Little Things Matter Board of Directors
Sayra Alcazar brings over thirteen years of legal experience to our Board. Sayra is bilingual (Spanish/English) and works on immigration matters with the firm Rizzo & Associates. Prior to becoming a Foreign Attorney with Rizo & Associates, PLLC, Sayra served as a Foreign Associate for an Immigration law firm in Dallas for four years. Prior to obtaining her Master of Laws from Southern Methodist University, Sayra served as a Foreign Associate for an International look law firm in New Jersey and managed cases involving international and immigration matters. In Mexico, Sayra worked as an Attorney for the second largest international law firm, managing international, oil and gas, environmental, and corporate cases. Sayra completed her Juris Doctorate from LaSalle University School of Law, in Mexico City, Mexico in 2004 and is an active volunteer in Education for Hispanics and is an active member of the Mexican Bar Association.
Sayra Alcazar
“I love to help people. Being Mexican and an immigrant is what motivates me to always think about what others need, and through this organization I can help them.”
Rose Alsup, born Rosalva Macias in Reynosa Tamaulipas, Mexico, was raised by Mexican and Catholic faith parents in South Texas. As the middle child of eleven children, her independent personality spurred her to be the first daughter to move away from family to pursue a degree in Computer Science for Business in Dallas. Throughout her thirty-plus years in the financial management software industry, she has developed a pasión for mentoring, teaching and leading others.
Rose Alsup
“I enjoy serving under-privileged children and all women in a variety of ways, especially when there’s an opportunity to use my bilingual (Spanish/English) skills, and to share God’s love and character.”
A native-Texan, Mitzi has lived in Dallas most of her life along with her husband of 40 years, John. For 34 of those years, Mitzi has served on the staff of Fellowship Dallas, most recently as the Life Groups Pastor. Passionate about connecting people to one another and to their God-given purpose, Mitzi loves hearing people’s stories and “setting tables” for great conversations around the things that matter most.
With a BS in Education from The University of Texas and being married to a Family Therapist, Mitzi is acutely aware of the need for children to be given every opportunity to improve their well-being and to move from surviving to thriving. “We have every resource available to us to live out our God-given purpose. What we do with those resources to encourage others can make all the difference.”
Raised in a Christian home, Mitzi has a foundation of faith and a commitment to family that influences everything she does. When she is not at work, life is busy as Mitzi enjoys spending most of her free time with her three grown daughters and their families, which now includes seven grandchildren.
Mitzi Arellano
“We have every resource available to us to live out our God-given purpose. What we do with those resources to encourage others can make all the difference.”
Anna Clark is the president of Heirloom Digital, a multimedia company she founded in 2019. A social entrepreneur and sustainability strategist, she also advocates for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and inclusive business as co-founder of the Inclusive Economy Consortium.
Anna began her career as a management consultant with PwC Consulting and IBM. In 2005, she founded EarthPeople Media, a sustainability communication consultancy. She has served in positions at Hill+Knowlton Strategies as a principal, providing senior counsel in corporate affairs and CSR to industry leaders and Zen Media as a Senior Strategist. She currently works as Vice President & Sustainability Practice Leader at Cooksey Communications.
A published author, Anna has written the Eco-Leadership column for Greenbiz.com since 2009, and has contributed to The Guardian, Al Jazeera English, HuffPost, The Christian Science Monitor and The Dallas Morning News. She is a Public Voices Fellow at the OpEd Project and a Fellow at the Hunt Institute for Engineering & Humanity at SMU.
Anna holds an M.A. in Communication from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin. She lives with her family in one of the first homes in Dallas to earn a Platinum LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Anna Clark
“I serve on the Little Things Matter board to support a mission I truly believe in!”
Adriana Delgado-Loyola is a principal and managing director in a construction and real-estate business in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Growing up in Mexico City with a family of six, Adriana learned the value of helping others less fortunate. Since she was young, Adriana participated in her local community, believing little things can make a difference, whether helping your neighbor or the locals. As a thirty-year resident of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Adriana has contributed to the community in various ways, from fundraising for children’s homes to providing dorms and sports fields and sponsoring education for young women to pursue higher education. As a founder and former Casa Hogar Corazón Valiente board member, Adriana raised funds to create a home for abandoned girls. She also helped launch the “Break an Egg–Hatch and Education” project sponsored by Little Things Matter Foundation, where the income generated from chicken farming provided for the children’s educational activities. She mentors students through Jovens Adelante—a non-profit that provides scholarships and critical resources for first-generation Mexicans pursuing higher education. Adriana launched Las Pequeñas Cosas Importan in Mexico—the new sister organization of Little Things Matter Foundation—as an inaugural board member. Adriana holds a Masters in Architecture and New Urbanism.
In her youth, Adriana spent summers at camp in the Poconos mountains. Fond of the outdoors, Adriana enjoys hiking, biking, and camping and shares these activities with her nieces, nephews, and the other youth she serves.
Adriana Delgado-Loyola
“I was inspired to participate in Little Things Matter because their mission to generate life change through specific projects that empower communities to grow and improve well-being, with dignity and respect, is a mission I admire.”
A former American football quarterback who played at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. After leading the nation in passing as a sophomore, he was awarded the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 1968.
Hixson was a 13th-round selection (328th overall pick) in the 1971 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chuck Hixson is Vice President of Westdale Asset Management, where he has worked for twenty-two years.
As a Board Member of the Deep Ellum Foundation, Chuck is instrumental in ensuring Deep Ellum retains is vibrancy as a key destination in the city of Dallas. The Deep Ellum Foundation was manages the Public Improvement District that Barry Annino founded in 1999.
Chuck graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Southern Methodist University.
Chuck Hixson
“I hope to enhance the service to all those we serve through the meaningful and imperative initiatives of Little Things Matter Foundation."
Chris Portmann visited several Little Things Matter-supported projects in Mexico and has seen the good being done to fulfill Barry’s vision there. Chris was a long-time friend of Barry Annino and shared his passion for building bridges of understanding and service to those in need. Eager to support the organization’s development, he brings his considerable financial skills to the Board as Treasurer. Chris received his Texas CPA certificate over 40 years ago and practiced public accounting for over a decade. He later served as VP-Finance and CFO for a Dallas oil and gas Operator for over 20 years. He has been a manager with a Dallas provider of data processing services to the oil and gas community and more recently joined x(name) as CFO. Chris lives in San Antonio with his wife, Cynthia. Together, they enjoy pickleball, serving in their community, and spending time with their two granddaughters.
Chris Portmann
“Being an integral part of Barry’s and Debora’s vision to invest in uplifting, life-changing projects in Hispanic communities is why I serve Little Things Matter.”
Kim Rice is Vice President of Visual Resource Group and has more than 25 years of experience in marketing/communications, including serving as Director of Marketing and Communications for the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. She earned a Master of Humanities degree in 2019 with a concentration in Literature from the University of Dallas, and is currently pursuing a MFA at the University of St. Thomas. She currently sits on the National Professional Advisory Board of the Texas Tech University College of Media and Communication and has served as a Distinguished Voices community writer for The Dallas Morning News and on the Marketing Advisory Board for the Dallas Museum of Art. Kim is an alumna of the Junior League’s T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute of 2012-2013.
During College, Kim spent a summer studying in Mexico and traveled there frequently during her youth. Intrigued by a place so near to home yet so different in history, lifestyle and language, Kim has long been fascinated with the people and culture of our neighbor to the south. In Dallas, Kim has had the opportunity to serve on the Consul General of Mexico’s Publication Advisory Board. And, as community relations manager at KERA, she developed the DFW Latino Advisory Council and worked in partnership with the Latino Cultural Center to bring actor James Olmos to Dallas for its opening.
Kim has a great respect for the Latino culture, and her time in rural Mexico gave her a heart for the impoverished indigenous people of this developing country. During College, Kim spent a summer studying in Mexico and travelled there frequently during her youth. Intrigued by a place so near to home yet so different in history, lifestyle and language, Kim has long fascinated with the people and culture of our neighbor to the south. In Dallas, Kim has had the opportunity to serve on the Consul General of Mexico’s Publication Advisory Board. And, as community relations manager at KERA, she developed the DFW Latino Advisory Counsel and worked in partnership with the Latino Cultural Center to bring actor James Olmos to Dallas for its opening.
Kim has a great respect for the Latino culture, and her time in rural Mexico gave her a heart for the impoverished indigenous people of this developing country.
Kim Rice
“Through my work on the board, I seek to support Debora’s mission of investing in these communities and planting seeds of hope.”
Deborah brings 35 years of P&L management, workforce transformation, operational leadership, governance and public accounting tax expertise to the corporate boardroom. Her professional and non-profit executive track record includes compelling examples of building new businesses, driving revenue and profit growth and implementing transformative strategies and technology builds.
As a former senior partner and business leader with EY, Deborah scaled tax businesses while managing and implementing tax planning strategies and tax compliance processes for large multinational clients. With a reputation as a highly creative, innovative and inclusive leader, Deborah solves the most complex business and strategic matters resulting in the consistent transformation of cultures, relationships and outcomes. She is highly regarded for utilizing an exceptionally inquisitive and collaborative approach that unites senior management teams and board members around visionary solutions and strategies. Her deep investment in both people and processes combined with her tax technical expertise and global network of connections position her to immediately contribute to board oversight roles.
Beyond Deborah’s business and community endeavors, Deborah has enjoyed teaching children’s Sunday School for over 12 years at the churches she and her family attended. At her current church, Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC), Deborah is a member of the Chancel Choir and serves as an usher/greeter. Her husband, Richard, is a former HPUMC staff member who led the Senior Adult ministry for over 11 years. He remains an active HPUMC volunteer and serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Agape Clinic, Dickinson Place, and C.C. Young Memorial Home.
Deborah Standford
"I believe that empowering women with skills, confidence, and economic opportunity is the key to lifting communities out of poverty. I am eager to bring my skills to help Little Things Matter achieve its goal of improving the lives of women, children and families in Mexico.”
Las Pequeños Cosas Importan Board of Directors
Debora
Debora Annino, President
“I love to help people. Being Mexican and an immigrant is what motivates me to always think about what others need, and through this organization I can help them.”
Adriana Delgado-Loyola is a principal and managing director in a construction and real-estate business in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Growing up in Mexico City with a family of six, Adriana learned the value of helping others less fortunate. Since she was young, Adriana participated in her local community, believing little things can make a difference, whether helping your neighbor or the locals. As a thirty-year resident of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Adriana has contributed to the community in various ways, from fundraising for children’s homes to providing dorms and sports fields and sponsoring education for young women to pursue higher education. As a founder and former Casa Hogar Corazón Valiente board member, Adriana raised funds to create a home for abandoned girls. She also helped launch the “Break an Egg–Hatch and Education” project sponsored by Little Things Matter Foundation, where the income generated from chicken farming provided for the children’s educational activities. She mentors students through Jovens Adelante—a non-profit that provides scholarships and critical resources for first-generation Mexicans pursuing higher education. Adriana launched Las Pequeñas Cosas Importan in Mexico—the new sister organization of Little Things Matter Foundation—as an inaugural board member. Adriana holds a Masters in Architecture and New Urbanism.
In her youth, Adriana spent summers at camp in the Poconos mountains. Fond of the outdoors, Adriana enjoys hiking, biking, and camping and shares these activities with her nieces, nephews, and the other youth she serves.
Adriana Delgado-Loyola, Treasurer
“I serve on the Little Things Matter board to support a mission I truly believe in!”
Sayra Alcazar brings over thirteen years of legal experience to our Board. Sayra is bilingual (Spanish/English) and works on immigration matters with the firm Rizzo & Associates. Prior to becoming a Foreign Attorney with Rizo & Associates, PLLC, Sayra served as a Foreign Associate for an Immigration law firm in Dallas for four years. Prior to obtaining her Master of Laws from Southern Methodist University, Sayra served as a Foreign Associate for an International look law firm in New Jersey and managed cases involving international and immigration matters. In Mexico, Sayra worked as an Attorney for the second largest international law firm, managing international, oil and gas, environmental, and corporate cases. Sayra completed her Juris Doctorate from LaSalle University School of Law, in Mexico City, Mexico in 2004 and is an active volunteer in Education for Hispanics and is an active member of the Mexican Bar Association.
Sayra Alcazar, Secretary
“I was inspired to participate in Little Things Matter because their mission to generate life change through specific projects that empower communities to grow and improve well-being, with dignity and respect, is a mission I admire.”
Mexico Team
Barbara
Barbara Rueda, Executive Director
“I love to help people. Being Mexican and an immigrant is what motivates me to always think about what others need, and through this organization I can help them.”
Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Sarah López Ammirata moved to San Miguel de Allende, México, at age thirteen. Being raised as a multicultural child allowed her to gain different perspectives and relate to people from all backgrounds. Sarah studied at the Universidad de Guanajuato campus ITSES, graduating in 2017 with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Project Development. After graduating, she pursued further education in nutrition, exercise, and natural medicine, completing her certification in 2018. In addition, she studied dog behavior and holistic permaculture.
She attended a youth group in San Miguel de Allende throughout her teen years, where she met her future husband, Yehoshuah "Yeho” Pareja. During her early teens and young adult years, she navigated her faith until, at twenty-two, she discovered that through surrendering, she found grace. Since then, she has dedicated her time to serving others, working with children and youth, and providing spiritual direction. Since marrying Yehoshuah at twenty-five, she and Yeho decided to pursue purpose together and invest in the youth of San Miguel de Allende. Sarah is a full-time regional leader with Young Life Mexico.
Sarah López Ammirata, Director Kids Club and Summer Camp
“I try to be the friend and example to kids that I would have liked to have as a teenager—someone who listens, someone who makes others feel accepted and understood.”
Born in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Yehoshuah Pareja, also known as Yeho, lived an everyday life, attending public schools and a private bilingual Christian school for a few short years. He was introduced to music in private school and learned to play a variety of musical instruments. When Yeho turned eighteen, he knew how to play four different instruments. After graduating, a local church invited him to lead the music worship.
Because he needed to improve his English, Yeho began taking English classes at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), completing his certification in ESL in 2019. Desiring to formalize his musical knowledge, he attended the Instituto Canzión in Querétaro. After four years of studying English and music, Yeho finished his degree in Music Ministry Leadership in 2020 and now plays guitar, bass guitar, piano, and drums. In his free time, Yehoshuah enjoys woodworking, making furniture, and pursuing his passion for music by songwriting and composing songs.
During these years, Young Life Mexico extended an invitation to volunteer to serve the youth of San Miguel de Allende. Through Young Life, Yehoshuah developed a friendship with Sarah López Ammirata. They married in 2020. Yehu continues to volunteer with Young Life Mexico.
Yehoshuah "Yeho” Eli Pareja, Co-Director Kids Club and Summer Camp
“It’s been amazing serving with Sarah, working with kids through Young Life Mexico, Little Things Matter, our local church’s youth group, and leading music worship.”
Born in Mexico City, Eloisa Rodriguez moved to San Miguel de Allende as a teenager in 2006 with her younger sister and mother to escape an abusive relationship with her father. Eloisa courageously forged a safe and healthier life for her mother and sister by pursuing her passion for helping other children. Eloisa studied administration at UTEL Universidad online while working to support her family. She began her professional work with children 2015 as a teacher at Bereshit Christian School in San Miguel de Allende. Spending six years as a supervisor and two years in school administration, she fine-tuned her expertise in working with children and administration. Eloisa’s giftedness with children is evidenced by her appointment as lead children’s minister at her local church. Her experience in administration led her to a position with Young Life Mexico as their National Administrator and Logistics Coordinator.
Since fleeing Mexico City in 2006, Eloisa witnessed the transforming power of grace in her and her father’s lives. Reunited, her father lives with her mother, sister, and nephew in San Miguel de Allende.
Eloise Rodriguez, Co-Director Kids Club and Summer Camp
“I desire to continue serving Little Things Matter Foundation, sharing my story and encouraging other children to be courageous and pursue spiritual well-being.”