Our History
by the founder of Apoyo: Ezequiel Mojica
Where are you from? Who are you? – We all have a story to tell. This is the story of my life. I was born in a small but vibrant rural village, Santas Marias, in the state of Queretaro. One could say that it was a village without men because at that time, 90% of men above the age of 15 would migrate to ‘el norte.’ For this reason, it never occurred to me to dream about something different.
My father crossed the border, illegally, maybe 20 or 25 times, walking through the hills and surrounding mountains.
My brothers did the same and finally, my sisters as well. Occasionally, my father and my mother worked as ‘tlachiqueros’ the people that produce ‘pulque’, which they sold in the market of San Miguel. They also had a small grocery store in the rancho but my father was an alcoholic, so despite my mother’s efforts at running a successful business, we always lived in poverty.
My oldest brother died at the age of 23 from an accident at the Pepsi-Cola factory, leaving a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old behind as orphans and a sequel of pain that blight our family, especially my mother, who literally left everything behind at the ranch and moved to the city. We lost our house, the cornfield, and a part of my life also stayed there: my childhood. We began a pilgrimage in the city, renting small houses in the neighborhoods and in every neighborhood of San Miguel. I was 10 years old then.
School was difficult for me. I hardly finished secondary school and it was only with the help of my mother, working and studying, that I finished high school at the age of 25. Obviously, studying at the university was never a priority in our family although I was interested in continuing my studies. At the time though, it was very difficult for young students from the campo to go on to university; in fact, I am the only one in my family who finished high school, and, believe me, my mother thinks I am a ‘licenciado.’
Because I had no formal higher education, I had to make up for that in some way. I started reading as much as I could. The biographies of Gandhi, Luther King, Cesar Chavez, were my teachers, English books and conversations with Monsivais, Poniatowska and Garcia Marquez. Their books were my school. Now I learn from Muhammad Yunus and other authors.
Then it came my turn to meet the family tradition of pursuing a better life by going to ‘el norte’which I did by following the railroad tracks to the border at Laredo all the while walking. Once North, I cleaned offices and schools in Dallas and Mesquite, worked at McDonalds, and was always striving for a better life that always seemed out of reach.
When I came back, I had nothing but the hope of finding a job to survive and help my parents. But then one day, as I was sitting at the Jardin, a young woman approached me and asked, “do you want to work at CASA (a local NGO)?” Something in my life changed then; I found out that I was good for something. I met good and successful people who taught me that anything is possible. 21 years ago I founded, with the help of good friends, a non- profit organization to help entrepreneurs in the rural area to realize their dreams for a better life. This organization became known as Apoyo.
After 19 years since my adventure as an undocumented worker in the US, I was accepted in a first class training program in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My US visa was ready and I got on an airplane for the first time in my life. The learning process continues for me. I want to learn more so that I can continue teaching others in my communities; I want to take the message to remote villages that everything is possible if our goal is to learn, not merely to make money. I want every poor child in our villages to believe everything is possible, no matter where we come from, what our gender is, our skin color, or if we are educated or not: we all have the right to pursue a better life.
Apoyo was established as a non-profit organization in Mexico in 2005.
Board of Directors
President of Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora
Jim Grant
Since 2007, when he moved to San Miguel de Allende from Austin, Texas, he has been committed to Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora, where he currently leads the organization as president. His experience in the social sector also includes serving on the boards of directors of The San Miguel Community Foundation and Hospice San Miguel.
With a distinguished track record in marketing and organizational development, he has worked in consulting for small businesses, helping them grow and consolidate. He has also been instrumental in the expansion of franchises both nationally and internationally. His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in strengthening Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora's impact on the community.
Vice President of Support for Entrepreneurial People
Daniela Franco
Daniela Franco studied International Relations and Foreign Languages at Lewis and Clark College. She subsequently earned graduate degrees in Human Rights from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and in Business Administration from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM).
Her commitment to Support for Entrepreneurial People began in 2011, when she served as a staff member for three years. In 2015, she joined the Board of Directors, where she continues to contribute her experience and knowledge in human rights and organizational management.
She currently resides in San Miguel de Allende, where she remains involved in initiatives that promote the social and economic development of the community.
Treasurer of Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora
Jeannie Schnakenberg
She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and has worked in microbiology research, pharmaceutical sales, and industrial water treatment. In 1981, after marrying her husband, John, she moved to Missouri, where she collaborated with him in managing his agricultural and timber businesses. In 2000, they retired to San Miguel de Allende, where she has volunteered for various NGOs, dedicating her time and effort to improving the lives of people in vulnerable situations. For the past 16 years, her focus has been supporting education and providing opportunities to those most in need. In addition to her volunteer work, she enjoys riding and training her Quarter Horse mare in dressage. She is also passionate about photography and graphic design, disciplines in which she has developed a great talent.
Board Member of Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora
Sandra C. Florence
Sandra C. Florence is an experienced consultant in human resources, operations management, and educational development. She graduated from Amber University with a bachelor's degree in Business and Human Relations and began her career in 1973 at Eastern Airlines, where she held various management positions. She was responsible for developing curricula for 5,000 employees and a team of 200 managers, in addition to collaborating with manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus on aircraft cabin safety issues. In 1981, she was recruited as Vice President of Inflight Service at Muse Air, where she led a team of 200 flight attendants and managed an annual budget of $10 million. Following the acquisition of Muse Air by Southwest Airlines in 1985, she left the airline industry to found and successfully operate the first fine art foundry in Hawaii, Maui Bronze Sculpture, Inc.
Beginning in 1988 in Dallas, she worked at The Evans Group as an organizational development consultant, designing training programs for various companies. In 1993, she settled in Hawaii, where she has led community meetings, strategic planning, and employee training. She joined Mediation Services of Maui, Inc. in 1994 as a mediator and conflict resolution trainer. In 2002, she launched Studio One-13, a firm focused on interior design and property management. Committed to community service, Sandra has dedicated her time and experience to the growth and strengthening of nonprofit organizations on Maui. Her creativity, energy, and leadership are key pillars of her career and her work with Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora.
Board Member of Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora
Carol Weicker
Carol moved to San Miguel de Allende with her husband in 2004. Born in New Mexico, she learned Spanish as a child. She first heard about San Miguel in the 1960s, when many of her artist friends were traveling there, and she dreamed of visiting someday.
Her professional background was in education, with a strong interest in supporting the education of disadvantaged women.
In 2009, Carol met Ezequiel while they were both involved in a Feed the Hungry project aimed at teaching rural women how to grow vegetables to feed their families.
That same year, her husband, Rev. Harold Weicker, along with a friend, founded the Community Church with the goal of donating at least 50% of its offerings to projects in impoverished rural communities. The church’s first donation went to Apoyo, and over time, supporting Apoyo became one of its central missions. A large bequest was later left to the church specifically to help women, which led to the creation of what is now known as the MAMAS program.
Harold, now deceased, firmly believed that if Apoyo could develop a vocational school, it would provide many people with the opportunity to improve their quality of life.
Our Team
EMLP Coordinator
María Guadalupe Cerritos Hernández
With 19 years of experience in Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora (Support for Entrepreneurs), Guadalupe has been a fundamental part of the organization's development and growth. Her commitment to social impact and deep knowledge of community work have allowed her to design and coordinate programs that generate real opportunities for those most in need. Guadalupe was the organization's first collaborator, starting as assistant to the executive director for five years and then leading the Educational Microcredit Program for another five years. Her own experience as an entrepreneur supported by Apoyo has given her a unique perspective on the needs and challenges faced by those seeking to improve their living conditions through entrepreneurship. Thanks to her leadership, experience, and closeness to the community, Guadalupe continues to promote innovative projects that strengthen the social fabric and promote sustainable economic development.
Administrative Assistant
Cristina Licea
With 15 years of experience at Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora, Cristina has been a key player in the organization's administration and financial management. Her extensive knowledge in accounting and resource management has contributed to the growth and stability of the programs we promote. Before joining Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora, she was an administrator at ICPALLI, a company specializing in interior design, where she gained solid experience in business management and process optimization. She also trained at the María del Refugio Aguilar Institute, where she earned the title of executive secretary, which strengthens her organizational skills and her efficiency in coordinating administrative activities. Cristina is a professional committed to social impact, ensuring that the organization's resources are managed transparently and effectively to maximize the benefits for the communities we serve.
MAMÁS Program Coordinator
Verónica González Samaniego
Verónica Samaniego is a professional with extensive experience in administration and human resources management, distinguished by her organizational skills and focus on the logistics of social projects. Her passion for teamwork and commitment to community well-being have led her to play a key role in Apoyo a Gente Emprendedora (Support for Entrepreneurial People). As the MAMAS Program Coordinator, Verónica leads initiatives that train women from rural communities in health, the environment, and entrepreneurship, providing them with tools to improve their quality of life and that of their families. Her authenticity, optimism, and camaraderie create a collaborative and motivating learning environment. Veronica is distinguished by her sincerity and empathy, always willing to listen and help those around her. Her vocation for the social sector and the environment reinforces her commitment to generating a positive and lasting impact in the communities she serves.
Assistant to the Executive Director
Angela Alexa Cruz Corona
Angela Alexa Cruz Corona is an economist and industrial relations specialist with experience in data analysis, performance evaluation, and project management. Her focus is on process optimization, strategy development, and the use of databases for decision-making. She served as a professional analyst at the Guanajuato State Electoral Institute (IEEG), strengthening her analytical and information management skills. She has also conducted independent research on poverty, inequality, and corruption, providing valuable insights for understanding and solving social problems. Committed to social impact, Angela contributes her communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills to strengthen teams and generate high-impact initiatives. She also enjoys conducting research, learning languages, and traveling, always seeking new knowledge and experiences that enrich her professional and personal work.
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