Program Directors
Program Directors are previous volunteers who return to LE's programs to teach alongside volunteers. They are responsible for leading volunteers in country and planning the logistics of our programs throughout the year. Learn more about who they are and how to contact them!
Meet your Program Director, Fátima Itzel Torres!
Fátima is truly excited to return to Learning Enterprises as the Brazil Program Director! After volunteering in Panama during PY22, she knew she wanted to continue her involvement with the organization. She finds the cross-cultural experience unique and enriching for all involved: students, volunteers and host families. Having spent a year as an exchange student in Portugal 4 years ago, she plans to utilize her Portuguese-speaking skills to assist all parties involved, especially volunteers. She is currently on her senior year double-major in History and Spanish/Portuguese at the University of California, Berkeley. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, playing the violin and piano, and baking and cooking with her family.
As Program Director, Fátima will coordinate group Orientation, Mid-point Break and the Closing Ceremony. She will be working with volunteers as they prepare for the program and remain as their acting in-country contact for the duration of the program. Volunteers will be expected to check in weekly with Fátima. She will ensure the program runs smoothly, all volunteers and families have updated information, and that volunteers maximize their experience.
Interested applicants can contact Fátima at brazil@learningenterprises.org!
Meet your Program Director, Esme Marfo!
Esme Marfo is a recent graduate of George Washington University where she studied Public Health and Journalism. Esme was a volunteer with LE summer'22 in Croatia, and after an unforgettable summer of teaching and learning about Croatian culture, she is very excited to return to LE as the Croatia Program Director. During her summer in Croatia she learned and experienced the true value of cross-cultural exchange and wants to help future volunteers have the same amazing experience.
Interested applicants can contact Esme at croatia@learningenterprises.org.
Meet your Program Director, Ryen DeToro!
Ryen DeToro is a recent graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Film and Video Studies, as well as minors in English and History. Ryen served as a volunteer in Croatia during PY22 and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her students, fellow volunteers, and Croatian culture. She is excited to have a similar experience and work more with the community as the Hungary/Romania Program Director for PY23.
Interested applicants can contact Ryen at hungary@learningenterprises.org.
Meet your Program Director, Maeghan McKean!
Maeghan McKean is a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in both Latin American/Caribbean Studies and Spanish with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has started classes working towards earning a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Maeghan served as a volunteer in Panamá during PY22 and adored her time making cross-cultural connections. She is excited to continue as the PY23 Program Director and wants to help create an extraordinary experience for future volunteers. In her free time Maeghan is an avid concert goer and loves to camp, hike, and try new foods.
Interested applicants can contact Maeghan at panama@learningenterprises.org.
Meet your Program Director, Kevin Palacios
Kevin is entering his second year with Learning Enterprises! Kevin is a Senior studying Political Science and Music at the University of California, Davis. He was born in Los Angeles, California and his family is from the city of Torreón in Coahuila, México. Kevin served as a volunteer in Panamá for PY22 prior to taking up this new position. He believes education and culture to be crucial in the development of one's life, and is excited about being able to lead one of our most developed programs. Thankful and inspired by his time in Panamá, he will guide new volunteers and continue spreading the tenets of the LE mission in PY23 as Program Director of Poland in what will be an incredible program for volunteers!
Interested applicants can contact Kevin at poland@learningenterprises.org.