Meet the team

Mapi Garcia is the founder of The Joy of Impact, where she helps organizations strengthen their cultures, clarify their direction, and secure the resources they need to succeed. With a career rooted in the social sector, she blends strategic planning, grant writing, facilitation, and program evaluation to create spaces where trust, collaboration, and measurable progress thrive. Previously, as Director of Research and Evaluation at The Children’s Trust in Miami, she managed multimillion-dollar investments, oversaw evaluation systems for more than 300 contracts, and helped organizations improve both their impact and their storytelling.

Through her consulting work, Mapi has guided over 15 organizations in securing millions in grants, launching initiatives, and aligning leadership and staff around shared goals. Fluent in English and Spanish, she brings cultural and linguistic depth to every engagement, supported by her master’s degree in Human Development and Social Intervention from NYU and her psychology degree from Javeriana University in Colombia. Known as a sought-after facilitator and speaker, Mapi is recognized for turning uncertainty into clarity and helping teams leave with actionable paths forward.

Catalina Zarama leads marketing and communications for The Joy of Impact with a global perspective and a results-driven approach. With professional experience in the U.S., UK, and Latin America, she has designed campaigns for international brands, developed content strategies that resonate across cultures, and built engaged online communities. Her expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, and storytelling allows her to translate insights into campaigns that not only attract attention but also inspire meaningful action.

Catalina’s work includes launching new brands, creating systems that keep organizations’ messaging consistent, and growing audiences to tens of thousands of followers. Fluent in English and Spanish, she ensures The Joy of Impact’s message connects authentically with diverse audiences. Passionate about creative communication, she helps purpose-driven teams amplify their mission and share their story in ways that foster trust and drive impact.

Ivonne Rodriguez is the operations specialist and virtual assistant at The Joy of Impact, bringing over 12 years of experience in executive support, process optimization, and client relations. Her career includes roles at JP Morgan Chase, BNP Paribas, and Accenture, where she managed complex projects, streamlined operations, and improved efficiency under tight deadlines. With expertise in calendar and travel management, budget oversight, data analysis, and workflow design, Ivonne ensures teams operate with precision and structure.

Fluent in English and Spanish and skilled with tools such as Microsoft Office, Tableau, and project management platforms, Ivonne thrives in multicultural and fast-paced environments. She is recognized for anticipating needs, solving problems quickly, and building systems that support sustainable performance. Dedicated to fostering strong client relationships and delivering measurable results, Ivonne blends professionalism and adaptability with a solutions-driven mindset that helps teams succeed.

Alejandra Gómez serves as a grant writer at The Joy of Impact, combining her passion for education, equity, and community development with her expertise in fundraising. A graduate of Duke University with a degree in Public Policy Studies, Alejandra brings experience as a teacher, community school leader, and nonprofit manager. She specializes in developing grant strategies, writing compelling proposals, and supporting organizations in tracking meaningful outcomes that reflect their mission and impact.

Her work spans organizations across the U.S. and internationally, always grounded in her belief that strong storytelling and alignment between mission and funding are essential to success. A native Spanish speaker, Alejandra brings cultural competence, strategic thinking, and a clear, engaging writing style to every project. She partners closely with nonprofit leaders to design funding approaches that expand their reach and deepen their ability to create change.