Meet Our
People
Jeffry Guerrero Barboza
Director
Jeffry Guerrero Barboza, was born in the city of Maracaibo, Zulia state, Venezuela in 1982. He holds a Lawy degree, graduated from the University of Zulia. He completed post-graduate studies at the Dr. Rafael Belloso Chacín University, obtaining the title of Magister Scientiarum in Business Management. He was the Academic Director of the International Continuing Education Center, a management school dedicated to training professionals in different management areas. He served as a university professor in the areas of Personal Development, Motivation and Leadership, Human Talent and Venezuelan Business Law. He emigrated to the United States in 2014. Since 2015 he has been working for Torres Entreprises Corporation, performing duties in the area of Personal and Commercial Loans.
To migrate is without a doubt, the most difficult step that I have had to take, however, over time I understood that the homeland is carried in the heart and is present in each one of us. Having the possibility of meeting with compatriots who for various reasons have also had to leave our country, get to know them, listen to them and even guide them, has made this journey more bearable. Serving people is one of my great passions and more when it comes to a Venezuelan.
Zulia Sawyer
Vice-President
Zulia Sawyer was born in Maracaibo, Zulia State on February 25. She lived and grew up in several cities and towns of Venezuela. Valencia is the last city where she lived for several years, that’s why she also feels Valencian.
In 1986 she moved to the United States, lived for 10 years in Atlanta, Georgia and has lived in Indianapolis for 22 years.
She has worked in public and private schools teaching Spanish and English and also as a teacher of Early Childhood Education. She has served as a volunteer in nonprofit organizations and in her free time enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Her passion for Venezuela has not been extinguished with the years that have passed by since she left her country; and it is reflected by having created more than 10 years ago, a group of Venezuelan dances in which children from different cultures have participated, thanks to Zulia’s effort to spread some the Venezuelan culture in Indianapolis.
o migrate is without a doubt, the most difficult step that I have had to take, however, over time I understood that the homeland is carried in the heart and is present in each one of us. Having the possibility of meeting with compatriots who for various reasons have also had to leave our country, get to know them, listen to them and even guide them, has made this journey more bearable. Serving people is one of my great passions and more when it comes to a Venezuelan.
Maryori Duarte-Sheffield
Secretary
Maryori Duarte-Sheffield, Venezuelan, was born in Caracas. Federal District Venezuela. Daughter, sister, mother, wife and grandmother, as well as friend of her Friends and people in general. Holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, graduated from the José María Vargas University. Since 1976 to 1999 she worked in the automobile industry, between Ford Motor of Venezuela and Chrysler of Venezuela. She emigrated to the United States in 2000, bringing her then teenage son Jorge Luís Donis Duarte along, who would later joined the United States Marines, making two tours in Iraq. Maryori is married to Scott Sheffield, who is also southern native, from Alabama and they decided to make Indianapolis their home.
Maryori enjoys doing volunteer work; she has done it for the Center of Hope, the Immigrant Welcome Center, she is part of the Board of Directors at the Martin Center Sickle Cell Initiative of Indiana. She is the coordinator for the Indiana Latino Roundtable monthly meetings. Since 2010, she has been part of the Golden Rule Eastern Star, and Millersville Eastern Star since 2013. She has been serving as Vice-President of Education for the “Speaking of Health Toastmasters Club” since 2014. Since 2009 she works for the Marion County Public Health Department as Health Educator, bringing messages of health to the community, especially to the Spanish-speaking population in the environmental health area. In April 2017 she presented a TEDx TALK called Natural Helpers assisting immigrants to get acclimated to their new homes. .She has received several awards, amongst them NAACP 2014 for her service in the community and 2017 Indy Eleven Champion of the community.
To dare, to try, to change, are words that often fill us with true and valid fear. However, the disposition, tenacity, integrity and the same fear, impels us to change to achieve our purposes. Let us continue being humble in this journey and metamorphosis of life, extend a helping hand to the needy without expecting anything in return, thanking GOD every day for every Blessing we receive.