Hello, I’m Alvaro. My journey as a youth leader toward socio-environmental justice.

From a very young age, I felt my life was deeply intertwined with caring for the planet and defending the most vulnerable. That passion for protecting the Earth and promoting social justice led me to join numerous community spaces and organizations, both locally and internationally. Today, as a youth coordinator in El Salvador, my journey merges with SERES’ mission: to empower young people and sow a positive impact in every community I touch.

Alvaro co-facilitating during the youth council meeting.

I grew up surrounded by young people who longed for a more equitable and sustainable world. Inspired by their energy, I studied Social Work and graduated in 2019, after participating in the Sustainable Agriculture Program (PAS) of the Community Association United for Water and Agriculture (ACUA). There, I gained the tools and awareness needed to understand the complexity of socio-environmental challenges and, most importantly, to drive transformative action.

My work as coordinator of the EcoActivism Program at Plataforma Global El Salvador opened the door to a universe of experiences alongside young people from North America and Europe. Their stories and perspectives fueled my belief that change is possible when we unite our voices and efforts. In this empowering environment, I strengthened my commitment to promoting initiatives that inspire hope.

My introduction to SERES came about through a strategic alliance with Plataforma Global El Salvador, aimed at enhancing youth leadership. From that moment on, I felt I had found my home in an ecosystem that transformed my view of the world and how I approach social action. In 2022, the Sustainability Gathering in Guatemala connected me with leaders from Guatemala and El Salvador, whose stories motivated me to keep moving forward. A year later, representing the El Salvador Youth Ambassadors Network on the SERES Board of Directors challenged me to grow and to influence critical debates on youth and the environment.

When the opportunity arose to formally join SERES, I took on the role of Zone Facilitator in Jujutla, Ahuachapán. My experience in programs like Actívate and initiatives such as Catalizadores prepared me for this new step, guiding youth in finding solutions to the socio-environmental problems facing their communities. Each step I have taken reminds me that true leadership blossoms when nurtured by collaboration and shared passion.

Álvaro’s story—my story—reflects how SERES propels and supports youth to become key players in social transformation. Every activity we implement pursues a clear goal: to create a positive, lasting impact, and to invite more people and organizations to join this collective dream. My journey testifies that if we firmly believe in a more sustainable and just future, we build it through every action, step by step, side by side.

“A youth leader committed to socio-environmental transformation.”

If you want to support leader like Alvaro, you can be part to our donor circle, write us to development@seres.org for more information.