2024 Giving Guide
Hoyas For Others (H4O) is an emerging group that aims to connect and support G.U. alumni committed to the call to service and social justice. With Hoyas all over the world working full-time to address the challenges our society faces, we know that there are many more Hoyas eager to support their work. This guide highlights amazing organizations that are meeting the moment. There is a link to each of their websites if you want to donate or get involved in their work! Have other recommendations? Email us at hoyas4others@gmail.com
Education and nutrition in Central America
Kevin Marinacci (C’89) launched the Fabretto Children’s Foundation in 1993 to build on the legacy of Father Fabretto, who had spent 30 years supporting children in Nicaragua. Kevin grew the program from serving 300 children to over 60,000 children by 2021. Unfortunately, in 2022, Fabretto was forced to close all of their programs in Nicaragua as part of a government operation to close down foreign operations in the country. The organization is valiantly working to expand its model of education and nutrition to neighboring Honduras and Guatemala to meet the critical needs there.
Saving our oceans
Daniela Fernandez (C’17) is the founder and CEO of the Sustainable Ocean Alliance. The SOA supports youth leaders, emerging ventures, and other initiatives aimed at preserving our oceans for years to come.
Jenny Allen (Certificate in Nonprofit Management ‘00) is the COO of SkyTruth. Before satellite technology, destructive environmental actions often remained hidden from view. Skytruth uses the latest technology to make stunning satellite imagery and other robust remote sensing data accessible to anyone for free, to hold polluters and others accountable for harmful activities that would otherwise remain hidden from view.
Ongoing Medical Disparities
Health Care Volunteers International was founded by Dr. Frank Duggan (C’ 89). The organization provides medical care through satellite care, donated resources, and medical missions in Cambodia, Colombia, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Nicaragua, and Ukraine. They are working to address the disparities ongoing in access to medical care around the world.
Transforming Sector Practices
Philip Dearing (c’15), Mariam Matin (C’15), and Brigit Goebelebecker (SFS ‘15) co-founded Second Day to make social impact careers more accessible to those not coming from wealthy backgrounds. They host paid internships at nonprofits across the country and provide free coaching resources for those interested in impact-driven careers.
Arts Advocacy
Mosaic Theater, DC’s Artistic Director, Reginald L. Douglas (C’09), is a DC-based director, producer, and new play advocate dedicated to creating theater that connects audiences of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Georgetown University honored Douglas, who has worked to champion diverse voices and spur dialogue across communities through theater with the 2024 John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award at the John F. Kennedy Center.
Advancing Racial Justice
Courtney King Murphy (C’?) is board president of Witness Stones Project, an educational initiative whose mission is to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities.
Helping Vulnerable Children
Laura Nemecek (c’88) is Director of program communications for Zoe Empowers, which equips orphaned children and youth-led families with solutions to overcome extreme poverty—for good.