Our staff of Nicaraguans is dedicated to the mission of the Foundation
Alvaro Antonio Novoa
– Director
– Rivas | Bachelor of Social Work and Development Management
– Álvaro Novoa is a professional with more than 25 years of experience in social and community settings. He holds a degree in Social Work and Development Management and has been with the A. Jean Brugger Foundation since 2010, where he has held various positions: Scholarship Program Coordinator, Director of Social and Administrative Programs, and currently, General Director.
Before joining the Foundation, he accumulated a decade of experience in civil society organizations in Nicaragua, serving as Social Projects Coordinator and Departmental Director. His experience includes the planning, execution, and evaluation of social projects, organizational strengthening, human rights promotion, community self-management, and participatory development. His leadership and commitment have been key to the Foundation's institutional growth.
Ingrid Fabiola Obando Collado
–Operations Coordinator of the Community Social Service Program Ostional, San Juan del Sur | Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and Development Management
–Ingrid is a professional passionate about community development. She was an A. Jean Brugger Foundation fellow from 2016 to 2021, the year she graduated with a degree in Social Work. Her time in the Social Service Program was notable for her leadership, commitment, and positive attitude.
She has worked as a field technician on social reintegration projects for at-risk youth, rural studies on economic well-being, and as a teaching assistant at the Day School, where she also designed educational projects with a social focus. Currently, Ingrid operationally coordinates the Community Social Service Program, dedicatedly supporting youth volunteers and vulnerable communities.
Katherine Gabriela Fuertes Suárez
– Administrator Rivas | Bachelor of Public Accounting and Finance
–Katherine is a Public Accounting and Finance professional with experience in administrative, accounting, and human resources areas in public and private institutions in the department of Rivas.
She is proactive, enthusiastic, and committed to continuous learning. Since March 2024, she has been part of the A. Jean Brugger Foundation team as an Administrator, contributing efficiently and responsibly to the organization's financial and operational management.
Josette Stephanie Garbanzo Bustos
–Scholarship Program Coordinator San Juan del Sur | Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
–Josette is a former A. Jean Brugger Foundation fellow and current coordinator of the Fellowship Program. She studied Psychology between 2018 and 2022 with the support of the program, standing out for her active participation as a volunteer in various local and international organizations.
After graduating, she started her own clinic focused on psychological care for emotional and behavioral disorders. She has also worked as a counselor and educational psychologist, gaining valuable professional experience. In May 2025, she returned to the Foundation to lead the program that transformed her life, now guiding new generations of fellows with empathy, commitment, and vision.