Karina was born in Miami, FL and her background is Panamanian and Cuban. She is in her last year for her B.S. in Psychology from Florida International University. Karina is currently a Paralegal at the Law Office of Carlos del Amo.
Karina was born in Miami, FL and her background is Panamanian and Cuban. She is in her last year for her B.S. in Psychology from Florida International University. Karina is currently a Paralegal at the Law Office of Carlos del Amo.
Gradice Alexandre
Haitian-Creole Literacy - United States
Joined the Alfalit team: 2017
Born: Ouanaminthe North East, Haiti
Education: Miami-Dade College, International Studies (in application); Bethany Global University in Minneapolis, MN, Masters – Missiology (in progress); Université Chrétienne du Nord d’Haïti (North Haiti Christian University), Bachelors – Theology; State University of Haiti (Psychology);
Gradice retired after 25 years as an elementary teacher in Haiti. Afterwards, she joined Société Biblique Haïtienne, an affiliate organization, as the Alfalit Program Director for 13 years. Gradice serves as the lead Pastor of Rock’s Horeb Baptist Church in Haiti where she also established a foundation for kids. Her new project is a Missionary Training Institute in Haiti. Gradice appreciates Alfalit’s mission because it is also hers – to find ways to eradicate poverty. She resides in Miami with her young son. To learn more about Alfalit programs offered in the U.S., please click here.
Juan Marcos Bello
Program Director
Joined the Alfalit team: 2001
Born: Dominican Republic
Education: Information Technology degree, Universidad A.P.E.C., Santo Domingo, D.R.
The father of 3 sons, Juan Marcos has over 26 years of work experience. Alfalit is a family affair as his mother, Milagros Bello, serves as the executive director of Alfalit’s affiliate in Dominican Republic. A devout Christian, he is committed to bringing hope to those with the least worldwide.tudied in Prague (Human Rights); Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, Florida State University.
Maria Teresa de Almeida
Development Coordinator
Joined the Alfalit team: 2006
Born: Angola, Africa
Fled to Portugal with her family in 1975 as a long, protracted civil war erupted leaving behind a successful coffee plantation which was never recouped. Teresa worked at Mount Hope Bible School (14 years) and Abundant Life Christian Center (12 years), where she was introduced to Alfalit as the Center’s liaison. Also, a translator/interpreter (20 years) for renowned speakers from Europe, Australia, and USA. As a testament to her parents, Teresa’s main goal is to serve others in God’s name.
Alexandra Coll
Chief of Staff
Joined the Alfalit team: 2003
Born: Colombia. Moved to Miami in 1991.
Education: Universidad Libre de Colombia , Law and Political Sciences Bachelor.
Currently pursuing degree with a major in Accounting. She and husband Alvaro have 3 children, two of whom are in college. She worked in the Manufacturing and Freight Forwarding Industry in management for many years before joining Alfalit. In all, she has over 20 years in the management and accounting fields. She was recently promoted to Chief of Staff. Passionate for the Kingdom of God, she devotes all her professional and personal efforts in the name of Christianity.
Catherine F. Penrod, MPA
Executive Director
Joined the Alfalit team: 2016
Born: Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Education: Masters Degree, Public Administration; Bachelors Degree, Social Sciences, both from Pennsylvania State University. Certification: Harvard Business School, Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management.
With over 30 years of nonprofit experience, Catherine feels she is blessed to end her incredible nonprofit career with Alfalit, an organization that has dramatically changed her life in many ways. The mother of four adult children, she plans to retire in 2022.
Gabriela Adarve
Development Coordinator
Joined the Alfalit team: 2019
Born: Orlando, FL. 1st generation American born to Colombian parents.
Education: Studied in Prague (Human Rights); Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, Florida State University.
Resides in Pembroke Pines with her parents and siblings. One of the newest members of the team, Gaby is motivated by the love and compassion she witnesses daily at Alfalit.