Celebrating 15 Years: Hear it from the past and present cast of Adelante

The members of our present and past staff, Board of Directors, and circle of supporters have contributed time, support, and ideas to shape Adelante into the organization it has become over the past 15 years. We asked them to share their thoughts on what Adelante means to them:

When I think of Adelante, I of this pithy sentiment: good people helping good people. When I visit, I’m always struck by the quality of the people working for Adelante, and then when I do a field visit, I am again struck by the quality of people Adelante helps. 

– John Kendall, Adelante Board Member

“I admire the drive and the ambitious spirit of our clients, who fight tirelessly each day for a better future. As for our team, I admire the commitment to our mission and how everyone supports one another to achieve our goals.” 

– Celso Batiz, Assistant Operations Manager

In a world that sometimes grows dim due to waning hope that stem from acts of violence and greed, Adelante brings a ray of hope with its possibility for changing individual lives and impacting systems for the betterment of humankind. 

– Kristin Conklin, Adelante Supporter

The lessons I’ve learned from the Adelante women have stuck with me and will not fade. Each day, they continue to be an inspiration for me in seeking to create positive impact, wherever I may go.

-Gina Cappuccitti, Adelante Staff Alumn

On the women of Adelante: “Their smiles say more than a million words about how they understand how a little capitalism can help them and their families.”

-Pat Wiesner, Adelante Board of Directors Member for 15 Years

The infectious pride that emanates from our borrowers is arguably one of the clearest indicators of the impact Adelante has made… a promising future awaits the children now that their mothers’ lives have changed so dramatically.

– Kim Walsh Stone, Founding Member

“From the first time I learned about Grameen’s methodology I was exited about its potential to help alleviate poverty in my native country, Honduras… Adelante’s micro lending and education programs are doing just that; we see the results in the improved quality of life of their clients.   It behooves us to help spread this work!”

-Belkis  Pina Niswonger, Board Vice President

It’s incredible to see the women of Adelante build their businesses from nothing. They may not have much formal education, but they have a plethora of talent and savvy. They find the need in the market and they fill it, and at the same time fill their families and communities with hope for a better life.

– Eve Dolkart, International Development Coordinator

One day, one year, a half a decade, over a decade that we are in a place, if we love and enjoy what we do it is as if each day is the first day of work. Congratulations to our team that has fought to create better lives for families throughout Honduras. We continue our fight as perseverance is the base of all of our success over the last 15 years. 

-Oscar Mejía, General Manager

“Adelante serves clients who would be invisible to other lending institutions. These are smart, hardworking women who are dedicated to improving their lives and lifting their families out of poverty and within reach of a better life. I can think of no better investment of our time, money and expertise than to promote the spread of Adelante’s work.” 

-Liz Dalrymple, past member of the Adelante Board of Directors

“I love listening to the success of our borrowers. Each and every story is inspirational and you cannot help but see the pride in these women as they show you their businesses and talk to you about how a small loan from Adelante gave them the opportunity to change their lives. And the children, you can physically see the positive changes in their lives as they too are affected by this type of opportunity.”

– Mike Wiesner, Adelante Board Treasurer

I have most liked working towards our mission and vision. My job doesn’t just benefit me and my family, but thousands of women in Honduras. Learning of this impact is greatly satisfying. I’ve grown here while being involved in many different projects and areas to help these women succeed. 

– Gabriela Puerto, Finance Director

These women are the real life representation of perseverance, resilience, and hard work. To come face the struggles of poverty every day, yet still find the strength and courage to take risks and start their own businesses is truly inspiring. I feel proud to be apart the Adelante team that has made such an impact on the lives of thousands of Honduran women and their families.  Happy 15th anniversary!

-Tim Brandle, Director of U.S. Operations

Microfinance contributes the financial piece to the array of services that are necessary to move millions of women and their families out of extreme poverty. For three years I have visit “Assemblies” (asambléas) where borrowers meet each month to make loan payments and receive vital education about managing their businesses, identifying markets, and taking care of their personal and family health issues. Many of the borrowers I have met are very inspiring!

-Bob Sample, Adelante Board of Directors Member for 3 Years

One of my proudest moments was to be embraced by an Adelante client.  Her rapid Spanish did not need translation. She was thankful for the opportunity to start a business and to be able to send her 6 year old granddaughter to school. For me, that is what Adelante is all about. Helping our clients reach self satisfaction, gain pride and confidence, and smile with joy. 

– Janet Wiesner, Adelante Board of Directors Member for 15 Years

My fondest memories at Adelante are of time spent in the field visiting with clients. Even though I spent more time as General Manager, my favorite job was really Development Coordinator. In that capacity, I was able to spend much more time in the field getting to know our clients and hearing their stories. They were always my motivation to do everything in my power to make Adelante the most client-centered and efficient organization it could be.

– Sophia Gehlhausen Anderson, Adelante Staff Alum

Many people would like to live in security and have opportunities near their families. Through thick and thin, we at Adelante Foundation have maintained a presence in Honduras even during the tough times. We’re committed to the people of Honduras. We even more so committed to empowering women because they’re the key to all families.

– Robert N. Johnson, Adelante Board of Directors Member for 3 Years