Key Staff
Until 2001, the Fabretto Children's Foundation was an entirely volunteer run and managed organization. While we now have paid staff, we remain committed to staying lean – and doing much with little. We aim to keep management and fundraising expenses to the very minimum necessary to meet Fabretto program funding goals.
Kevin C. Marinacci, Founder
Kevin first went to Nicaragua in 1989, as part of a Georgetown University volunteer program where he met Father Raphael Maria Fabretto. After Father Fabretto's untimely death in 1990, Kevin took on a leadership role in establishing a much-needed organizational structure and has remained at the helm of the Fabretto organization since then. Please see the organization's history to learn more.
Kevin earned his B.A. from Georgetown University in 1989 and his M.B.A. from the Kellogg Business School in 1995. Kevin lives in Managua The Marinacci family is from Chicago and their family and friends have been an instrumental part of the organization since its inception. Both Georgetown and Kellogg alumni also have contributed to the strength and growth of the organization for which we are all incredibly appreciative. Kevin lives in Managua with his wife and son.
Christina Falck, Vice President
Christina works directly with Kevin Marinacci and manages U.S. operations. She is responsible for donor management, corporate sponsorships of events, and Fabretto’s documentary outreach. She also supports Kevin with strategic program partnerships and in-kind or pro-bono relationships. If interested in supporting Fabretto or one of its many programs, please call Christina in the Arlington office.
Kathleen Coppedge, Office & Special Projects Manager
Kathleen manages Fabretto human resources, administrative and financial responsibilities in the U.S., as well as food and in-kind donation shipments from the U.S. to Nicaragua. Additionally, she assists with special project coordination and filters inquiries for the U.S. organization.
Gabriela Arguello, Events Director
Gaby manages fundraising and awareness events nationwide and in Nicaragua for Fabretto. She also oversees Fabretto’s merchandising efforts in the U.S. with the basket and jewelry programs. If you are interested in hosting an event or selling merchandise for Fabretto, please call the Arlington office.
Rafael Merchan, Proposal Development Associate
Rafael researches, writes, and submits program grant proposals to potential funders, as well as manage grant reporting. He works directly with Fabretto’s program team in Nicaragua and understands the technical needs of Fabretto’s projects regarding education, nutrition, and health.
Joanne Mazzella, Child Sponsorship Coordinator
Joanne manages the Fabretto child sponsorship program and the U.S. volunteers for translation projects. She is based in Arizona and can be reached at mazzellaj@fabretto.org.
Ines Rivera, Public Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator
Ines manages U.S. donor acknowledgement and tax receipting, production of marketing materials and volunteer inquiries for those interested in volunteering their services in the U.S. or Nicaragua. She can be reached at riverai@fabretto.org.
Eliza Brennan, Development Associate
Eliza is based in Managua, Nicaragua, and directly supports U.S. partnerships on the ground, including grant reporting, donor visits for review of projects, and major event promotion and coordination in Nicaragua. She can be reached at brennane@fabretto.org.
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