About Us

Mark Stanley began his career in volunteer work in the mid-1990s, where he volunteered in Northern Virginia.  During his time in Virginia, he worked with a primarily Hispanic population, and there learned to speak Spanish.  As he learned more about the stories of different immigrants, he became inspired to travel to Latin America and explore the different cultures for himself.

He attended university at the University of Louisville, where he graduated with a degree in Anthropology in 2004.  He later continued his volunteering experience in Cusco, Peru.  While in Peru he worked with farmers and small business owners to develop markets for selling their goods; he was also involved with building some school houses.  It was in Peru that he met his wife, Becky.  After their volunteer program, Mark and Becky backpacked together through South and Central America.  When they returned to the United States, they founded Volunteers Around the World in 2006.

Mark is the CEO and Director of Volunteers Around the World.  He enjoys working with the team leaders, doctors and in-country staff to bring much needed services to different communities around the world.  In 2006, Mark began working for Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company.  In 2012, he founded Elite Administration, a company that deals with administering Colonial Insurance products for sales managers all around the Northeast United States.  He is also on the Board of Directors for VAW.  In his free time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.

Becky grew up in central New Jersey. She graduated from Kean University with a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice.  After graduating, she decided to volunteer abroad in Cusco, Peru where she worked with abused and battered women.

It was on this trip that she met her husband, Mark.  After their volunteer program, Mark and Becky backpacked together through South and Central America.  When they returned to the United States, they founded Volunteers Around the World.  Becky is the CFO and Director of Volunteers Around the World.  She helps plan, direct and coordinate operational activities.  She also devises strategies and policies to ensure VAW meets its goals.  Becky is also on the Board of Directors for VAW.  In her free time, Becky enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

To say I am a child of the South is an understatement.  I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama;  lived in East Tennessee for 23 years, where we raised our son;  and, moved to South Carolina in 2015 with a new opportunity for my husband.

I went to Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama with a major in Music Education.  I did not graduate, however, had some wonderful experiences, including studying under Bob Burrows, who, at that time, was a writer/publisher of Christian Church music.

I have worked in the accounting/administrative field for most of my career.  I worked for the Alabama Department of Revenue for eight years as a Department Secretary under the Director of all the Revenue Field Offices in Alabama;  and then, the Alabama Department of Agriculture as a Procurement Officer for eight years.  I left the Alabama Department of Agriculture to move our family to East Tennessee.

I worked for Cherokee Textiles as the Secretary for all Administrative Staff except for the President of the company;  worked in the University of Tennessee Financial Aid Office, Co-owned a business with my husband, and worked as the Office Manager/Business Manager for KJ Development for eleven years.  After I left KJ Development, I worked as the Accounting Assistant for the CFO of BrakeQuip, LLC based in Alcoa, Tennessee.  I left BrakeQuip to follow my husband with his job opportunities.  I went to work for Genesis Healthcare as a Regional ROC (Rehab Office Coordinator) which included creating/maintaining spreadsheets, weekly auditing of reports and other duties for 93 facilities within our Region.  During this time, I spent nine weeks in Clemson, South Carolina as an Interim Director of Rehab while the Director was on maternity leave.  I traveled a good bit during my career with Genesis Healthcare but was laid off in January 2016 when Genesis had company-wide layoffs.

I was blessed to be hired by VAW in February 2016 as the Office Manager and was asked to take on the HR duties in March.  My policy has always been that my door is always open and I will do whatever I can to help our people out.  If I don’t know an answer, I will make sure I get the answer for them.

Chelsea is originally from Orlando, FL, graduating from the University of Central Florida in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology. She was a Team Leader for the Medical Outreach at the University of Central Florida. She has been with VAW Global for more than 5 years – originally starting off as an intern, becoming a Team Leader and then Team Development Coordinator, and now the Director of Operations! She will soon pursue an M.S. in Anatomy degree at the University of South Florida where she plans to apply to medical school to become a surgeon. She knew she wanted to go into the medical field from a young age, but she finds curiosity and opportunities in all places in which she strives to gain more knowledge and skills globally. VAW has exemplified how important global health is and opened her eyes up to how different things can be in other areas of the world, and why she has a passion to help others in need. Besides her work with VAW Global, she is also an insurance professional. Some of her hobbies are going to the beaches, traveling, and powerlifting.

Hello, my name is Eulogio Crespin. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Political Science and Russian Studies. From a young age, I have traveled and worked internationally, primarily in development work. I enjoy learning new languages and about different cultures. I also like helping others to develop personally and as a community, which has led me to work in various development areas and spend several years as a social worker.

I enjoy spending time with my family, going outdoors, and reading in my free time. My current home in Uzbekistan allows me to experience the great depth of Central Asia’s history and culture. Working with VAW means I get to share these incredible experiences with others.

Nicole Arguedas is our Vice President of Operations. She works as an Independent Consultant from Perú. She has been involved with VAW since 2014, collaborating with the development of our site in Peru from its very beginning and supporting VAW’s operations and new projects throughout the years.  She graduated with a degree in Social Communications from the Universidad de Lima in Peru and a MS in Public & Social Policies in IDEC-Pompeu Fabra in Catalunya. She also works as a Consultant in company communication, strategic planning and corporate social responsibility.

What she loves most about VAW is the dynamic work alongside different countries and cultures. Being able to learn from, collaborate with and work side by side with amazing, talented and caring people, partners, collaborators, community leaders and students from all over the world. It feels like a huge family caring about making this world a better place!

Hi! My name is Chhengan Ul but everyone prefers to call me only An. I am from Kompong Cham Province which is close to the capital city and I moved to live in Siem Reap since 2010 to continued to take a Bachelor Degree. I graduated from Phanhasatra University of Cambodia, Siem Reap Campus and my major was Financial and Banking. While I was an undergraduate I spent most of my free time to volunteers in  social work programs that focused on health care, and culture exchange. 

Not at all, I was a translator and projects supporter for students from Hong Kong University to assist and helped them to work on the Community project and Culture Exchange Program. After finished my Bachelor Degree, I applied to work in a bank in order to practiced by relate degree. However, after a while I found myself that this  job wasn’t a match for me.

Social Contribution and responsibility is  the mission of my work career, Volunteer Around the World  has focus on all those majors and it is the reasons that encourage  me to join with VAW. I have been working with VAW since May 2017, I absolutely appreciate VAW for bringing medical outreach program that offers Mobile Clinic to my communities  which give them to access for medical and dental treatment, and health education for free. It’s very helpful for villagers that cannot afford it. Nothing happy to see my people living in healthy and continue to understand about health education.

Hello! My name is Nathalie Rodriguez. I was born in Jarabacoa, the most beautiful town of the Dominican Republic! I finished high school when I was 16 years old and studied two years of marketing at UNPHU University. I studied English as a second language in YD Language Center where I started working as a secretary and then I became an administrator and teacher.

I am a nature lover so in my free time, I love doing outdoor activities and going out to contemplate the beautiful mountains that surround my beautiful town of Jarabacoa. When we love to serve people in need we often give ourselves deeper purpose and meaning and that nearly always leads to greater happiness, so this is what I enjoy most about working for VAW and the amazing experience this job gives me to connect with the people in my community.

My name is Miguel Yojcom Gonzalez, I was born in the city of Guatemala, department of Sololá, municipality of San Pedro La Laguna on December 3, 2115, my primary school was held at the Humberto Corzo Guzmán Mixed Urban Official School, my secondary school held at the Bethel School From a very young age, vehicles have caught my attention to this day. From the age of 12 I started with my little passion for vehicles and traveled almost all of Guatemala for the service of people, whether it be light, heavy or cargo transport, currently I have a small business for the service of people.

I consider myself a restless and active person, I like to speak clearly and I try to apply transparency in any type of work, I like to do new things and try different challenges, I think and analyze a problem several times so that everything goes well, I intend to do things well for the benefit of all.

Hey! My name is Borge,

I’m originally from a small but beautiful town called San Pedro La Laguna, in Guatemala.

I’m an accountant, and I’m currently studying Economics at the “University of San Carlos of Guatemala”.

VAW has marked a before and after in my life, it has shown me that when things are done from the heart, there are no obstacles that cannot be overcome.

I have created many wonderful connections around the world, and I’m looking forward to creating many more!

I am Yoselyn, a Guatemalan native from the country of eternal spring. I currently work as a logistics assistant at VAW Global. My passion for tourism led me to study in that field, and now I am dedicating myself to learning the English language. In addition to my academic interests, I enjoy playing sports, especially basketball, and capturing special moments through photography. Nature is my refuge, particularly when I can witness beautiful sunsets outdoors.

I joined VAW Global in 2022, and I must say it has been a transformative experience. This organization has strengthened my character and heightened my sensitivity toward the community, inspiring me to help and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. The work is rewarding, benefiting my community, and I am excited to see more interns join this noble cause.

Hola! My name is Itandehui, but you can call me Ita! I’m from Oaxaca city, a beautiful place with so much to offer; food, culture, art, textiles, archeological zones, and so many more. Oaxaca is one of the many states in Mexico.

I’m currently working on my Thesis to get my MBA, I did my major in International Business. I have two dogs Flash and Negra (blacky). I enjoy outdoor activities, playing sports, food, reading and learning new things, there’s always something new to learn.

I joined the VAW to help people around the world. One of the major values that I have is to leave this world better than you found it. VAW it’s a beautiful organization that not only helps all around the word by giving access to medical and dental treatment but teaches people to care for themselves and body by bringing health education for free and that’s much better and just helping. I feel honored to be part of the VAW.

I was born and raised in the province of Bocas del Toro in Panama. I had the opportunity to go to high school in the US in 2004 where I also began a hotel management & culinary arts course after graduation. In 2008, I returned to Bocas del Toro where I currently live with my three kids. I was given the opportunity to be part of VAW Global in 2014 as an Outreach Assistant, working hand in hand with the interns to provide aid to vulnerable communities. Through this experience I’ve been able to grow personally and also within the company. 

When I am not working for VAW I work managing my hostel & restaurant on Bastimentos Island. In my free time I enjoy being with my kids, fishing and relaxing on the beach with friends. My goal is to continue to grow in knowledge and to one day be able to provide sustainability within the communities where we currently work.

My name is Marina Ascue and I was born and raised in Cusco, although I also spent part of my childhood in Arequipa. I finished my high school studies at San Borja High School, the first high school in the city of Cusco. I earned my degree in tourism from the University of San Antonio Abad of Cusco. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world and teaching them about my culture and beautiful home region.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. When I’m not working, I will often travel with my family to the Cusqueñan countryside to enjoy the peace and natural beauty. I enjoy working with Volunteers Around the World because not only do I get to meet the VAW volunteers and show them Cusco, but we also get to give back to the people of Cusco.

My name is Ngoc Le. I was born and raised in Can Tho, a small town in the center of Mekong Delta Area, Vietnam. I studied International Business at Can Tho University, and graduated in 2018. After that, I began my career path in Administration and Human Resource Management, where I can pursue the passion of supporting other people.

During my spare time, besides common entertainment activities, such as listening to music, watching movies, etc., I enjoy going out for a walk or exposing to new experiences, like traveling and learning Ukulele or a new foreign language.

It was an unexpected opportunity that I came to know about VAW, and then, with many back-supports and encouragements from family and friends, I have officially joined VAW. By being a part of VAW, I can keep heading towards my life goal, specifically, to enhance self-development and directly contribute to the society, while spending every moment working but not-so-like-working by doing what I enjoy.

Hello everyone. I am Hoang Nam. I am from Can Tho City, Vietnam. My hometown is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta region in Southern Vietnam, which is also the host community for the Medical and Dental Outreach programs of VAW Global. My major is International Business and I graduated in 2024. I used to work as an Outreach Assistant and I love the values of VAW Global so much. In my free time, I usually listen to music and watch movies. I like science-fiction movies, which help me relax and boost my imagination.

Let’s join hands, together, we create a better world!

Hello! My name is Naruko Pérez Honma, I am from Ica, Peru. I have a degree in environmental engineering and I am currently studying psychology. I enjoy studying and learning new things, so with VAW Global, I have an opportunity to learn other fields, strengthen my English, and also contribute my skills to the organization. I am confident that I will grow as a professional and as a person, and that this role will allow me to continue to enjoy traveling and discovering new places and cultures.

Hello there, I’m Noelia! I’m an anthropologist and photographer from Lima, Peru. A while ago, I moved to Cusco looking for new experiences and a change of scenery and I couldn’t have asked for anything better than what I had. By lucky chance, I ended up as an Outreach Assistant at VAW Peru in Cusco and it changed my life! 

I learned a lot about working with a humanitarian organization, working with people from other countries and cultures, and, most importantly, helping people that are in need for a bit of extra aid with health care. Undoubtedly, working with VAW and all the volunteers, doctors, dentists and teammates has been a unique experience in my life and I hope to help others have the same experience!!