David Slaymaker transitions away from OYE presidency

My first trip to Oaxaca was a family vacation in 1993. We found the city and surroundings fascinating, however poverty was always evident with small children on the street at all hours and surrounding the tables in the zócalo asking for food. We returned a few summers later to study Spanish and I saw a brochure for Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots (now Oaxaca Youth Empowerment).

Returning home I began to correspond with Jodi Bauman, who founded the organization, and she quickly recruited me as a volunteer. From then on I traveled to Oaxaca regularly. During these trips Jodi and Carl became great friends, taking us to visit families being served by the CEI program and allowing me to see first hand how education could change the lives of those in poverty.

In the early 2000's Jodi was terminally ill. My wife Lorrie and I traveled to Sanford, Florida where Jodi and Carl lived when not in Oaxaca. On that visit Jodi asked if I would join the board to help keep the organization going. I agreed. Not long after Jodi passed away and was soon followed by Carl. In 2010, I became president of the board of directors. The organization has since grown substantially and we will continue to evolve to best support our Oaxacan partners and the students and families they serve.

While stepping back, I plan to continue involvement with the charity. I also plan to have a bit more time for myself.  Thirty-two years later, I could have never imagined Oaxaca would still be a daily part of my life. I hope you will join me in continuing the support of an essential organization whose funding has changed hundreds of young lives in Oaxaca.