Meet Maria Elena Ramírez Sasay, the Heart Behind our Clinics

If you’ve ever joined a Hope Alliance expedition to Santiago Atitlán, chances are you’ve seen a bustling clinic unfold like magic. Behind that magic is Maria Elena Ramírez Sasay—our extraordinary local partner whose heart, grit, and talent make the impossible look easy.

Maria Elena first met Hope Alliance in 2005 during its first expedition to Santiago. “I met John Nelson and his wife Rita Nelson—they were members of Hope Alliance on their first expedition—and we became good friends,” she recalls. Years later, in 2016, John reconnected her with the Hope Alliance program manager at that time, and from that moment forward,

she officially became the logistical engine

of our Guatemala clinics.

But logistics only scratch the surface of her impact. “I’ve always felt a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to something greater than myself,” Maria Elena shares. “Humanitarian work gave me a meaningful path to do that… It allowed me to align my values with my work, and that purpose continues to drive me every day.”

As our in-country coordinator, she manages everything from clinic setup to patient flow. “My role is all about creating a structured, efficient environment so our team can focus on providing quality eye consultations,” she explains. “Knowing that my work helps people regain or improve their vision makes it incredibly fulfilling.”

One moment that’s stayed with her? “An elderly man came in, barely able to see. After putting on the right pair of reading glasses, he looked down at a flyer, read a few words, and just started to tear up. He kept repeating, ‘I can read again.’ It reminded me that what we’re doing is more than giving out glasses—it’s giving people part of their life back.”

Over the years, Maria Elena’s knowledge of vision care has expanded alongside her role. She’s grown from managing checklists to understanding refractive errors and supporting clinical flow. “Now, I see myself as part of a larger mission to bring dignity and clarity back into people’s lives through better vision.”

Her connection to Hope Alliance has grown equally deep. “My relationship with the Hope Alliance team has transformed from a professional collaboration to a genuine, heartfelt connection. These people feel like family. We’ve shared not just work, but life.”

And those relationships don’t stop with her. “My family has witnessed firsthand the passion and dedication of Hope Alliance volunteers,” she says. “Some have even helped support the education of my sisters, Candy and Patty, and my son Alejandro. It’s deeply meaningful to know that this work isn’t just helping strangers—it’s impacting my own loved ones.”

The bond between Maria Elena, her family, and Hope Alliance is a powerful testament to what community-driven partnerships can achieve. It’s not uncommon for volunteers to return to Guatemala again and again, drawn by her leadership and the sense of belonging she creates.

In March 2025, Maria Elena helped guide a new collaboration with Hospitalito Atitlán, a respected local health institution. “It’s exciting to see this partnership grow,” she says. “We’re creating a foundation of awareness and support that will continue.” And she’s dreaming even bigger. “One of my biggest dreams is to have our own permanent vision clinic right here in town—a place where people can come anytime, not just when Hope Alliance is here. A lasting legacy of all the hard work and relationships we’ve built together.”

Through Maria Elena, we see the full arc of what Hope Alliance strives for—not just delivering services, but building bridges. Not just treating vision problems, but elevating lives. And most importantly, doing it hand in hand with local leaders like her.