Meet the Founders

Jennifer Mendoza Diamond, a devoted mother of five children and one granddaughter, was born in Arequipa, Peru and came to the United States in 1966. Since childhood, she dreamed of creating an organization to alleviate the suffering of people living in poverty which she witnessed growing up in her hometown. She called on close family friends, Isabel and Ronald Rattell in the spring of 1996 and Hands Across the Americas was founded with a mission to help underprivileged children and their families in the Americas. After her family, her desire to help the poor and the suffering is the most important calling in her life.

Steven Diamond was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Steve shares the desire with his wife, Jennifer to help those less fortunate and actively participates in all aspects of the organization. Steve's original training was as an accountant, and he has served as President and CEO of several small businesses throughout his career.

Maria Isabel Calderon Rattell was born in Arequipa Peru and came to the United States with Jennifer in 1966. Isabel and her husband have four children and nine grandchildren. Isabel has a love for antiques and owned an antique store for thirty years.

Ronald Rattell was born in Baltimore, Maryland and grew up in Mexico City D.F., Mexico. Ron has been a witness to the destitute living conditions in Latin America . His love of the region and its people inspired him to join the Diamonds in co-founding Hands Across the Americas. Ron is a retired engineer from Northrop Grumman where he worked as Vice President of Latin American Affairs.