with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of community impact, capital, and sustainability. Her work has focused on strengthening rural economies in Honduras by supporting community banks, agricultural producers, and grassroots organizations through financial systems that promote dignity, ownership, and long-term resilience.

Through her leadership at several organizations, Lorena has worked directly with underserved communities to design financial and operational structures that move beyond aid and toward self-sustaining growth. Her approach challenges traditional development models by asking a fundamental question: what if we stopped helping people survive, and instead helped them build?

Lorena brings a unique perspective shaped by international experience, deep fieldwork, and a commitment to meaningful, human-centered impact. She believes that real change happens when systems are built with people, not for them.

The Talk

Stop Helping! The illusion of help uncovered