Being dedicated to creating a positive change to the lives of children is at the heart of the Martin family. Their core values and principles were shaped by the humble beginnings of Guillermo and Esperanza Martin, whose first names translate to William and Hope. Son Edgar Martin, inspired by his parents’ commitment to education, formed the William Hope Foundation.

The foundation’s principles focus on the philosophy of philanthropy and how by teaching someone, you are giving them something more valuable than money. These principles show what it means to give to those in need without the expectation of getting something in return. This is what it truly means to be a leader who inspires others to succeed. Although   moving stories are full of valuable lessons, we wanted to start with this one, sparking a chain reaction that will help thousands.

In 1997, Guillermo and Esperanza Martin established Colegio ​Sor Juana Inés De La Cruz (CJSIC). Colegio Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz is a private elementary school located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. CSJIC provides education to approximately 80 students and employment to 18 educators throughout the school year. CSJIC strives to surpass federal educational requirements by offering students second language classes, robotics, music, finance, and computer training.

Although throughout their life, Mr. and Mrs. Martin had already accomplished great things like pulling their family out of extreme poverty, the formation of this establishment was still a defining marker in time for their growing family. They sought greater opportunities to expand their means to provide their children with greater opportunities. Their children’s future motivated the idea of chasing the American Dream. Prior to migrating to the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Martin reflected on their humble beginnings, full of financial and educational obstacles. They were both born and raised in the poor outskirts of Guadalajara, Mexico. Without being able to attend school, Mr. and Mrs. Martin taught themselves how to read and write. Before moving to the United States, this amazing couple decided to turned their old home in Guadalajara into what would become CSJIC. Their goal – to ensure that children from similar circumstances could have opportunities that were never afforded to them.

Their journey in achieving CSJIC’s mission incurred challenges and required many sacrifices throughout the years. Shortly after settling in the United States, many new challenges began.  They did not have high school degrees, nor spoke English. It was like starting from scratch again. Despite their series of obstacles, Mr. and Mrs. Martin continued to invest time and money into CSJIC. Faith and persistence drove weak and doubting moments. They desperately wanted to see the children from their community learn, grow, and empower others. This desire frequently came with a cost: working multiple jobs, limited family time, and no leisure spending.

In 2016, after operating for over 20 years, Mr. and Mrs. Martin debated whether or not to permanently close the doors to CSJIC. Their ongoing financing of the school’s cash shortages over the years coupled with being apart from their grandchildren was becoming too overwhelming. They knew in their hearts, if the school were to prosper, moving back to Guadalajara would be necessary. Leaving all of their independent adult children behind, Mr. and Mrs. Martin return to Guadalajara with no clear picture of when they would be returning.

Confused but inspired by their decision, their son, Edgar Martin, jumped in to support his parents. Although he had started and managed businesses in the past, he felt that the only way to help his parents return to the U.S. and their family was to ensure the school could become a self-sustaining organization. This was something he had never accomplished before.

But after learning valuable lessons from his parents and watching how they lived their lives according to the core principles of philanthropy and education for all, Edgar knew he had the foundations to continue his parents’ dream. Giving before you get, leadership to inspire others, and the opportunity for all children to learn are at the heart CSJIC. These are living principles, upon which the school creates a nurturing environment for children to reach their full potential. This is ultimately because teaching is giving!