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What We Do
Current Programs
Past Projects
Four Pillars of Wellness
Current Programs
A School Built on Hope, A Dream and Purpose in 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.
Our commitment includes maintaining funding for schools, and Emily is scheduled to conduct a follow-up visit in January to evaluate progress and identify any additional needs.
Our Program In Action
This 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 partner with the school by:
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Strengthening Teachers and Leaders: Offering professional development, workshops, and CliftonStrengths training to equip educators and staff with tools to build confidence, collaboration, and leadership.
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Supporting Students: Providing school supplies and creating opportunities for growth through donations such as tables and chairs for preschool and kindergarten, cafeteria furniture, and the school flag—an important symbol in Ecuador, especially for Flag Day.
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Community Support: Planning future medical brigades and wellness initiatives to serve students and families in the surrounding area.
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Ongoing Partnership: Continuing to send targeted donations and support that expand the school’s ability to provide quality, sustainable education.
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.
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.
Tables and chairs for kindergarten and pre-k were purchased provided through donations.
Unidad Educativa flag provided through donations.
Cultivating Strengths for Wellbeing
Through this program, we partner with communities around the world to build resilience, leadership, and purpose.
Spotlight: Our Work in the Galapagos Islands
At Stepping Stones for Global Development, we believe lasting change starts with local leaders. That’s why we launched our first Strengths-Based Leadership Program in the Galápagos Islands, bringing together 20 remarkable individuals from across sectors such as tourism, government, nonprofits, education, and media, to help them discover what they do best and lead with confidence.
Each participant began by taking the CliftonStrengths® assessment to uncover their natural talents. From there, they joined a hands-on workshop facilitated by certified strengths coach Emily Caldwell, where they learned how to build stronger teams, lead with purpose, and use their strengths to create meaningful, lasting impact in their communities.
What followed was truly inspiring. Participants immediately began applying their new insights in their workplaces and personal lives. Some even shared the experience with their own teams, helping others discover and embrace their unique strengths.
A follow-up focus group provided valuable feedback and stories of transformation, affirming that this approach is not only effective but deeply empowering.
Expanding the Impact
Building on the success in the Galápagos, SSGD will continue to use CliftonStrengths® around the world, expanding to mainland Ecuador and beyond. Our goal is to partner with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to bring strengths-based tools for growth, leadership, and wellbeing to even more people.
By equipping local leaders to understand and use their talents, we are creating ripples of positive change that strengthen communities from within.
Galapagos Medical Brigade March 2023
Past Projects
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.
Four Pillars of Wellbeing
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 four 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.
Relationships & Growth
Fostering connection and lifelong learning to help individuals and communities flourish together.
Health & Resilience
Building strong, healthy communities by promoting physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing for all.
Environment & Sustainability
Caring for our natural world through stewardship and sustainable practices that protect future generations.
Financial Stability
Empowering people with the knowledge and tools to create lasting economic security and opportunity.