People

Magdalena Del Pilar Rubio, World Centre Manager. Mexico

My name is Mapi Rubio -Magdalena del Pilar Rubio Echániz-.

I was born in Mexico City and 15 years ago I moved to Cuernavaca. Before, I’ve lived in Veracruz, a port at the Gulf of Mexico, and in San Antonio, TX, USA.

I have a big family: a 18 year old daughter, three brothers, three sisters in law, nieces, nephews, and my mom and dad. Before I came to Our Cabaña, I worked as a consultant in institutional development for the strengthening of social civil organizations –NGO´s- in Mexico and abroad.

My mother was one of the first guides in Mexico and when I was 9 I joined the closest Guide Unit, and many years later, when my daughter was 4, I took her to the Guides in Cuernavaca. I became a “girasol” -spark leader- and for the past 6 years I served in the National Board of Guias de Mexico, first as the National Commissioner and then as the National President. I was very proud meeting our membership goal as part of the International Signature Programme of WAGGGS.

I enjoy water activities as snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. I love to travel around the world and whenever possible I travel with my daughter. I am grateful that through my guiding and professional activities I have had a lot of opportunities to travel, within Mexico and around the world.

Vicky Gagliano, Deputy World Centre Manager. Argentina

My name is Vicky G Vicky Gagliano agliano. I was born in Uruguay and when I was six years old my family moved to Argentina, there I had the chance to get involved in Guiding. I have been in all the branches before I became a Guide Leader in 1997. I was a leader for 4 years and then I started to work in my council as the Program Director. In December 2002 I came to Our Cabaña as a Program Volunteer for four months and I never left. I have been the Assistant Program Manager, then the Program Manager and now the Deputy World Centre Manager.

Before I came here I went to the “Universidad del Litoral” in Santa Fe, Argentina and I got a degree in Spanish language and literature. My hobbies are: reading, going to the cinema and traveling around the world.

Rachel Swygart, Program Manager. UK

Hi, my name is Rachel and I am from Croydon which is in South London, UK.
I have been involved in Guiding for a long time ever since I was a Brownie, right up to a Senior Section member and then a leader. Most recently I have been a leader with Brownies and Rainbows, but have in the past worked with Guides and Senior Section.

Before I came to the Cabana I was working for Girlguiding UK for nine years most recently as a Senior Project Co-ordinator for Growing Guiding. During my time at Girlguiding UK, I got a chance to be involved with lots of different projects and spent some time training leaders.

During my free time I love going to the theatre, travelling and spending time with my friends and family.

Maria Florencia Ghezzi, Assistant Program Manager. Argentina

Flor Ghezzi My name is Florencia and I am the Assistant Program Manager. I am from Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires. I have been involved in Guiding since I was 8 years old. I enjoy being with my brownies and going camping and on trips with them. Working in Our Cabana has been a dream of mine for a long time. This is a great experience to learn about guiding and international friendship, improving my leadership skills and living the Mexican lifestyle. I have worked as a volunteer in both Pax Lodge and Our Cabana. I’m studying business administration and I like travelling and meeting new people. Our Cabana is a unique place, full of happiness and Guiding spirit, where you always feel welcome.

Fatima Espinosa, Program Assistant. Mexico

Fatima Espinosa Hello, my name is Fatima, I’m from Durango Mexico where I live with my family.I’m 20 years old and currently I’m student of the Law career.I have been involved in guiding since I was 6 years old when I was a brownie, but now I’m brownie leader.I enojoy going on camping, excursions, climbing, rapell, cooking, traveling, spend time with my family and boyfriend and go to movies with my friends.I’m really excited to work here in Our Cabana is a true dream for all the magic things and the happiness that you can find here, but also for the international friendship.This experience is a challenge for me because I’m going to practice my English, have more knowledge about the guidism, learn more WAGGGS and TAG Project during the World Youth Conference coordination and improving my leadership skills.

Amanda Hall, Event Administrator. USA

Howdy! My name is Amanda Hall and I am from Oklahoma in the USA. I earned my Bachelor’s and plan to start work on my Masters in January. In my free time I like to do outdoor activities, play videogames, read, do Jazzercise, and spend time with my 3 year old nephew. I have been involved with Girl Scouts since I can remember, and have earned the Gold Award. I am very passionate about Girl Scouts and love to help girls develop their leadership skills.

This is my first opportunity to visit Our Cabaña and Mexico, and I am looking forward to the experience.

Maria Fernanda Cerda, Volunteer. Mexico

Fer Cerda Hola! My name is Maria Fernanda Cerda and I am from Mexico City and I just finished fourth semester of Marketing. I've been in Guiding for 14 years and now I'm a Brownie leader. Since I was a little girl I have had the dream of going to the 4 World Centres, and now I can’t believe I’m a volunteer in one. Girl Guiding has changed my life in all possible ways, I have gone to wonderful places, met incredible people and had awesome experiences, which I think I would never have done but for Guiding.

I like to read, cook, hang out with my friends, spending time with my family, doing sports (basketball, football and soccer), playing board games, watching movies, going camping, but overall enjoying life and taking the most of every day.

Narjis Khan, Volunteer, USA

Hola, My name is Narjis Khan. I have been a Girl Scout for 13 years. I am 19 years old and attend the University of Michigan. I like to spend time with friends, playing tennis and swimming. One of my favorite hobbies to do art!

Emma Thomas, Volunteer. Scotland

Emma Hi! My name is Emma, I’m 25 and from Scotland. I have been involved in Guiding since I was a 7 in Brownies. I went on to be a Guide, Ranger, Venture and now I am a Brownie Leader. I’m very excited to be at Nuestra Cabana this summer! This year I qualified as a primary school teacher so I start my new job in August.

I love doing activities in the outdoors like hiking, sailing and camping.

Alesia Kaliada, Volunteer. Belarus

Alesia I’m Alesia. I’m 21 and I’m from Belarus.

I study economics at university, play the guitar and dance flamenco.

I’m in Guiding since 2000 and it’s one of the best things that happened with me. I enjoy travelling and always looking for adventures. And right now I’ve found one – Our Cabaña.

Petra Zalar, Slovenia

Petra Zalar Hi. My name is Petra and I’m from Slovenia. I’m 21 years old. I’m studying Spanish and Slovene and I want to become a teacher.

I have been a Guide since I was 11 years old. Guiding has given me a lot of great things and has made me a better person. I’m very excited to be given the opportunity to be working as a volunteer at Our Cabana.

I like spending time with my friends, reading and learning different languages. I also like travelling and discovering new cultures.

Andrea Lares, Venezuela

I’m Andrea Lares from Venezuela. I’m 19 years old and I study advertising and public relations at La Universidad del Zulia (LUZ) I live with my parents and my 3 sisters that they are Guides too.

I have been Guide Scout since I was 11 years old, and this is one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I think that without the guides I wouldn’t be the person I’m now as it has helped me in a lot of aspects.

Thanks to Guiding I have met girls from around the world and it is the best experience I have had in my life.

I came to our cabana in the winter of 2007-2008 (happy new year-50^th anniversary) and since I came here I wanted to return as a volunteer. During the last couple of years, I have worked very hard to accomplish this dream and finally I am here.