Meet the Team
Executive Director & Founder, Michael Sunderani
With the help of a few friends from university, Miguel founded SJMF in 2010. He has worked so hard over the past years to ensure SJMF lives up to all that it was meant to be. Miguel is responsible for all that takes place in the Dominican Republic, including scoping out potential project sites for upcoming groups, organizing all of the build sites, as well as ensuring that all of the groups have all the supplies they need for a fun and successful experience! Miguel now lives in the Dominican Republic full time and has dedicated all of his time and hard work to this foundation. He quickly becomes friends with all those whom he meets, and isn’t afraid to crack a joke to lighten up any mood.
Charity President, Karan Chauhan
Karan has been part of SJMF since 2012 and has been in a leadership role for the charity for many years. Not only has he been on 5 trips, he was the President for the Wilfrid Laurier chapter, part of the executive fundraising team and is now the President of the entire charity. “Individually, we can’t change the world, but we can always do our part to give back to the causes that are important to us” is his motto and SJMF is something of a true passion for him. SJMF has a lot of work to do but there are a lot of good things coming and with the help of the executive team, Karan is excited to embark on this journey leading the charity to success!
Charity Vice President, Emily Gadzala
Emily has recently become the Charity Vice President, and has been volunteering with SJMF since 2017. She became a part of the SJMF organization through Wilfrid Laurier University where she was the marketing executive and later titled (by her fellow teammates) as the “on-site supervisor”. This charity and the experience of travelling to another country to build houses for families in need sparked her interests in humanitarian aid. She now has a graduate certificate in international development and is proud to be a part of such an incredible organization that is dedicated to helping others. She cannot wait to see the future projects of SJMF unfold, as each one is special and unique in its own way. Emily is excited to welcome all new SJMF individuals into this special community that we call family. As we always “Two countries, One love”.
Project Manager & Group Leader, Manauri Baez
Ahhhh Manauri. Where do we begin? His humour and hilarity keeps everyone laughing and smiling – any group would be truly lucky to have him on their worksite! Manauri has been involved with SJMF since before it all began. He is always willing to take time out of his busy schedule to prepare for a group’s arrival and spend time with each group when they come. Manauri works to make sure each volunteer is happy and involved in the work, as well as ensuring everyone takes part in the dancing – that is, after taking a small dance lesson from the professional himself! Often the highlight of people’s trip, we all appreciate Manauri’s hard work and dedication and can always look forward to our time spent with him!
Group Cook, Eli Rodriguez
The best food anyone in the world will ever eat in their lives will be prepared by the hands of a lovely woman named Eli. We are so fortunate here at SJMF to have the best cook in all of Ocoa working with us to make sure that everyone is well fed and happy! Nothing but the best of the best is served to all group members, and it would not be possible without Eli’s hard work! Eli makes sure that our tummies are filled with the freshest and most delicious foods and we are ever-grateful for that. Basically, we love Eli and our love for her will never end!
Cook, Nuna Minyety
Nuna is our newest cook! She is taking over after the sad departure of her mother Nene. If you have come in the past few years you will certainly recognize her as she has been lending a helping hand for our groups for a few years now. Always ready to work anytime of day or night with a big smile on her face. Nuna loves to spend time with the Canadian groups and is continuously working on her English. We are happy to add this lovely lady to our roster.
SJMF HALL OF FAME
These three individuals were some of SJMF's most respected and dedicated workers and were like parental figures in the SJMF family. They were the backbone that held us all together and their spirit can never be crushed. Unfortunately, Nene, Juan and Oscar were taken from us too soon.
They were always the first to greet a friend, old or new, with a smile, a hug and they worked tirelessly over the last decade to help make SJMF what it is today. We could not have seen the success or growth of the charity and its efforts without them. Throughout their time with us, they did everyone. Not only did they excel in their respective line of work, they have always been great leaders, dance partners, and were always up for a cold beer!
Most importantly, they were our best friends. We miss them dearly and will always keep them close to our hearts and will continue to build this charity with them in spirit.
Juan Chatta
Head Foreman
Oscar Ramirez
Assistant Head Foreman
Nene Minyeti
Head Cook
Notable Mentions
Michael Paolini
Former President
Michael Marcucci
Former President