From the CEO: Carrying on the Legacy

At the end of May 2024, I had the privilege of stepping into my new role as CEO of CHOICE Humanitarian. This is a position I do not take lightly. Over the past many weeks, I’ve come to understand the great privilege and responsibility to strengthen an already incredible organization. I’ve done a lot of listening, observing, learning, and absorbing, and I’m very excited about where we are today and where we are headed.

With a 42-year track record of helping and lifting, CHOICE has a very thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful approach to sustainable development. What attracted me most to this organization in the first place is the method of outreach—the desire to lift communities and empower them by connecting them with needed tools. These tools can look like training, capital, opportunity, or simply someone believing in them. Without these tools, life would remain the same, but with them, they can make all the difference—for themselves, their families, and their communities.

I have been amazed at the CHOICE family. There are so many humanitarians invested in the success of the work of CHOICE. Many have come forward to share ways that they would like to help, or they’re in the midst of helping. The willingness to make impact is incredible. The CHOICE Global team is working around the clock together with local communities to plan and execute impactful projects. They are dedicated, smart, and caring individuals who are passionate about helping others. I love that our teams are local to the country and know the communities and their needs. The respect that the CHOICE country teams receive from the communities is incredible and mutual, and it speaks volumes to the way that they work and the quality of work. CHOICE wouldn’t exist without these incredible teams.

Heather Cruz spends time together with Willy (CHOICE Bolivia Country Director) and Maxi Mendoza (CHOICE Bolivia Director of Programs) during their recent visit to Utah. Both families have their daughters with them. 

My team here at headquarters is capable, able, and dedicated as well. I have been impressed that their job is more than just a job to them. They care deeply about the work happening around the world and the mission of this incredible organization. They work tirelessly to ensure that CHOICE can continue to change lives. I am grateful to have such dedicated and talented colleagues.

Our volunteers, board members, donors, and advocates are invested believers in the impact that CHOICE has had and continues to have in the world. Together with our staff around the globe, all play a part in helping CHOICE make impact in our mission to reduce global poverty and build self-reliant, resilient communities.

CHOICE donors, supporters, and board members meet with Heather Cruz at the Welcome Reception in June at CHOICE Central Office in Draper, Utah.

This month we had the opportunity to gather as a global CHOICE team with an all-hands employee meeting. During this video call, each country team introduced everyone from their group and summarized how CHOICE has impacted their lives. Hearing their comments and deep commitment to what they do daily was uplifting and energizing. We may be spread across 8 different countries around the world, but we share our commitment to CHOICE’s mission and have each seen the ripple effect that empowering a community creates. I am inspired by our dedicated and hard-working global team.

Looking forward, I see a bright and promising future. We are entering a new era with CHOICE, one that takes into account our extensive history with community development and considers the best ways to engage those who can propel our vision. We are focused on increasing our corporate outreach and partnerships, diversifying our donor base, and ensuring that our financial structure supports our mission for years to come. We’re finding new ways to measure impact and success and communicate that impact in the best way possible back to our donors and investors. We see so many lives change on a frequent basis and want everyone connected with us to best understand the impact that their support has on those lives around the world.

CHOICE Humanitarian has a wonderful legacy of impact that I am grateful to be a part of and hope to strengthen and amplify in the coming days, months, and years.