Staff and volunteers

Magdalena Del Pilar Rubio, World Centre Manager. Mexico

Mapi 2 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

Vicky My name is Vicky Gagliano. 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

Rachel Swygart 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 Emma Moreno Marquez, Office Manager, Mexico

Maria Emma Hi, my name is María Emma Moreno, I am mexican, and come from a big family, 7 siblings, 11 nephews/nieces and lots of cousins.

I started in Guiding when I was 13 and went through all the stages, until I became Trefoil Guild coordinator for 20 years. My Guide friends and I took a group of 25 guides to Europe for 45 days, touring 10 countries, of course staying at Olave House and Our Chalet.

23 years ago I was invited to come to Our Cabaña as lifeguard for a month, afterwards I became permanent staff, it was a dream come true!, I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, I still keep in touch with some of them.

Veronica Olvera Esparza, Receptionist, Mexico

Vero ¡Hello! my name is Veronica; I was born in the beautiful city of Cuernavaca and I have lived here all my live, I have a big family but now I live with my children and my mother, my son is 14 years old and my daughter is 6 years old, in my free time I like to be with all my family and take a walk with my children. When I started working at the Cabana, I was very interested in Guiding, so the next year I became part of it and actually I’m leader of girasoles and my daughter is a girasol since 2009.

I really enjoy every moment in the Cabaña working like a receptionist, because I have the opportunity to meet a lot of guides from many places, with some of them I am still in contact and I have a friendly relationship.

To be part of the Cabaña and guides is one of the best things that have happened to me.

Liliana Vazquez Alquicira, Administrative Assitant, Mexico.

Lily

I am Lily, I was born in Cuernavaca, Morelos and I have 2 brothers and 1 sister. I studied to be an account at the University of Morelos and I have been working at Our Cabaña since 1999. In 2011 I also became a Friend of Our Cabaña and I am very happy to be able to support this World Centre as part of this beautiful group.

I have a paperstore where I work in the evenings. It has been a family business for more than 30 years and I love being able to continue with this tradition.

My hobby is playing video games. I have a whole collection of Nintendo videogames & consoles.. I also love cars and listening to music.

Cintia Baudrix, Assistant Program Manager, Argentina

cintia Hello!! My name is Cintia Ailin Baudrix y soy de Argentina. I´m 27 years old and I´m kinder garden teacher but currently I´m the new assitant manager!!! I´m very happy to be here, I love Mexico, The Cabaña, mexican people, EVERYTHING! To be part of this experience that the Association gives us is an unique and unmatched opportunity that none who choose the Guiding as a way of life, should miss!!

Be happy, Be Girl Guide!

Kim Waits, Volunteer, USA

Kim My name is Kim Waits. I am 23 years old and from Manassas, Virginia USA. I have been in Girl Scouts for about 16 years, since I was a Daisy. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University last year with a degree in Psychology and have most recently been a substitute teacher. I love animals, gardening and being outdoors. In the future I hope to attend graduate school for Community Psychology. I am very excited to be spending the fall at Our Cabana and being part of the programs here and within the community. I’m looking forward to new scouting experiences in Mexico and with the staff of Our Cabana.

Alejandra Lonjedo, Volunteer, Argentina

Ale My name is Alejandra Lonjedo and I am really excited about spending the Autumn at Our Cabana. I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am 28 years old and Guiding has been a part of my life since I was 6 years old. I was a leader with Alitas, Caravanas and Guias del soI. At this moment, I am a leader with Pimpollitos and also I am leader of the council training team. My hobbies are watching movies and taking photos. I am happy to participate as a volunteer at Our Cabana and meet guides from around the world

Nieve, Our Cabaña´s Cat, Mexico

Nieve Meow my name is Nieve and I am from Mexico. I am bilingual and speak both Spanish and English. I love living at Our Cabana and meeting all the participants and volunteers.

People tell me I am spoilt but I just like the finer things in life like sleeping on comfortable office chairs and eating the most expensive food.

One of my favorite things to do during the day is sleep and you can usually find me curled up in the craft house or in one of the flowerpots.

I love to spend time with the people at Our Cabana and love learning new activities, and I am always excited to attend colors ceremonies.