Board of Directors
Martha R O’Connell
Co-founder and President
Martha was born and raised in Peru. She graduated from Inca Garcilazo de la Vega University in Peru with a degree in accounting, but she desired more so she moved to the United States to pursue further education. Even without speaking much English, Martha went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
After graduating, she moved to California and worked her way up in Mao/s; eventually became one of the most sought-after fashion consultants in San Francisco. Martha then went on to establish and run her husband’s thriving private practice in Thomaston, GA. Now she is dedicated to her family and helping the children of Peru.
Rosario “Charo” Rodriguez
Co-founder and Secretary
Charo was born in Peru and moved to the United States in 1990 with her two small children. She worked any job possible until she was introduced to Real Estate. Charo has now been active in the Real Estate industry over 25 years and has earned silver awards for sales achievement.
In addition to her work, she has also been very engaged with the Peruvian community creating ties with the General Consulate in San Francisco, Kanchis, and other notable groups. Charo has also volunteered on humanitarian missions to the Peruvian Andes.
Charo holds a Bachelor degree in Industrial Psychology from Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University.
Lily Gutierrez Marinsik
Co-founder and Treasurer
Lily was born and raised in Peru. She was the treasurer for Leland High School, Graystone Elementary School, and Almaden Cabana Club. Lily worked as a Business Consultant for the Law Offices of Fernando Chavez. She was a board member and the treasurer with Sunday Friends for over 10 years.
Lily also has 10 years of volunteer work with the National Charity League, schools and girl scouts. Lily is currently a Senior Accountant with Tim Brewer CPA, CPA’s and has been for over 30 years.
Lily hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Lima.
Gonzalo “Sal” Torres
Board Member
Sal was born in Los Angeles, CA to Peruvian parents and maintains very strong ties to his Peruvian heritage. He has experience in many aspects of the legal field. He helped expand California’s only Latino owned legal firm, Gutierrez & Associates, and represented Fortune 500 companies like General Motors, Toyota, and Bank of America.
Sal has worked as Assistant General Counsel for Arysta Life Sciences and as Director of Commercial Transactions and Managing Corporate Counsel for Marvell Technology Group. He is currently the Sr. Director of the Americas Commercial Transactions team for Equinix, Inc. and President of the Board of Governors at the University of San Francisco, School of Law.
Sal’s desire to serve led him to become Councilman for five consecutive terms and Vice Mayor on five occasions. Sal has run, and won, in five Mayoral elections for Daly City.
Sal holds a Psychology/Education degree from UCLA (Chancellor Marshall Honors) and a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco (Student Bar Association Award and Judge Harold Haley Award).
Kevin A O’Connell
Board Member
Kevin was born and raised in Bronx, New York. He graduated from the Colombia University in 1982 with a degree in Biology. He then went to complete medical school at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA on a full Naval Scholarship. After that he repaid the Navy by enlisting and serving his country. Kevin is an Otolaryngology /Ear Nose Throat MD and is double board certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy Board and the Academy of Otolaryngology/ Head and Neck Surgery.
He, along with his wife, established a successful private practice in Thomaston, GA. He is currently working in Buffalo, NY and even though his schedule can get busy, he still takes time to visit Peru once a year.
Armando R. Navas
Board Member
Armando was born in Lima, Peru and grew up in Fremont, CA. From the time he was little, he has always wanted to help others: he coached youth basketball, tutored children, and volunteered at various nonprofits. Armando also has a wide array of experience. He started working at his parent’s real estate office at the age of fifteen and was managing it by eighteen. Meanwhile, he frequently traveled to Peru to help run the family business.
In 2012 he switched gears to work for a technology company and facilitate their international relations. After three years he moved into the finance industry and worked for a major bank. He is experienced, educated, and eager to help others.
Armando holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Golden Gate University.
Daniel S. Marinsik
Board Member
Dan is the Principal of Precision Solutions Consulting has over thirty years of experience obtaining regulatory clearances, establishing quality systems, and overseeing clinical trials for both large medical device companies as well as small startups. Dan has led regulatory affairs teams at companies such as Philips, Bosch, and Sanmina-SCl.
During his career he has been instrumental in the successful launch of over 40 medical products with specific focus on ophthalmic medical devices, surgical lasers and telehealth platforms. He has volunteered with several national and international non-profits, including Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Dan is an active Ultrarunner. He has run over 300 ultramarathons and holds the record for most consecutives finishes in the Badwater 135, the world’s toughest footrace. Dan holds a BS degree in Geology from California State University Fresno.
Edwin Chicchon
Board Member
Edwin was born in Lima, Peru. He graduated at the Dentistry School from the Universidad Autonoma in Guadalajara, Mexico. Then he went on to complete his Post Graduate degree in Prosthodontics from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima. His private practice was started in 2002 in Fremont, CA and since then has expanded his practice into multiple locations. Edwin is also very active in the Peruvian community and frequently donates his time and expertise to help those in need.
Advisory Council
David L. Sharp
Provides expertise on NGO’s and foreign projects.
Kevin O’Connell
Provides medical expertise regarding Ear, Nose, and Throat as well as Allergies.
Armando Navas
Provides expertise on business related matters and international affairs.
Edwin Chicchon
Provides medical expertise regarding Dentistry.