Family Planning for Guatemalans Living in Poverty

It is with feelings of both gratitude and sadness that I write to inform you that as of August 31, Rodrigo Barillas will step down as Executive Director of WINGS Guatemala. Rodrigo leaves WINGS to assume the position of Executive Director at the newly established Luis von Ahn Foundation, which plans to support community-based organizations working in Guatemala.

We are tremendously grateful for Rodrigo’s leadership, dedication, and service to our mission over the past seven years, and appreciate the strong position in which he leaves our beloved organization. During his tenure, WINGS has experienced significant growth, expanding its presence to over half the country. From pioneering a single mobile clinical unit, WINGS now operates three mobile units, thus becoming the second largest private provider of sexual and reproductive health services in Guatemala. 
 
Looking ahead, the Board has formed a Transition Task Force to oversee the search and transition process for our next Executive Director. We are partnering with an executive search firm to ensure we find the best possible person to lead WINGS into the future. As the search is underway, the Board has selected Eleanor Unsworth, WINGS Program Director, as Interim Executive Director. Eleanor joined WINGS in 2016. As Program Director she is responsible for the administrative supervision of the WINGS field teams, including for our youth programs, promoter network, and clinical services. She has close to 15 years of experience working in reproductive health in both the US and Guatemala. Eleanor graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Community Health and Women’s Studies, and completed a Master’s in Non-Profit Management from Northeastern University. Fully bilingual and with strong ties to Guatemala, we feel she is fully capable of leading us through this transition period. (To learn more about Eleanor, please check out this recent conversation she had with Rodrigo.)
 
Having seen WINGS flourish over the past few years, serving clients in mostly rural areas of Guatemala with efficiency and compassion, and providing excellent clinical services, I hope you feel as confident as the Board does about our future. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and will keep you informed of our progress.

With appreciation on behalf of WINGS Board of Directors.