WHO WE ARE

© Hudson Road Photography​

Fundación Colibrí is a 501(c) (3) private family foundation established in November 2017 by Monica de la Torre and Herb Allen III, a New York-based family with strong Puerto Rican ties. Inspired by the desire to contribute to the long-term recovery and transformation of Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, Colibrí has contributed to important initiatives that emerged in the dawn of Puerto Rico’s reconstruction, and continues to support nonprofit organizations addressing the multiple needs of local communities that surfaced after the 2019-20 earthquakes and through the 2020-21 global pandemic. Colibri has sharpened its focus to concentrate on the area of education. We are convinced that to create a sustainable future for Puerto Rico, we must significantly improve the quality of the education system and transform the learning experiences of children in our public schools.

© Hudson Road Photography

WE INVEST IN THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO TO SPARK SYSTEMIC CHANGE THROUGH INFORMED ENGAGEMENT AND LOCAL ACTION.

Today, Colibrí invests in the people and organizations in Puerto Rico that are committed to building a relevant, innovative, connected, and pluralistic education system that responds to the diverse conditions, interests, talents, and aspirations of the children, families, and communities it is meant to serve.

© Hudson Road Photography

We value and embrace transformational change by embodying the agile spirit of the hummingbird: connecting with others to build honest and nurturing relationships and to gain new broader perspectives; pollinating and spreading ideas that inspire; approaching challenges with bold determination and leadership while enjoying the work with our partners; constantly scanning the landscape, learning and growing with our collaborators to adapt our approach and stay transformative in dynamic contexts, and engaging patiently in complex systems nurturing long-term change.

María "Baby" Juanarena and Monica de la Torre

Monica de la Torre
Co-founder & President
María (Baby) Jaunarena
Executive Director

Herbert Allen, III
Co-Founder, Vice President & Treasurer

Karen Lavine
Advisor

Beatriz de la Torre
Secretary