OUR MISSION AND VISION

At Phalarope, we are committed to fostering thriving communities by empowering women, who form the foundation of their families and societies. Established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our mission is to inspire individuals and communities to take ownership of their health and development, creating sustainable, lasting change.

Our Philosophy
We believe that true community development begins with empowering women, whose well-being uplifts entire communities. By collaborating with local stakeholders—including women leaders, healthcare providers, and governments—we co-create evidence-based programs that address health disparities, with a particular focus on maternal and child health. Our tailored, interdisciplinary approach ensures solutions are effective, sustainable, and rooted in the unique needs of each community. At Phalarope, we are deeply committed to maximizing the impact of every resource we receive. As a lean and mission-driven organization, we ensure that the majority of our funding is directly channeled into programs that improve the health and well-being of women and their communities. To further this commitment, our CEO serves on an ad honorem basis, reflecting our dedication to prioritizing program delivery over administrative costs. This approach allows us to focus on creating meaningful, sustainable change while maintaining transparency and accountability to our supporters and the communities we serve.

Our Flagship Programs
Phalarope's initiatives prioritize maternal and child health and economic empowerment, recognizing that improving women’s health drives broader societal progress. We combine innovative strategies with rigorous evaluation methods, both quantitative and qualitative, to ensure measurable, lasting impact. By building local capacity and leadership, our programs enable women to lead healthier lives and strengthen their roles as community pillars.

Our Vision
We envision a world where every woman has access to the healthcare and opportunities she needs to thrive. By prioritizing women’s health and capacity building, we aim to create a ripple effect that improves the well-being of families and entire communities.

Our Team
Phalarope's team brings together experts in public health, medicine, nursing, and community development, united by a shared passion for advancing health equity. Through collaboration and innovation, we design and implement programs that empower women, transforming lives and building resilient communities. We recognize the invaluable insight and expertise of the communities we serve. That’s why our staff includes members from the beneficiary communities themselves, ensuring that our programs are culturally relevant, locally informed, and more readily accepted. By engaging local voices in the design and implementation of our initiatives, we foster trust, improve program effectiveness, and empower communities to take a leading role in their health and development. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the impact of our work but also builds a foundation for sustainable, community-driven change.

By centering our work on women’s health and empowerment, Phalarope fosters the resilience and growth of communities worldwide. Together, we build a foundation for lasting health and opportunity.

Board of Directors

John Wiseman, MS

CHAIRMAN

Christopher Rittmeyer, MD, MPH

VICE-CHAIR and CO-FOUNDER

Miriam U. Rittmeyer, MD, PhD, MPH

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER and CO-FOUNDER

Pamela Rittmeyer.png

Pamela Rittmeyer

TREASURER

 
 
 

TECHNICAL ADVISORY BOARD

Rene Cabezas Albarracin, C.PAg

Tatiana Blanco, Nurse and Epidemiologist

Rudi Coninx, MD, MPH

Henry Santos Flores Zúñiga, MD

Fidelia Gonzales Barreno- Midwife

Professor John Jensen, MA

Juan Carlos Urizar, MD

Claudia Margarita Avila-Urizar, MD

 

Engineer Lazaro M. Urizar, MBA

Stella Ranae Von Schmid

 
 

OUR TEAM

 
Dra. Ana Evelyn Mazariegos Carrascosa, MDCountry Officer Guatemala

EVELYN MAZARIEGOS CARRASCOSA, MD

Country Officer

Guatemala

DORIS ELIZABETH SEPT GUITZ

Coordinator Maternal and Child Health

Guatemala

LICDA. MARIA FERNANDA ALVARADO RODRIGUEZ

Coordinator Community Development

Guatemala

 
 

LICDA. SHIRLEY JASMINNE RIVERA SOTO

Legal Advisor

Guatemala

JUAN ALBERTO ARIAS MUÑOZ

Logistics Coordinator

Guatemala

YAILIN YOHANA SIRÍN MAXÍA

Maternal and Child Health Promoter

Guatemala