Resilience in Every Step

Carlita Cabascango is our Technical Coordinator, overseeing the projects and leading with strength and integrity. This is her story in her own words.

I am the oldest of three siblings and the only girl. I was born into a family of very young parents in Cayambe almost 33 years ago. I grew up in an environment where, more than words, examples shaped my worldview. From a young age, I understood that strength, responsibility, and perseverance were necessary to succeed. My parents come from very humble backgrounds and have achieved everything through their hard work; they have been my greatest role models. Therefore, I grew up with the conviction that every effort transforms and that things don't change on their own. I learned that it is necessary to take action, make decisions, and assume responsibilities if you truly want to change your circumstances. When I finished high school, I knew I wanted to study medicine. Although it may sound redundant, when people asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always answered: "help others." I started down that path and studied medicine for almost a year; however, in the process, I decided to change course and study clinical psychology, finding in this profession a closer way to connect with people and their stories.

At 20, I became a mother, at a time when I was still forging my own path. It's one of the most defining experiences of my life because I had to learn to balance motherhood with my professional development. This has been one of the greatest challenges of my life, but also one of the most transformative experiences. It taught me resilience, how to prioritize, and how to never give up.

After graduating from university in 2019, I began my first professional experience at the Ecuadorian Community Development Foundation (FACE). I began working as a psychologist on the Prevention Program - Child Labor Eradication Prevention project, supporting children and adolescents in rural areas of Cayambe. This initial experience working in the field profoundly shaped my understanding of social intervention. I encountered realities that broadened my perspective and reaffirmed my purpose: I understood that it is both possible and necessary to do more for those who need us.

In 2020, I made another important decision in my life: to start a family. I married my husband, Jefferson, in whom I find not only a partner but also a friend and companion. I thank God for his great heart, and I know without a doubt that he is the best partner to journey through life with my son, Nicolás.

Today, I work as a Technical Coordinator, a role that allows me to support the work of the technical teams that work directly with children, adolescents, and women in vulnerable situations. Throughout this process, I have continued my academic development, committed to strengthening my skills and performing my work to the best of my ability. It has also been inspiring to find people along this path with whom I share the same purpose and vocation, in whom I have found more than just colleagues—I have found family.

Over the years, I've learned that behind every story lies pain, but also an enormous capacity for rebuilding. Today, I continue to hold the conviction that the work we do is not just technical but profoundly human. I believe in the dignity of every story and in the possibility of creating new opportunities, even in the midst of hardship. And it is precisely with this same lesson that I want my son to grow up, knowing that it is always possible and necessary to do more for others.