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What We Do
Seven Pillars of Wellbeing
4. Environmental Wellbeing
Our commitment to the planet focuses on sustainability and ecological stewardship to maintain and restore the health of the environments we inhabit.
5. Economic Wellbeing
We provide financial knowledge and tools necessary for economic stability and informed decision-making, supporting sustainable development and resilience.
6. Professional Wellbeing
We cultivate job satisfaction and professional growth through targeted educational training and development, aligning individual strengths with professional roles to enhance productivity and personal fulfillment.
7. Emotional Wellbeing
We support resilience, self-awareness, and emotional health by fostering empathy, positivity psychology, and mental wellness, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Current Programs
A School Built on Hope, A Dream and Purpose
Naranjal, Ecuador
We’re excited to share one of our newest partnerships at Stepping Stones for Global Development: a collaboration with Unidad Educativa Padre Juan Palomino Muñoz, a school in Naranjal, Ecuador—a vibrant, fast-growing town about 90 minutes from Guayaquil. The private school serves students from Pre-K through high school, and while it just officially opened its doors in May 2025, its story began more than a decade ago.
A Lifelong Dream, Finally Realized
For more than 40 years, Bertha Solis Palomino has worked in education—teaching, mentoring, running programs, and even opening a beauty academy and a small high school from her own home. Her dream? To build a school where local children could access quality education and grow up with opportunity right in their own community.
In 2013, her son made that dream a reality. He retired from the Ecuadorian Air Force and used his retirement savings to help his mom start building the school. For years, construction moved slowly. The family faced obstacles, especially during the pandemic when they weren’t sure whether to sell the property, rent it out, or keep going. They chose to keep going. And on May 5, 2025, that dream became a reality.
Today, the school welcomes almost 100 students in its first year and has space to grow to 400. Its focus areas are Computer Science and Finance which will equip students with real-world skills that matter.
Why We’re InvolvedThis school is exactly the kind of project SSGD is proud to support: locally led, rooted in the community, and full of potential. Our Board voted unanimously to provide support through school supplies, professional development for teachers, and future medical brigades to serve the surrounding families. And here’s something we want you to know: Bertha Solis Palomino is the mother-in-law of our founder, Emily Caldwell. That connection makes this story even more personal for us—but it also means we’ve taken extra steps to ensure full transparency and good governance.
The school is not owned by SSGD. It’s not a financial asset, and no donations are used for personal benefit. Everything we offer is in line with our mission: to support local changemakers doing meaningful work in their communities.
Building Strengths-Based Leadership
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
At Stepping Stones for Global Development, we believe lasting change starts with local leaders. That’s why we brought together 20 incredible individuals from across the Galápagos—people working in tourism, government, nonprofits, education, media, and more—to help them tap into what they do best and lead with confidence.
Everyone began by taking the CliftonStrengths assessment to discover their unique talents. From there, they participated in a hands-on workshop led by certified strengths coach Emily Caldwell. Together, they explored how to build stronger teams, lead with purpose, and use strengths to create meaningful change.
What happened next was inspiring. Many of the participants started applying what they learned right away in their workplaces and at home. Some even brought the experience to their own teams, helping others discover and use their strengths too.
A follow-up focus group gave us even more insight into how we can continue growing this work in the Galápagos. Thanks to this group of leaders, we’re now exploring ways to bring strengths-based development to more people and more communities across the islands.
SSGD will continue to offer Strengths based workshops to the community with hopes to identify Ambassadors that can continue to grow the program on the ground.
Past Project
Galapagos Medical Brigade March 2023
In March 2023, Stepping Stones for Global Development organized a medical brigade in the Galapagos Islands, providing essential health services to resource-scarce communities in Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil. With a team of 16 U.S. volunteers, 4 local volunteers, and support from the Municipal Government, our clinics served over 150 patients in mental health, gynecology, and general medicine, and hosted workshops on mental and women’s health. The Executive Director also led a strengths-based workshop for hospital staff, empowering them with tools for personal and professional development. This mission raised $4,733 in medical donations and a $2,500 colposcope for local healthcare. We are committed to continuing our support for the Galapagos and expanding our partnerships in the community.
Aligned with our mission to collaborate with community leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and organizations for sustainable improvements in health and education, Stepping Stones for Global Development introduces six foundational pillars of wellbeing. These pillars are designed to enhance critical aspects of life across diverse communities, particularly those that are resource-scarce, ensuring that every individual can achieve their fullest potential.
1. Social and Community Wellbeing
We foster strong social bonds and community engagement by building supportive networks that encourage mutual understanding, collaboration, and the celebration of individual talents within a shared vision.
2. Educational Wellbeing
We advocate for continuous learning and educational empowerment at all life stages, providing access to the knowledge and skills needed to adapt and succeed in a changing world.
3. Physical Wellbeing
We promote health and wellness initiatives that encourage a balanced lifestyle, including regular physical activity, nutrition, sustainable and preventative healthcare.