Empowering Girls & Children, One Smile at a Time: The Story Behind Pequeñas Perlas

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Author by Rafael Magaña

I’m excited to share that after numerous conversations between Jeff Landi and myself, we’ve developed Pequeñas Perlas (Little Pearls), a transformative initiative through Latina Professionals® , an organization founded by Kimberly and I. This program is aimed at nurturing the potential of young girls and children in remote communities near San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, with plans to expand across other underserved regions in Latin America.

Through our work, we’ve come to truly understand how important it is to provide children in these areas with the tools and resources they need to thrive, especially access to education and healthcare. We’re deeply committed to the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to flourish, starting with something as simple, yet essential, as dental hygiene.

Pequeñas Perlas Brings Hope to Young Girls in Latin America

One of our top priorities with Pequeñas Perlas is providing dental care. Oral health plays such a significant role in a child’s overall well-being. Through weekly mobile clinics at rural schools and health centers, we’re bringing dental services directly to these young girls. It’s more than just checkups and cleanings—we’re providing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and most importantly, education on maintaining good oral hygiene. This small but impactful habit can shape a lifetime of health and confidence.

But education goes far beyond health. Pequeñas Perlas is also focused on breaking down the financial barriers to higher education. We’re proud to offer full-ride university scholarships to deserving teens from low-income families in San Juan del Sur. We’ve already identified three incredible young women, and with the support of our partners, we’re hopeful that we can help many more realize their academic dreams.

The Leadership Behind Pequeñas Perlas

I can’t talk about Pequeñas Perlas without mentioning Jeff Landi , the founder of Sonrisas Felices (Happy Smiles) and a true visionary in the field. Jeff’s dedication to improving the lives of children in rural Nicaragua has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. His leadership is a key reason why Pequeñas Perlas will ensure that every young girl in our program has access to the care and opportunities they deserve.

But Jeff’s passion for helping others goes even further. In 2022, he launched Nicafé, a restaurant that’s truly one-of-a-kind—it’s staffed almost entirely by individuals who are deaf. This initiative was inspired by Jeff’s friend, Katie Brugger, who recognized the struggles faced by deaf graduates in Nicaragua. Employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities are scarce, and Nicafé is making a significant impact by creating jobs and offering new possibilities.

Nicafé isn’t just about employment. It’s about fostering inclusion. Customers and hearing staff have taken the time to learn Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL), a language with a fascinating history created during the Sandinista literacy revolution. Jeff’s dedication to bridging gaps in communication and creating a space where everyone is valued is truly inspiring. It’s a reminder of how much innovation and compassion can change lives. Add that I worked with United Cerebral Palsy, Los Angeles County so this program holds a very special place in my heart.

A Scalable Blueprint for Remote Communities

From the beginning, Pequeñas Perlas was designed as a pilot program, with the intention of expanding beyond San Juan del Sur. We’re building a scalable model that can be replicated in other rural and underserved regions, both within Nicaragua and across Latin America. Our goal is to ensure that even the most remote children have access to quality education and healthcare.

Jeff and I have had countless conversations about the impact of his work and how together, we can scale it to reach even more children. It became clear to us that by combining forces, we could create something truly transformative. We’re both driven by the same commitment—to make sure no child is left behind, no matter where they live. That’s the vision behind Pequeñas Perlas, and I’m confident we can continue to expand this blueprint to other communities in need.

A Call to Action: Be a Part of the Change

At its core, Pequeñas Perlas is about more than just providing resources—it’s about fostering collaboration, empowerment, and progress. We need community members, stakeholders, and partners to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, consider joining our National Steering Committee. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking initiative, and we’re looking for driven individuals who want to help shape the future of Pequeñas Perlas.

Space is limited, so apply today here. Join our National Steering Committee. Limited space! Be part of the change and join this initiative! Apply here: https://forms.gle/JfAo2RjYUgx1BFUs6

Get Involved Today!

There’s never been a better time to get involved. Pequeñas Perlas represents a chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of young girls in underserved communities. Whether you’re a corporation, foundation, or someone looking to make a personal difference as a monthly donor, your support is critical to helping us grow this initiative.

Join us in empowering the next generation and creating a brighter future. Contact us at partnerships@latinaprofessionals.org or make a monthly gift [here]. Let’s light the way for these remarkable young girls together!

Rafael Magaña is the founder of Latino Professionals, Latina Professionals, & Latinx Professionals. Rafael helps organizations grow and leaders accelerate strategy implementation in their organizations. Veritus Scholar- specialized in donor-centered Philanthropy. Major Gift & Planned Giving Officer. Rafael is also a Board of Trustees at the Hollywood Schoolhouse. Enjoys writing about leadership, management, philanthropy and careers. He resides in Los Angeles, California. You can also find articles and tools that might be helpful to you below. Read Rafael's articles featured in Hispanic Executive Magazine here.

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