Founding Members

Celeste Nicole Marion

Celeste Marion is originally from Seattle, Washington and has been in Peru since 2004 working with children with disabilities. She has a psychology degree from the University of Washington (2003) with an emphasis in child development and has worked with children with autism and behavior disorders for 9 years. Her love for international travel and adventure landed her in South America where challenge met aspiration and inspired the creation of Manos Unidas several years later with long time friend Mercedes Delgado.

Founders

The founders of this organization are a Peruvian woman and an American woman who decided to combine unique experiences, professional knowledge and a passion for social justice into the first private/non-governmental educational center in the region.

Rosa Mercedes Delgado Chavez

Born and raised in Cusco, Peru, Mercedes is an active leader in the education field in her own community. A graduate from the UNIFE in Lima, Peru in elementary education, she has taught public special education for 12 years, is certified in speech and language disorders and has received many certificates for continuing education in the field. She has a passion for her work and a vision to bring a center like Manos Unidas to life in Cusco.