Meet The Experts
Hope Horizons Foundation Team
Co-Founders
Vandressa Jung
Co-Founder
Vandressa Jung is a visionary passionate about social justice and sustainability. With a solid background in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing and an MBA from Fundação Getulio Vargas, Vandressa has strong project management and resource mobilization skills.
Her career is marked by a deep commitment to social work and emotional support for families with rare diseases. With over 10 years of experience in emotional and social support, Vandressa has led initiatives that support families facing significant challenges, always with dedication and empathy.
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In addition to her practical experience, Vandressa is the author of a children’s book that provides emotional and psychological support to children with cystic fibrosis, reflecting her dedication to offering comfort and hope to young people in adverse situations.
Her motivation to found Hope Horizons Foundation came from her belief in the human capacity to overcome adversity and build a better world. His strategic vision and commitment to humanitarian causes guide the foundation, enabling it to make a real and positive difference in people’s lives.
Henry Kelly
Co-Founder
Henry Kelly brings a wealth of experience to the role of Vice President of Hope Horizons Foundation, with a distinguished career in customs brokerage, renewable energy, and sustainable business practices. As a licensed customs broker, he has a deep understanding of international trade regulations and compliance, which is essential to our global operations.
As President of Blue Wind Technology, Henry led the company to become a leader in the wind energy industry, driving innovation and growth. His strategic vision and leadership were instrumental in expanding the company’s presence and capabilities in the renewable energy market.
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Henry currently serves as CEO of Greener USA, where he oversees initiatives to promote sustainable practices and reduce environmental impact. His commitment to sustainability and green technology has positioned Greener USA as a leader in the field.
Henry holds an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College, which complements his expertise and strategic vision in leading projects and initiatives for the Hope Horizons Foundation.
Junior Mesquita
Co-Founder
Junior Mesquita brings to the Foundation his expertise in community development and crisis management. With a history of working in international organizations, Junior has been a vital force in implementing programs that improve the quality of life for underserved communities. Junior Mesquita brings to the Hope Horizons Foundation valuable expertise in community development and crisis management. With a strong background in international organizations, he has played a crucial role in implementing programs that aim to improve the quality of life for underserved communities. His experience and dedication are instrumental in the Foundation’s efforts to create a positive and sustainable impact.
Junior led the ABPL project as COO, focusing on promoting clean energy solutions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation, logistics, and other sectors. He managed cross-functional teams and collaborated with stakeholders to drive project success.
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With an MBA in Business Management from Fundação Getulio Vargas and an MBA in Management Information Systems from Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, his academic background complements his extensive practical experience, enabling him to lead initiatives with efficiency and strategic vision.
His commitment to Hope Horizons Foundation is driven by a passion for promoting meaningful and lasting change in people’s lives. Junior’s expertise in developing and managing community programs is a key part of achieving the foundation’s mission, and his commitment to Hope Horizons Foundation is driven by his passion for creating a positive and sustainable impact on people’s lives.
Board Members
Russ Traeger
Strategy and International Partnership Development Advisor
Russ Traeger is a seasoned CEO with over 25 years of experience in finance, marketing and sales, and a strong background in international trade. He is the founder and president of RT & Associates, a trade development firm, and has extensive experience working with clients across a variety of industries and countries.
Traeger also has significant experience in international financial transactions and has developed successful strategies for companies such as Body Botanicals/Key West Rayz and Azaleia/Piccadilly USA LTD. Previously, he served as Vice President at Nine West Group and Brown Shoe Company, where he achieved significant growth and successful product launches. His educational background includes executive studies at Washington University in St. Louis and a degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois System.
Cristiane (Krika) Palaia
Community Engagement and Women’s Development Advisor
Cristiane (Krika) Palaia is a seasoned communicator and entrepreneur with over 17 years in the United States. Without formal academic training, Krika graduated from the “college of Life”, developing skills in communication, sales and relationship strategies. Founder of *Krikaevents, she offers exclusive production and decoration services for events.
In addition, she leads the program **Queridonas pelo Mundo* on *Queens United TV*, which connects and inspires women to reinvent themselves. With a strong dedication to volunteer work, Krika is driven by the mission of connecting, inspiring and empowering women around the world.
Luciana Lewis
Creativity and Cultural Innovation Advisor
Luciana Lewis is a multifaceted woman, with the soul of a global citizen and a strong commitment to creative expression. Born in Rio Grande do Sul, she has a degree in Fine Arts and a postgraduate degree in Footwear Design and Interior Design. Luciana has over 20 years of experience as a volunteer at Brazilian Voices, where she uses Brazilian music as a powerful tool for healing and connection.
As one of the leaders of the Grupo Mulheres do Brasil – South Florida chapter, she stands out for inspiring women to embrace new challenges, sharing her life and travel experiences through her Instagram profile and website. Along the way, Luciana decided to reinvent herself, bringing her passion for art, culture and innovation to new audiences, with a keen eye on the transformative potential of cultural experiences.
In her role as Creativity and Cultural Innovation Advisor at the Hope Horizons Foundation, Luciana contributes her unique vision to the development of projects that integrate art, culture and social impact, promoting innovation as a force for global transformation. Her mission is to inspire women and communities to see beyond conventional boundaries, celebrating creativity as a powerful tool for change.
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