New roles for two longtime leaders at Montaña de Luz in Honduras will ensure continued excellence in the nonprofit’s work with children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.
Sara Castellanos, national director, will transition in February to the new position of director of operations and finance. The part-time financial administrator role will give her more flexibility to work from home and spend time with her young son.
At the same time, MdL education specialist Fani Mira will become national director. In that role, she will lead the entire staff at the children’s home in rural Honduras and oversee outreach programs.
“It’s hard to fully capture the level of dedication and selflessness Sara has brought to MdL,” Executive Director Anna Jackson said. “Under her leadership, our programs have expanded, new departments have been created, and MdL has become recognized throughout Honduras for its commitment to HIV care and child advocacy.”
Castellanos joined MdL in 2014 as financial administrator. In 2017, she stepped in as interim director and assumed the director’s job a year later.
“Sara’s impact extends far beyond her professional role,” Jackson said. “She has opened her home to our youth countless times and has been a mother figure to many of them over the years. The hours she has spent listening, mentoring, and simply being present for our kids go far beyond what could ever be measured. It has been a privilege to witness her growth as a leader and to see MdL flourish under her guidance.”
Castellanos expressed appreciation for her time at MdL and her new role. “I am grateful to God for allowing me to be a part of Montaña de Luz for 11 years, to be part of the children’s lives and see lives changed. I learned a lot and it has changed my life. My time as director has ended, but I know that good things are coming for Montaña de Luz. I hope to continue being a part of it and to be able to continue doing this wonderful work.”
Mira joined MdL in 2013 as on-site teacher, working one-on-one with youth with learning differences. In recent years, she has become a vital part of the Healthy Families Honduras program. She also developed a scholarship program that now serves 11 students across the country. Mira also is a key leader of the Charla Luz HIV education program and a passionate advocate for people living with HIV.
“When we say we couldn’t imagine a better person to take on this role, we truly mean it,” Jackson said. “Fani knows our organization—and the youth we serve—deeply. She has earned the trust and respect of everyone at MdL and will continue to receive Sara’s support as she steps into leadership. So many of our youth have faced abandonment over the years, so having someone who our kids already know and trust is the biggest blessing of all.”
Mira looks forward to continuing to serve MdL youth and families. “I am very grateful that you have trust in me and my work,” she said. “I hope I am able to help MdL in this chapter, and I am eager to learn. Thank you very much.”
Jackson asked for prayers for both leaders and their families as they embrace the transition in the new year.
Mira will travel to Columbus for the Fiesta fundraising event on April 17. It will mark her first in-person event as national director.