Western Hemisphere Regional Committee

The Regional Committee is responsible for the development of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in the Region and in particular for the implementation of the WAGGGS strategy through the Triennial Action Plan.

The six members of the Regional Committee are elected by the Member Organisations at the Regional Conference for a period of three years. Members may be re-elected for an additional period, thus serving a maximum of six years. At least two of the Committee members must be young women under 30 years of age at the time of the election.

Regional Chair & Vice Chair

Marina De Mattey Derosa_Headshot

Marina De Mattey Derosa

Regional Chair (Argentina)


Marina De Mattey Derosa_Headshot
Marina De Mattey Derosa_Headshot

Marina De Mattey Derosa

Regional Chair (Argentina)

World Board Member & Western Hemisphere Region Committee Chair, July 2025 - Present

Marina De Mattey Derosa is from Mar del Plata, Argentina. She has been part of the Girl Guide Movement for more than 28 years, from child beneficiary to International Commissioner of the Asociación Guías Argentinas. Professionally, she leads two companies and collaborates with the Foundation of the Bolsa de Comercio of her city, which promotes multi-sector alliances for community development.

She is committed to collaborative leadership, regional equity and ensuring that every girl and young woman in the region feels seen, supported and empowered. She is excited to work with this team and Member Organizations to strengthen WAGGGS' impact together.

Alé Delgado

Alé Delgado

Regional Vice-Chair (USA)


Alé Delgado
Alé Delgado

Alé Delgado

Regional Vice-Chair (USA)

Alé Delgado brings over 25 years of experience in Girl Scouts, blending deep-rooted leadership with professional expertise in media and communications. Raised in San Diego with roots in Mexico, her Girl Scout journey began in a troop started by her mother to create opportunities once unavailable to her. A lifelong traveller and advocate, Alé has participated in Girl Scout service programs across five continents, including youth program development, adult leadership training, membership recruitment and retention, community outreach, fund development, and marketing and communications.

Currently, Alé serves as Lead Media Production Specialist at the University of San Diego, where she produces institutional content supporting campaigns, admissions, and brand storytelling. In addition, she creates compelling photo and video stories for GSUSA and Girl Scouts San Diego, using her skills to amplify voices and inspire connection within the movement. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, she brings a cross-cultural lens to every project. Alé is deeply committed to creating meaningful connections and lasting impact through the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting movement.

Regional Committee Members

WH 25-28 Alison Porras

Alison Porras

(Costa Rica)


WH 25-28 Alison Porras
WH 25-28 Alison Porras

Alison Porras

(Costa Rica)

Alison Alvarado Porras is a 22-year-old Costa Rican woman who is passionate about youth leadership, social justice, and community transformation. She has been part of the Guide and Scout Movement since 2008 and has represented Costa Rica and Latin America in youth decision-making spaces and global projection. With a solid track record in projects on human rights, SDGs, inclusion, technology, climate change and education, she has promoted participatory processes that empower girls and young women in vulnerable contexts. She is currently studying Industrial Engineering and is part of various women's networks in STEAM. Her approach combines non-formal education, innovation, art and advocacy to make a mark in her community, country and region.

WH 25-28 Margaret Burke

Margaret Burke

(Barbados)


WH 25-28 Margaret Burke
WH 25-28 Margaret Burke

Margaret Burke

(Barbados)

Margaret is a proud Barbadian who began her journey in The Girl Guides Association of Barbados at age four. Her positive spirit and dedication have shaped her into a passionate leader. She has served as a Unit Leader, Trainer, and International Commissioner. Margaret served as a team member, led national WAGGGS programs and advocated against gender violence.

She champions youth participation and hopes to encourage regional Caribbean–Latin American dialogue. As part of the Executive Committee, she helped update key policies. She holds a Bachelor’s in Science and a Master’s in Education, with over a decade of teaching experience. Margaret enjoys music and the beach, and remains committed to empowering girls through Guiding.

WH 25-28 Maria Jose Gallardo

María Jóse Gallardo

(Chile)


WH 25-28 Maria Jose Gallardo
WH 25-28 Maria Jose Gallardo

María Jóse Gallardo

(Chile)

María José Gallardo Pérez. I have been part of GGS Liahona for more than 30 years in the AGSCh, I have held leadership positions at the district and national level, serving as International Commissioner and Golondrina Branch Commissioner (girls from 7 to 11 years old). One of the things I love in the movement is helping to train others, and I have been a training director and facilitator for over 15 years. In relation to my personal life, I believe that service is an engine that drives everything I do. Professionally, my job is to teach history in a school. Daily, I like to read, write letters and postcards, share with my family, watch a good movie and enjoy the simple things that life gives us.

WH 25-28 Shonetta Lowe

Shonetta Lowe

(Guyana)


WH 25-28 Shonetta Lowe
WH 25-28 Shonetta Lowe

Shonetta Lowe

(Guyana)

Shonetta Lowe is an environmental and community developmental specialist from Guyana, with a Master’s in Water and Sustainable Development from IHE Delft and a BSc in Environmental Studies. She is a proud Girl Guide, serving as Unit Leader, District Commissioner, and a Julia Low Leadership Fellow. Shonetta is a member of the WAGGGS Extended Committee and represented Guyana at the Western Hemisphere Conference. She actively volunteers with the Guyana Youth Environment Network, advocating for climate justice and youth empowerment. Her international advocacy includes work with the Commonwealth Youth Council, UNFPA, and UN SIDS forums. She founded the Sustainable Community STEM Initiative to bring science-based learning to underserved communities. Shonetta is passionate about mentoring girls to lead with confidence, authenticity, andpurpose.She believes in individuality and always showing up as her best self. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing badminton, experimenting in the kitchen, and connecting with nature. An optimist at heart, she believes in showing up as your best self and lives by the quote: "What makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth."


Past Regional Committee Members

2022 - 2025

Stefanie Argus (USA), Chair

Maria Emilia Cadario (Argentina), Vice-Chair

Abigail Christmas (Dominica) - young member

Barbara Muñoz Madariaga (Chile) - young member

Patricia Marroquín (Mexico) 2022-2024

Ravicka Phillip (Genada) 2024-2025

Susan Birnie (Canada)

2019 - 2022

Cindy-Ann Alexander (Grenada), Chair

Maria Emilia Cadario (Argentina), Vice-Chair

Stefanie Argus (USA)

Saudia Edghill (Guyana) - young member

Patricia Marroquín (Mexico)

Andrea Nieto (Colombia) - young member

2016 - 2019

Joey Rosenberg (USA), Chair

Franca Mazzotti (Peru), Vice-Chair

Cindy-Ann Alexander (Grenada)

Sandra Cuéllar (Costa Rica)

Adrienne Edmunds (Canada)

Teru Pierret Correa (Chile)

2013 - 2016

Grace-Anne Crichlow (Barbados), Chair

Rochelle Ford (St. Vincent & the Grenadines), Vice-Chair

Adrienne Edmunds (Canada)

Schemel Patrick (Guyana)

Meredith Petrona-Martina (Curaçao)

Joey Rosenberg (USA)

2010 - 2013

Perla Casco Perez (Honduras), Chair

Kika Ramsay (Canada), Vice-Chair

Sylvia Acevedo (USA)

Diana Correa (Mexico)

Grace-Anne Crichlow (Barbados)

Miryam Justo (Peru)

2007 - 2010

Maria Elena Murillo (Costa Rica), Chair

Perla Casco Perez (Honduras), Vice-Chair

Laura Salvador (Ecuador)

Tanya Dawkins (USA)

Rechanne Browne (St. Vincent & the Grenadines)

Kika Ramsay (Canada)

2004 - 2007

Angela Dawson (Canada), Chair

Gabriela Derosa (Argentina), Vice-Chair

Rechanne Browne (St. Vincent & the Grenadines)

Tanya Dawkins (USA)

Candida Morales (Brazil)

Maria Elena Murillo (Costa Rica)

2001 - 2004

Toni Martinez Burgogne (USA), Chair

Gisela Lammerts van Bueren (Panama), Vice-Chair

Angela Dawson (Canada)

Gabriela Derosa (Argentina)

Jillian Hills (Trinidad & Tobago)

Maria Monzarz (Peru)

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