Empowering Children and Communities to Reach their
Full Potential
501C3 Not For Profit Organization
100% Volunteer-run. 100% of your Donations go to Campaigns.*
(*minus applicable processing fees for online donations using credit card, PayPal, GlobalGiving, and GoFundMe etc)
Mayor Potencial's Mission
Mayor Potencial's Vision
Mayor Potencial goes the distance to serve destitute rural Honduran communities and develop lasting partnerships for lasting impact. We inspire volunteers to disseminate social change and empower youth in Honduras through education. At the heart of our mission is the voice of those we serve.
Mayor Potencial strives to promote sustainable community development in rural Latin America and to empower future leaders to foster social change.
Mayor Potencial's Mission
Mayor Potencial goes the distance to serve destitute rural Honduran communities and develop lasting partnerships for lasting impact. We inspire volunteers to disseminate social change and empower youth in Honduras through education. At the heart of our mission is the voice of those we serve.
Mayor Potencial's Vision
Mayor Potencial strives to promote sustainable community development in rural Latin America and to empower future leaders to foster social change.
Our Story
Our Story
NANCY BELL
Founder of Mayor Potencial
"Mayor Potencial is not only improving access to education in rural Latin America but is also providing children in these areas with mentors and role models who can inspire them. At the same time we are breaking the stereotypes that people might have about why developing communities are living in poverty. We are connecting students in the USA with students in Honduras and learning from each other. Most importantly, Cornell students are learning resilience, different views and solutions to problems, and that you can find happiness everywhere. Also, students in the USA are applying what they learn in classes to the real world. In the process they are learning about the different constraints that these communities face as they develop cultural competency. Mayor Potencial values this opportunity to positively impact students all across the world. We are changing the world by helping one school, and one community at a time."
NANCY'S STORY
In the rural Honduran village where Nancy Bell ’09 was born, the nearest high school is a two-hour walk along hilly, rock-covered dirt roads. With no transportation other than donkeys, teenagers in the village of El Rodeito typically drop out of school after sixth grade and work on their families' farms. By the age of 16, most of the girls in the village are already married and having kids.
Bell was one of the few lucky ones. When she was four years old, her parents moved from El Rodeito to the capital of Honduras; Tecucigalpa. Her parents worked 18-hour days, often without eating, so that they could send Nancy and her younger brother to private school. After graduating from high school, Bell enrolled in Universidad
Tecnológica Centroamericana in Tecucigalpa. She was the first person from El Rodeito to attend college.
Shortly after starting at the university, Bell learned about a collaborative program offered at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). She applied and received a small scholarship to study at the college in Dryden, New York, for two years. In 2007, she transferred to The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University, and graduated with a bachelor's degree two years later. Bell is now working on her master's degree in human resources at Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Show more
While she lives more than 2,000 miles from Honduras, Bell has not forgotten the struggles of the people who live in El Rodeito. In 2013, she founded Mayor Potencial, which means "Greatest Potential." Her nonprofit organization raises money to improve education for children, helps business owners expand to the global market, and provides experiential learning for Cornell students.
"I strongly believe that education can play a critical role in helping a family and community break the cycle of poverty," Bell says. "Unfortunately, many children never get to make the choice for themselves, and are removed from school before the true value of an education becomes evident. Sadly, many poor communities also consider education a luxury. This is the type of thinking we need to change."
Cornell Commitment, a group of programs that emphasizes community service, is partnering with Mayor Potencial. Cornell students learn about social entrepreneurship and its impact on impoverished communities. In the past several years, Cornell students made four trips to El Rodeito to visit the village's elementary school and work with the children.
The opportunity to visit El Rodeito changes misconceptions many students have about people struggling with poverty in developing countries. "Thanks to Mayor Potencial, students understand the challenges these communities face," Bell says. "Once they actually can connect the challenges with a family, everything becomes real."
One of Mayor Potencial's first projects was raising money to install electricity in the new elementary school after it was expanded and relocated in 2014! Cornell students have taught English and math lessons, donated school supplies, and planted trees at the school.
Mayor Potencial is now raising funds to build a high school in the village. A crowdfunding campaign in 2016 raised money to clear the land and prepare it for construction. Our current campaign is raising money to build the first classroom. As we approach our goal of $15,000, construction materials are being purchased.
NANCY BELL
Founder of Mayor Potencial
"Mayor Potencial is not only improving access to education in rural Latin America but is also providing children in these areas with mentors and role models who can inspire them. At the same time we are breaking the stereotypes that people might have about why developing communities are living in poverty. We are connecting students in the USA with students in Honduras and learning from each other. Most importantly, Cornell students are learning resilience, different views and solutions to problems, and that you can find happiness everywhere. Also, students in the USA are applying what they learn in classes to the real world. In the process they are learning about the different constraints that these communities face as they develop cultural competency. Mayor Potencial values this opportunity to positively impact students all across the world. We are changing the world by helping one school, and one community at a time."
NANCY'S STORY
In the rural Honduran village where Nancy Bell ’09 was born, the nearest high school is a two-hour walk along hilly, rock-covered dirt roads. With no transportation other than donkeys, teenagers in the village of El Rodeito typically drop out of school after sixth grade and work on their families' farms. By the age of 16, most of the girls in the village are already married and having kids.
Bell was one of the few lucky ones. When she was four years old, her parents moved from El Rodeito to the capital of Honduras; Tecucigalpa. Her parents worked 18-hour days, often without eating, so that they could send Nancy and her younger brother to private school. After graduating from high school, Bell enrolled in Universidad
Tecnológica Centroamericana in Tecucigalpa. She was the first person from El Rodeito to attend college.
Shortly after starting at the university, Bell learned about a collaborative program offered at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). She applied and received a small scholarship to study at the college in Dryden, New York, for two years. In 2007, she transferred to The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University, and graduated with a bachelor's degree two years later. Bell is now working on her master's degree in human resources at Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Show more
While she lives more than 2,000 miles from Honduras, Bell has not forgotten the struggles of the people who live in El Rodeito. In 2013, she founded Mayor Potencial, which means "Greatest Potential." Her nonprofit organization raises money to improve education for children, helps business owners expand to the global market, and provides experiential learning for Cornell students.
"I strongly believe that education can play a critical role in helping a family and community break the cycle of poverty," Bell says. "Unfortunately, many children never get to make the choice for themselves, and are removed from school before the true value of an education becomes evident. Sadly, many poor communities also consider education a luxury. This is the type of thinking we need to change."
Cornell Commitment, a group of programs that emphasizes community service, is partnering with Mayor Potencial. Cornell students learn about social entrepreneurship and its impact on impoverished communities. In the past several years, Cornell students made four trips to El Rodeito to visit the village's elementary school and work with the children.
The opportunity to visit El Rodeito changes misconceptions many students have about people struggling with poverty in developing countries. "Thanks to Mayor Potencial, students understand the challenges these communities face," Bell says. "Once they actually can connect the challenges with a family, everything becomes real."
One of Mayor Potencial's first projects was raising money to install electricity in the new elementary school after it was expanded and relocated in 2014! Cornell students have taught English and math lessons, donated school supplies, and planted trees at the school.
Mayor Potencial is now raising funds to build a high school in the village. A crowdfunding campaign in 2016 raised money to clear the land and prepare it for construction. Our current campaign is raising money to build the first classroom. As we approach our goal of $15,000, construction materials are being purchased.
Team Members
Team Members
Khanh Phuong Tong
Chief Operating Officer
Khanh Phuong graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Human Biology, Health & Society, and a minor in Policy Analysis & Management. She joined Mayor Potencial at Cornell in 2013 after meeting with Nancy and seeing how much it meant for Nancy to give back to her underserved hometown in Honduras. Khanh Phuong led the collection of funds, clothes and school supplies that were sent to Honduras. She also established partnerships with local groups and schools in Ithaca.“
There are thousands of NGOs or charity organizations but I chose Mayor Potencial because of Nancy’s genuine passion towards helping her community and family in El Rodeito, Honduras. As a family-oriented person myself, this was extremely important to me. This familial value makes our organization stand out from others because we embrace the unique culture and values of the community, and address broad challenges in education, health and development accordingly. In that regard, we will realistically and effectively help individual communities throughout the world.”
Growing up with a strong supportive network, Khanh Phuong believes that putting in place collaborative programs will allow youth to explore various educational opportunities and to pursue their goals. As COO, Khanh Phuong oversees all of Mayor Potencial's projects and partnerships and works to ensure that activities are aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
Serena Dang
Chief Strategy Officer
Graduated from Cornell University in 2015, Serena was the first president of the student club of Mayor Potencial. After meeting Nancy in 2013, she became deeply drawn towards the mission that Nancy had been tirelessly working towards for the organization and began to work alongside her to set up the student club at Cornell during her senior year. In 2014, she was among the first group of volunteers to visit El Rodeito, Honduras, the town where Nancy grew up.
Born and raised in China and having witnessed the detriment of extreme poverty, Serena understands deeply the damages that economic inequality could have on individuals and communities. As an idealist, she sees the potential in the people of these communities and believes in resource redistribution as a way to create more access to opportunities.
Serena knows that Mayor Potencial not only can bring tangible benefits to the local community of El Rodeito, but also will have a long-lasting impact on all other communities that have yet to reach their full potential. Her continued involvement with Mayor Potencial will help guide the organization's strategic planning, ensure the execution of its goals, and carry out Nancy's vision.
Allison Liang
Chief Development Officer
Allison graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Biological Engineering. She joined Mayor Potencial at Cornell in 2013, with an interest in helping to develop stronger education systems for impoverished communities. Allison was in charge of leading fundraisers for the club.
"I came from a family who always encourage the pursuit of S.T.E.M fields. My mom is a chemical engineer and my dad is a computer programmer. Coming to the U.S as immigrants, they elevated their socioeconomic level through a strong commitment to their academic studies. I am thankful for the values that they instilled in me, with an emphasis on diligence, persistence, and self-confidence. That is why I am dedicated to reaching out to communities like El Rodeito-- I believe that stimulating the academic interests of the younger generation is the first step to creating a sustainable foundation for lasting economic growth of these rural villages. Children in these impoverished areas are just as capable intellectually as I am. The only difference between us is that no one gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential. "
Coming from a highly technical background with a focus on biomedical sciences, Allison believes that putting in place a STEM curriculum will encourage children at younger ages to pursue higher degrees and ultimately expose them to opportunities that can elevate them economically and academically. She now continues her work with us by promoting Mayor Potencial in the US through social media and fostering corporate relationships.
Logan Flores
International Liaison
Logan is Nancy's cousin. Having been born and raised in El Rodeito, Honduras, and currently residing there, he is invaluable to help the team initiate the programs. He is our eyes in the ground, keeping Mayor Potencial informed about the progress and impact of every single step taken on our projects.
Nidia David
International Liaison
Like Logan, Nidia is Nancy's cousin. She was born in a similar small rural community and hopes to give her community the same opportunities that Mayor Potencial is building in El Rodeito. Nidia works in Tegucigalpa and commutes to El Rodeito on a regular basis to oversee Mayor Poencial's trips to Honduras. Thus, she is invaluable in the collaboration between the US and Honduran teams when the lack of internet in El Rodeito prevents online communication.
Moira Sheuring
Outreach Coordinator
Moira works as a graphic designer in the Central New York area. A friend introduced her to Mayor Potencial. Their mission and the work they do touched her heart. Most recently she volunteered her time in Mayor Potencial’s efforts to help Arnol Valle as he fought cancer.
Norman Matos
Marketing Manager
Norman Matos earned a B.S. in Operations Research and Engineering after graduating from Cornell University, where he joined Mayor Potencial at Cornell in 2015 as part of the Social Entrepreneurship Field Study course. Being passionate about helping those who are under-served, he works to raise awareness about the needs of those served by Mayor Potencial.
“I chose to help Mayor Potecial because I believe I have an obligation to use my knowledge and resources to help lift up those who have the will to improve their economic standing but not the means to do so.”
Having grown up in a low-income household, Norman knows first-hand the challenges of financial strain, and works to ensure that the future generations who go through such challenges recieve as much support as possible. Outside of Mayor Potencial, Norman manages business development projects for a tech company in Pittsburgh, PA.
Lilian G. Pagoada
Public Relations Coordinator
Lilian was born and raised in Tegucigalpa , Honduras , and has a Master's Degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing. She has worked in commercial and business areas, and has been living in Ithaca for two years. Lilian is happy to have found Mayor Potencial because it’s a way to help her country.
"As a Honduran I know that in general Honduras has bad living conditions and needs … but rural areas can have desperate poverty and there are not many opportunities to study and have a better life." She loves to be part of Mayor Potencial because she believes education is the best way to expect a worthy future.
Krystin Chiellini
Trips and Research Coordiantor
Krystin is originally from Florida, and graduated from Cornell University in 2017 with a B.A. in Biology and Society, and minors in Spanish and Nutrition. She first joined Mayor Potencial in 2016 when she went to Honduras as a summer Health and Teaching intern. She immediately felt a strong connection to the community of El Rodeito, and knew she wanted to stay involved to further the mission and vision of Mayor Potencial.
Three years later she made a second trip to Honduras as the Trips and Research Coordinator, where she accompanied a group of Cornell students to survey the community about important topics like health, nutrition and water quality. She has been working with a team from Boston University to continue the research project, with the hopes of writing a paper to spread awareness of and to garner further support for the needs of the community. She currently works at a nonprofit youth organization in Washington, D.C., and is passionate about health equity and the power of education to change communities.
Margaret Shackell-Dowell
Grant Writer
Margaret B. Shackell is an Assistant Professor of Accounting in the School of Business at Ithaca College having served on its faculty since 2017. She teaches in the Accounting and Business Law Department. Margaret has published in peer-reviewed outlets including Contemporary Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance, Strategic Management Journal, Financial Management (FM) Magazine, Strategic Finance, and the IMA Educational Case Journal.
With twenty years’ experience in higher education, Margaret has received a number of awards for excellence including the Institute of Management Accountant’s Lybrand Award (2020, 2018) and the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business Dincolo Award (2003). She is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada and earned BA and MAcc degrees from the University of Waterloo and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Margaret has been very active in philanthropy for many years. For her 50th birthday, she raised $50,000 for 17 charitable organizations. She is active now with Mayor Potencial and Educate the Children.
Khanh Phuong Tong
Chief Operating Officer
Khanh Phuong graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Human Biology, Health & Society, and a minor in Policy Analysis & Management. She joined Mayor Potencial at Cornell in 2013 after meeting with Nancy and seeing how much it meant for Nancy to give back to her underserved hometown in Honduras. Khanh Phuong led the collection of funds, clothes and school supplies that were sent to Honduras. She also established partnerships with local groups and schools in Ithaca.“
There are thousands of NGOs or charity organizations but I chose Mayor Potencial because of Nancy’s genuine passion towards helping her community and family in El Rodeito, Honduras. As a family-oriented person myself, this was extremely important to me. This familial value makes our organization stand out from others because we embrace the unique culture and values of the community, and address broad challenges in education, health and development accordingly. In that regard, we will realistically and effectively help individual communities throughout the world.”
Growing up with a strong supportive network, Khanh Phuong believes that putting in place collaborative programs will allow youth to explore various educational opportunities and to pursue their goals. As COO, Khanh Phuong oversees all of Mayor Potencial's projects and partnerships and works to ensure that activities are aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
Serena Dang
Chief Strategy Officer
Graduated from Cornell University in 2015, Serena was the first president of the student club of Mayor Potencial. After meeting Nancy in 2013, she became deeply drawn towards the mission that Nancy had been tirelessly working towards for the organization and began to work alongside her to set up the student club at Cornell during her senior year. In 2014, she was among the first group of volunteers to visit El Rodeito, Honduras, the town where Nancy grew up.
Born and raised in China and having witnessed the detriment of extreme poverty, Serena understands deeply the damages that economic inequality could have on individuals and communities. As an idealist, she sees the potential in the people of these communities and believes in resource redistribution as a way to create more access to opportunities.
Serena knows that Mayor Potencial not only can bring tangible benefits to the local community of El Rodeito, but also will have a long-lasting impact on all other communities that have yet to reach their full potential. Her continued involvement with Mayor Potencial will help guide the organization's strategic planning, ensure the execution of its goals, and carry out Nancy's vision.
Allison Liang
Chief Development Officer
Allison graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Biological Engineering. She joined Mayor Potencial at Cornell in 2013, with an interest in helping to develop stronger education systems for impoverished communities. Allison was in charge of leading fundraisers for the club.
"I came from a family who always encourage the pursuit of S.T.E.M fields. My mom is a chemical engineer and my dad is a computer programmer. Coming to the U.S as immigrants, they elevated their socioeconomic level through a strong commitment to their academic studies. I am thankful for the values that they instilled in me, with an emphasis on diligence, persistence, and self-confidence. That is why I am dedicated to reaching out to communities like El Rodeito-- I believe that stimulating the academic interests of the younger generation is the first step to creating a sustainable foundation for lasting economic growth of these rural villages. Children in these impoverished areas are just as capable intellectually as I am. The only difference between us is that no one gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential. "
Coming from a highly technical background with a focus on biomedical sciences, Allison believes that putting in place a STEM curriculum will encourage children at younger ages to pursue higher degrees and ultimately expose them to opportunities that can elevate them economically and academically. She now continues her work with us by promoting Mayor Potencial in the US through social media and fostering corporate relationships.
Logan Flores
International Liaison
Logan is Nancy's cousin. Having been born and raised in El Rodeito, Honduras, and currently residing there, he is invaluable to help the team initiate the programs. He is our eyes in the ground, keeping Mayor Potencial informed about the progress and impact of every single step taken on our projects.
Nidia David
International Liaison
Like Logan, Nidia is Nancy's cousin. She was born in a similar small rural community and hopes to give her community the same opportunities that Mayor Potencial is building in El Rodeito. Nidia works in Tegucigalpa and commutes to El Rodeito on a regular basis to oversee Mayor Poencial's trips to Honduras. Thus, she is invaluable in the collaboration between the US and Honduran teams when the lack of internet in El Rodeito prevents online communication.
Moira Sheuring
Outreach Coordinator
Moira works as a graphic designer in the Central New York area. A friend introduced her to Mayor Potencial. Their mission and the work they do touched her heart. Most recently she volunteered her time in Mayor Potencial’s efforts to help Arnol Valle as he fought cancer.
Norman Matos
Marketing Manager
Norman Matos earned a B.S. in Operations Research and Engineering after graduating from Cornell University, where he joined Mayor Potencial at Cornell in 2015 as part of the Social Entrepreneurship Field Study course. Being passionate about helping those who are under-served, he works to raise awareness about the needs of those served by Mayor Potencial.
“I chose to help Mayor Potecial because I believe I have an obligation to use my knowledge and resources to help lift up those who have the will to improve their economic standing but not the means to do so.”
Having grown up in a low-income household, Norman knows first-hand the challenges of financial strain, and works to ensure that the future generations who go through such challenges recieve as much support as possible. Outside of Mayor Potencial, Norman manages business development projects for a tech company in Pittsburgh, PA.
Lilian G. Pagoada
Public Relations Coordinator
Lilian was born and raised in Tegucigalpa , Honduras , and has a Master's Degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing. She has worked in commercial and business areas, and has been living in Ithaca for two years. Lilian is happy to have found Mayor Potencial because it’s a way to help her country.
"As a Honduran I know that in general Honduras has bad living conditions and needs … but rural areas can have desperate poverty and there are not many opportunities to study and have a better life." She loves to be part of Mayor Potencial because she believes education is the best way to expect a worthy future.
Krystin Chiellini
Trips and Research Coordiantor
Krystin is originally from Florida, and graduated from Cornell University in 2017 with a B.A. in Biology and Society, and minors in Spanish and Nutrition. She first joined Mayor Potencial in 2016 when she went to Honduras as a summer Health and Teaching intern. She immediately felt a strong connection to the community of El Rodeito, and knew she wanted to stay involved to further the mission and vision of Mayor Potencial.
Three years later she made a second trip to Honduras as the Trips and Research Coordinator, where she accompanied a group of Cornell students to survey the community about important topics like health, nutrition and water quality. She has been working with a team from Boston University to continue the research project, with the hopes of writing a paper to spread awareness of and to garner further support for the needs of the community. She currently works at a nonprofit youth organization in Washington, D.C., and is passionate about health equity and the power of education to change communities.
Margaret Shackell-Dowell
Grant Writer
Margaret B. Shackell is an Assistant Professor of Accounting in the School of Business at Ithaca College having served on its faculty since 2017. She teaches in the Accounting and Business Law Department. Margaret has published in peer-reviewed outlets including Contemporary Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance, Strategic Management Journal, Financial Management (FM) Magazine, Strategic Finance, and the IMA Educational Case Journal.
With twenty years’ experience in higher education, Margaret has received a number of awards for excellence including the Institute of Management Accountant’s Lybrand Award (2020, 2018) and the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business Dincolo Award (2003). She is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada and earned BA and MAcc degrees from the University of Waterloo and a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Margaret has been very active in philanthropy for many years. For her 50th birthday, she raised $50,000 for 17 charitable organizations. She is active now with Mayor Potencial and Educate the Children.
501C3 Not For Profit Organization
100% Volunteer-run. 100% of your Donations go to Campaigns.*
(*minus applicable processing fees for online donations using credit card, PayPal, GlobalGiving, and GoFundMe etc)
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