing projects, spiritual programs, and pastoral training. His greatest joy is discipling others, and spending time with his wife Amelia, and their 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson.
Henry Cordon
Utilizing his excellent skills in overseeing multiple areas at once, Henry has been the passion behind our project conceptualization and
implementation. Adapt at keeping up with our constant growth, as the Director of Projects, he has dedicated over 500 housing projects and over 400 water projects, alongside dozens of schools, churches, and community centers in the last 3 years. When he is not working throughout the local communities, Henry enjoys quality time with his family, loves soccer, and spends his free time riding extreme motocross in the mountains.
Tiffany Eriksen
With a knack for fast-tracking progress, Tiffany has tenacity for finding creative solutions and approaches to challenges. As the Director of Marketing, her time is spent finding ways to accelerate the growth of Hope of Life. With 6 years of experience working in the non-profit field she has developed an insatiable passion for her work; constantly looking for ways to change lives, physically and spiritually. Recently relocating from Guatemala to Providence, Rhode Island to work in our home office, Tiffany is enjoying finding her roots in the Northeast once again, being near her family, and discovering new community.
Carlos Vargas Jr.
Passionate to carry on the legacy of Hope of Life international, Carlos Vargas Jr. works tirelessly to care for the needy of Guatemala.
Insightful not only in the executive business world, Carlos is gifted in making significant developmental connections. His role at Hope of Life is vital for foreign relations, successful business contacts, and creating the ability for Hope of Life to be self-sustaining. While he spends 75% of his time working with the ministry, Carlos likes to dedicate the rest of his time to spending time with his wife Silvia, and their new daughter Cheryl Luciana.
Daniele DiChristopher
Acting as a diligent problem-solver for the organization, and currently filling the role as a detail oriented Chief Financial Officer for the home office- Daniele is an invaluable resource. Her careful observance of our financial elements has allowed for strategic growth and efficiency in our day-to-day processes, she has brought vital skills to our team.In her spare time, Daniele is pursuing a dual degree in business management and accounting and maintains a 3.9 GPA. She loves cooking, and spending time with her husband and two energetic sons.
Astrid Chacon
With over a decade of experience in the financial field, specializing in accounting, Astrid assesses the daily financials of the full ministry of Hope of Life in Guatemala. Her desire for improvement and streamlined processes has advanced the financial team on the ground in multiple ways. A wife and active mother to two children, she enjoys spending time with her family and is looking forward to welcoming her third child in the coming year.
Directors
Brenda
Chacon
Saint Luke’s Hospital Director
Catherine
Milian
Sponsorship Director
Damaris
Calel
Communications Director
David
Ventura
Aid and Relief Director
Eslin
Hernandez
Village of Transformation Director
Glenda
Rosa
Kelly’s House Director
Leticia
Paz
Oasis de Eden Director
Lucas
Oliva
Construction Director