Welcome to Kaleidoscope Humanitarian Aid  

Born and raised in Venezuela growing up on a farm to North American/Venezuelan parents provided a wonderful opportunity to become a bilingual, bicultural woman interested in working in the nonprofit world from an early age.  I attended Venzuelan and North American elementary schools, high school and college.  Eventually making my way to the USA in my early 20's to travel with the educational musical group Up With People.  Later on I attended the University of Arizona to obtain my Masters of Arts in Latin American Studies.  Early in my career during college I worked with a local Spanish radio station as New Director and eventually was hired by the Community Food Bank where I began as a Program Manager of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.  Over my 30 years at the Food Bank I was fortunate to oversee operations and staffing of various locations, served as Interim Director, oversaw operations and logistics at the main warehouse and facilitated the establishment of Nogales Food Bank, Caridad Community Kitchen and Willcox Distribution Center.  My passion for volunteering has led me to support many non profit organizations  in Venezuela, Mexico and locally in Tucson.  I have served on various boards over my career and currently have also begun doing interpretations from Spanish to English for many local businesses and organizations.  

Iris is a dedicated community leader with more than 20 years of experience serving on community and professional boards in Arizona, North Carolina, and Ohio. She is passionate about working with community and business partners to improve programs and resources to underserved individuals and families. Iris’s professional background includes 40 years of strategic leadership, operations, teaching, and scholarship throughout the field of education, including K-12, adult, community college, and university education. In addition, she has experience in small business entrepreneurship and civil service.

Since returning to Tucson in 2022, Iris volunteered in intake, food service, travel assistance with Casa Alitas as a way to give back for the kindness her grandmother received as a 16 year-old girl arriving alone at Ellis Island in the early 1900s. Iris believes that the key to creating and sustaining thriving communities is a community-based, networked approach that lifts all sectors of an inclusive and democratic society. She is honored to serve as a founding board member of Kaleidoscope Humanitarian Aid.

Diego Piña Lopez was recently the Excutive Director of Casa Alitas, Refugee Imgration and Tax Services, an agencies of Catholic Community Services. Casa Alitas served newly arriving asylum seekers who were vetted and screened by DHS and were moving forward to sponsors across the US. Diego and his team of volunteers and staff provided guests with food, clothing, medical support, and shelter. Diego was born and raised in Nogales, Arizona until age 12, when he moved to Tucson. Diego has a master's degree in social work and public administration from Arizona State University. Since 2015, Diego has been instrumental in expanding Casa Alitas to be able to receive 1500 people a day.  Throughout the years, Casa Alitas welcomed upwards of 300,000 people in total. Diego also consults with Catholic Charites USA, aiming to improve their network of border shelter services as well as support for asylum seekers after they reach their families within the USA. In his doctoral research, Diego hopes to explore health disparities affecting asylum seekers.

Peggie has lived in Tucson since 1976 and is a wife, mother and grandmothe. Peggie worked at Learjet for 21 years and Salpointe Catholic high school for over 19 years until she retired in 2017.  Peggie has always been active in the community through volunteering efforts at Carden Academy, St. Cyril’s, Brewster Center (now Emerge), Lend a Hand, and 7 years with Casa Alitas and border missions.  

Salpointe was her dream job; as Manager of Alumni / Parent relations and Special Events, Peggie was able to interact with not only parents, but over 17,000 alumni across the globe. Peggie often worked directly with students and their various clubs on functions and fundraising. Peggie organized class reunions and associated homecoming events, and was responsible for monthly events for parents, alumni, or students. It was challenging and demanding, but a wonderful 19 years of making lasting friendships and being a part of an incredible development department. Working through two capital campaigns and campus growth was a highlight of her career.

With a career rooted in relationship building, Debbie brings a wealth of experience in fostering collaborations that drive positive change. With over 20 years of business experience using the model of relationship building Debbie has developed a deep understanding of the importance of trust and collaboration in achieving organizational success. She is committed to improving the quality of life for those in need by providing essential resources, education, and empowerment through partnerships with faith-based and community organizations.

Debbie Bachel has always believed in the importance of giving back to the community, which has shaped both her personal and professional life. Over the last 40 years, she has volunteered for many organizations in the Tucson area. For the last 7 years, she has volunteered, helping asylum seekers, offering both practical assistance and emotional support during challenging times. This work demonstrates her strong commitment to social justice and advocating for individuals in need. Debbie actively supports the organization’s mission to enhance the well-being of underserved families and individuals in the Sonoran region. As a board member, Debbie is excited to leverage her experience in relationship-building and community engagement to support the mission of Kaleidoscope and help create lasting positive change.