Alexandra Fournier | Literacy & Leadership Facilitator, Honduras
Alexandra feels very fortunate to be working with CAUSE Canada’s Women’s Integral Empowerment Program (WIEP) in Honduras. After volunteering in Costa Rica and Spain, as well as backpacking throughout Central America, Alexandra knew she wanted to pursue a career in international development while specializing in gender issues and working with people affected by poverty. She holds a BA in International Development from the University of Guelph and is excited to be applying her academic knowledge while gaining valuable field-work experience. The greatest reward for her is meeting the women of the communities in person and witnessing their growth through the CAUSE program.

Shannon Crawley | Women's Business Facilitator, Honduras
Shannon is thrilled to be working with CAUSE Canada in Honduras. Born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, she developed a passion for travel after a 3-month student exchange to Spain in high school and has since made her way around the world. She holds a BAH in Global Development and Spanish and Latin American Studies from Queen's University, and an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics. After specializing in gender and development, Shannon is very enthusiastic about working with the Women's Integral Empowerment Program (WIEP). Her favourite part of this experience has been meeting the amazing women involved in CAUSE programs; her least favourite part is missing the entire 2011 Major League Baseball season!

Mafe De Peralta | Literacy & Leadership Facilitator, Guatemala
Mafe De Peralta V. was born and raised in Lima, Peru. Attending a British school for her primary and secondary education, she moved to Canada to attend university. Graduating with a degree in International Studies and Political Science, she would like to get involved in international security analysis in the future. Currently she is in Guatemala working with CAUSE Canada in the Gender Equity role helping with the leadership and literacy program. Growing up in Latin America and having travelled extensively throughout the region, she has a special interest in Latin American issues and is pleased to have the opportunity to work in the region once again.

Claudia Binet | Women's Business Facilitator, Guatemala
Claudia is a French Canadian who graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in social services, at the University of Montreal. She has worked as a social worker for government institutions helping the elderly, young families and immigrants. Trying to improve the conditions of vulnerable people is a way for her to show her gratitude for what she has.

Her love for challenges and adventures has taken her to travel, work and volunteer in over 20 countries since the age of 19. She has a passion for outdoors, horse riding, animals and travel. She thinks that pushing herself to the limits is the best way to learn and this is why she is always looking for new ways to surpass herself.

Claudia is thrilled and very thankful for having been given the opportunity to be 2011’s business development intern in Guatemala. She is hoping that this amazing experience will open new doors.

Katie McIntosh | Women's Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Sierra Leone
Katie McIntosh is the SWET (Salone Women's Empowerment Trust) intern for CAUSE Canada in Sierra Leone. She grew up in Markham, Ontario, where she spent most of her time swimming laps in Thornlea Pool. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from Queen's University and she is hoping to continue her education in the future. Katie loves to travel and has spent six months on a university exchange in New Zealand, where she learned a new appreciation for sheep and bungee jumping, and four months in Botswana volunteering at a paediatric HIV clinic. Katie loves "going to the field", learning, exploring, embracing the local culture and making friends, but sometimes she misses Tim Hortons, chocolate, cheese, and a cold glass of skim milk. Her favourite movies are the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, her favourite colour is pink and her favourite animal is the guinea fowl.

Andrea Fandrich | Literacy & Leadership Facilitator, Sierra Leone
In her never ending search to find the meaning of life, Andrea Fandrich has found herself working for CAUSE Canada’s Women’s Integral Empowerment Program (WIEP) in Sierra Leone. True to her gypsy heritage, Andrea has lived and worked in many places in Canada and abroad, including Calgary Alberta, Cameroon, Uganda and most recently, Ottawa, Ontario. Andrea received her Bachelor’s of Nursing from the University of Lethbridge in 2010 and with that, she hopes to continue to work with and help people all over the globe. At the moment, she is enjoying exploring the surroundings and culture of Kabala and is fast becoming a regular in the ataya drinking circle in the center of town.