Mission Statement
We Uplift Displaced Children and Families
We uplift displaced children and their families by providing access to health, education, and community building, so they can thrive and belong.
Building a world where every child belongs
We uplift displaced children and their families by providing access to health, education, and community building, so they can thrive and belong.
We envision a compassionate world where every child and family, regardless of their origin, is embraced with love, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to thrive.
Families and children affected by displacement across the Americas face systemic barriers to education, health care, and social inclusion due to limited institutional support and exclusionary policies, leading to cycles of instability that hinder their well-being, potential, and sense of belonging.
In 2003, a group of university students at the University of Florida felt called to give back to their homeland of Colombia. Moved by a deep commitment to create lasting change, they founded CBOB with a vision of cultivating Peace, Justice, and Equal Opportunity for children and families facing displacement.
What began as a student organization became a registered non-profit in 2007, expanding our reach beyond Colombia to serve displaced communities across the Americas. Today, with support from people around the globe, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the children and families we serve.
We build trust through integrity, transparency, and consistency. We honor our commitments, listen deeply, and create safe spaces where children, families, partners, and staff feel secure, respected, and confident in our care.
We act with courage by standing up for children and families, even when it is difficult. We challenge unjust systems, speak truth with humility, and take bold steps to create pathways for healing, belonging, and opportunity.
We believe lasting impact is created together. We value shared leadership, mutual learning, and strong partnerships with families, communities, and organizations, knowing that collective wisdom leads to stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
We meet every child and family with empathy, kindness, and understanding. We recognize trauma, honor lived experiences, and respond with care that is culturally responsive, patient, and rooted in humanity.
We affirm the inherent worth of every child and family. We respect identities, stories, and cultures, ensuring our programs and relationships empower people rather than define them by their circumstances.
Love guides all that we do. It shows up as presence, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of children and families. Love moves us beyond service toward genuine belonging, healing, and hope.
Dedicated leaders working tirelessly to create lasting change for displaced children and families across the Americas.
Since stepping into her leadership role in 2020, Maria Eugenia has guided CBOB through a transformative period of growth and adaptation. She oversees the organization’s core mission to empower vulnerable children through education and mentorship, leading strategic programs both locally in the United States and through community-centered partnerships in Colombia. With nearly two decades of experience as an educator—currently serving as a Spanish IB Instructor and CAS Coordinator at Alachua County Public Schools—her leadership is deeply rooted in advancing education equity and immigrant community engagement. She holds a graduate degree in Political Science and Latin American Studies from the University of Florida and remains a passionate advocate for global citizenship and cross-border leadership development
As Operations Director, Daniela translates her extensive background in social advocacy into strategic leadership for Children Beyond Our Borders. Currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Florida, she bridges the gap between sociological theory and community-driven action. Her leadership is deeply informed by years of frontline service in Colombia, including her role as an Orientation Specialist for the Victims Unit, where she managed humanitarian aid for those affected by armed conflict. Additionally, her work with the Mayor’s Office of Bucaramanga and Corporación Minuto de Dios in stabilizing migrant populations underscores her commitment to human rights and psychosocial support. At CBOB, Daniela leverages this international experience to streamline operations and ensure the organization remains a resilient resource for the families it serves.
Ani serves as the Assistant Director of Development for Children Beyond Our Borders, where she spearheads grant research, donor data analysis, and strategic outreach to fuel the organization’s growth. A University of Florida Public Relations major on a Pre-law track, Ani brings a high level of analytical precision to her role, drawing from her experience as a Legal Assistant in immigration law and a Teaching Assistant for Business Law. Beyond her strategic work, she remains deeply connected to the community as a Volunteer Tutor, providing bilingual support to help Spanish-speaking students navigate the American educational system. Driven by her commitment to advocacy and educational equity, Ani balances her leadership at CBOB with her work on the UF Student Conduct Committee and her studies in professional communication.
Our board members bring diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to guide CBOB's mission and ensure organizational excellence.
Board President | Assistant Vice President at CCS Fundraising
Secretary | Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy
Member | Assistant Professor at the University of Florida
Member | Neonatologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Member | Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Member | Software Engineering Manager at Virta Health
Your support helps us create a world where every displaced child can belong and thrive.
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