Meet Diego - Our New Executive Director
¡Gracias!
Thank you for welcoming me into this unique HFK Family and trusting me to lead us to new horizons. I’m grateful to God, the Board of Directors, our staff, and you for allowing me the opportunity to continue the eternal impact HFK has helped create in the lives of countless children and young adults worldwide.
I am excited to support the growth of the organization we all love. More participants, more teams, more programs, more countries... ultimately serving more kids!
I grew up in Bogotá, Colombia spending my Sundays biking in the cyclovia and attending church with my family.
We then immigrated to the United States and I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Saint Mary’s College of California where, through leadership and soccer, I met Randy, went on my first HFK trip, and served alongside many of you!
My first trip was in 2015 where I discovered the eternal joy of service.
My heart for service grew and craved more upon my return home.
I am looking forward to developing Here For Kids International while it develops me. I truly believe that He is calling me to step into a chapter of my life which will strengthen my faith and allow me to learn from those around me.
I am eager to collaborate with the board, the staff, organization partners, and longtime connections of HFK to develop a vision and action plan we can all work towards.
“Diego was a significant contributor on many HFK trips and I believe he is very knowledgeable about our partner’s operations and how HFK can grow.”
-Randy Farris
I strive to be an ideal example of a multicultural servant with a passion for youth empowerment. I have served as the Director of various youth leadership conferences for international students throughout the world, and with my thorough background in interpreting and translating, I effectively carried out my role as a liaison to ensure clear and consistent communication.
My comprehensive experience with public speaking allows me to passionately advocate for HFK, and my active, healthy, and spiritual lifestyle makes me no stranger to youth spiritual development through sports. I believe I come equipped with excellent leadership and communication abilities that make me a leader we are proud to follow.
Serving and playing with the kids is a true joy and a blessing for me.
I’ve found my love for soccer to be a natural ice breaker with the kids.
I am prepared to be the bridge that connects us with our partner organizations and the locals we serve.
As I grow in this new role, I am grateful for your support and encouragement. I am always open to new ideas and would love to hear from you!
Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.
-Diego J. Ríos
drios@hereforkids.org
If you’d like to learn more about HFK’s transition and what’s ahead for us, watch this video!
