eric parizek

lisa heid

Elizabeth and Alberto Fernández

Eric is the visionary President and Co-Founder of the Monarch Effect Foundation, dedicated to empowering students in Los Cabos through education. What began as a personal mentorship of one student has evolved into a thriving foundation that supports many young scholars with aspirations for higher and better education. Eric's leadership is defined by his hands-on approach and deep community engagement, leveraging his connections to build a network of donors and partners who share his passion for transformational education. His commitment to fostering positive change continues to drive the foundation's mission to help students achieve their full potential.

board members

Joaquin tello de Meneses

Sarah williams

Lisa is the Co-Founder and Secretary of the Monarch Effect Foundation, bringing her deep passion for social progress and equitable development to the forefront. A long-time resident of Los Cabos, Lisa witnessed firsthand the growing gap between the region’s rapid development and the local community’s educational and financial infrastructure. Her partnership with Eric Parizek helped to address these pressing needs, with Lisa playing a key role in forming the foundational partnerships that have been critical to the organization's growth. Her visionary leadership and dedication have guided the strategic direction of the foundation, particularly in the development of marketing and mentorship programs that work to level the playing field for the students they serve.

Liz and Alberto are dedicated advocates for quality education in Mexico, driven by their own experience of navigating the complex education system for their three sons. They joined forces with four other families to establish the Montessori Secondary School in Mexico City in 2011, and bring this passion for education along with the experiences of a successful restaurant business in San Jose Del Cabo.

With their first-hand understanding of the challenges of affording quality private education in Mexico, Liz and Alberto have committed to paying it forward. As co-founders and board members of the Monarch Effect Foundation, they are forging a path toward better educational opportunities for future generations of students in Los Cabos.

Joaquin is a well-known figure in San Jose del Cabo with experience in both politics and community development. He is deeply committed to transforming his community and is driven by a philosophy centered around independence, virtue, and ethics, aiming to foster unity, consensus, and progress within Los Cabos​. As a board member, Joaquin brings a strong commitment to ethical governance and community-focused initiatives. His vision for Los Cabos is one of social and economic development that reflects his dedication to democratic evolution, education, and cultural growth, positioning him as a transformative leader.

Sarah brings her entrepreneurial spirit and deep expertise in business administration to the Monarch Effect Foundation. With a master's degree from Cornell University and a background in governmental finance, Sarah has been a key figure in shaping the foundation’s strategic direction. As the mother of a university student in Canada and a frequent visitor to Baja, Sarah has witnessed the disparities in education for Mexican children and felt a strong call to action. Today, she continues to provide invaluable financial guidance and mentorship to the foundation’s founding members, helping to ensure that their mission of empowering students through education is sustainably realized.

advisors

John c. Anderson ph. d.

martin waldbaum

Scott thomas

Martin's legacy with the Monarch Effect Foundation is one of transformative generosity and visionary support. As the first major donor, Martin’s belief in the power of education to drive positive societal change helped ignite the foundation's mission from the very beginning. His contributions as a mentor, benefactor, and advocate continue to inspire others to follow in his footsteps, fueling a culture of giving and community investment. Martin's enduring commitment to empowering students in Los Cabos has left an indelible mark on the foundation, reminding us that one person’s vision and compassion can spark a movement of lasting impact.

John brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising to the Monarch Effect Foundation. With a Master's and Ph.D. from Cornell University and an academic career at prestigious institutions like UCLA, Columbia University, and the University of Colorado, John transitioned into consulting with global organizations such as UNICEF, where he managed events that set Guinness World Records. His extensive experience in the world of marketing, from leading campaigns for major brands like Sony and MasterCard to launching his own agencies, has made him a valuable asset in guiding the foundation’s marketing strategies. Since becoming a full-time resident of Los Cabos in 2018, John has been deeply involved in supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses. His commitment to fostering a thriving middle class of educated young professionals aligns seamlessly with the foundation's mission, and he continues to leverage his experience to ensure its success.

Scott Thomas is a seasoned advisor with a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and strategy. With a distinguished career highlighted by his role as a senior advisor at Team Acuity, Scott brings a deep understanding of transformative business practices and strategic vision. His expertise in guiding organizations through complex challenges and his commitment to fostering growth and innovation make him an invaluable asset to the Monarch Effect Foundation. Scott’s insightful approach and dedication to educational empowerment perfectly align with the foundation’s mission to create opportunities and drive positive change for students in Los Cabos.

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