People

Magdalena Del Pilar Rubio, World Centre Manager

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 16 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

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

Hi, my name is Rachel and I am from Croydon which is in South London, UK.

Hi!  I’m Sarah and I’m from Nottingham, England. I first came to the Cabana as a volunteer in December 2008 for 2 months and loved it so much I came back again for a longer stay! I love being at the Cabana as I have so many opportunities to meet new people, learn about other countries and cultures, improve my Spanish and enjoy the experience of living in a different country. 

Guiding has been a big part of my life, right from when I started as a Rainbow aged five, to being an Assistant Guide Leader before coming to the Cabana. I am grateful for all that Guiding has given me during my time as a member. It has helped me to develop many useful skills, build my self-confidence and provided me with opportunities I would not have had if I was not involved.     

In my free time I love being outdoors, hiking, skiing or playing sports, particularly field hockey and ultimate frisbee. I also enjoy playing the violin and spending time with family and friends as well as travelling to new places when I have the time and opportunity.

Megan Schmidt, USA, Assistant Program Manager

My name is Megan Schmidt, I’m very excited to return to Our Cabaña. I attend Wayne State University and I’m studying Spanish and Education. I became involved with the Girl Scouts of the USA working at summer camp. 

When I’m not in Mexico I work at a day camp called “Camp Crawford” in the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Council. I create programs and I’m also a Camp Ranger Assistant.

Katie Robertson, UK, Event Administrator

I’m Katie and I’m from Bedfordshire in the UK. At home I’m an Assistant Leader with Brownies and Guides and used to be a Rainbow Leader.

 Araceli Marzetti, Argentina, Volunteer

Hello! I'm Araceli. I feel proud and honored to be here, I love sharing my time with the staff, they are great and we go very well together. I like positive people with good ideas. The Cabaña and Mexico are amazing, how nice it is to have fulfilled a guiding dream.

Maria Lujan Peciña, Argentina, Volunteer

Hello! My name is Maria Lujan and I live in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. I study Law and English at the Universidad Nacional del Sur. I'm happy I'm a Guide, and I love this lifestyle that helps me to be someone committed to my community, someone of service, and someone who is happy when making others happy.

To be in the Cabana is a dream come true, and I thank everyone who helped me get here.

Kelly Leask, Canada, Volunteer

Hi, I'm Kelly from Canada. I am a volunteer at Our Cabaña for the winter 2009/2010 season. Guiding is a huge part of my life, I joined Guiding as a spark when I was 5 and have never quit. I have been a leader of a spark (ages 5-6) unit, a pathfinder (ages 12-14) unit, and I am currently a guide (ages 9-11) leader. Volunteering at Our Cabaña is a dream for me and I feel honoured to be here.  I am thrilled to have this unique opportunity to share in the Sisterhood of Guiding, to learn more about WAGGGS and Guiding in other countries, and to improve my Spanish. I enjoy reading, cross-country skiing, creating all kinds of things, spending time with friends, helping people, and smiling.

Linn Karlen, Sweden, Volunteer

Hello!

My name is Linn Karlen and I’m a volunteer here at the Cabana. It’s a dream come true as I get to meet new people, improve my Spanish, learn more about girl guiding in the world and be part of an amazing team of guides at the same time. I love to travel and the coolest moment here in Mexico was when Kelly and I went surfing in Puerto Escondido. At the center I’m the baker who makes sure the team's sugar levels are constantly held at the same high level and my favourite part of the programme is doing the international festival.