Who We Are
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (IRS Tax ID #260465075) with a clear vision to uplift children and families. Our efforts span across communities in the U.S., Rosarito (Mexico), Ahuachapan (El Salvador), Sete Lagoas and Iguatú (Brazil).
About Us
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to support vulnerable children and families facing extreme poverty.
Our Mission
To deliver emergency relief and long-term support to individuals, families, and humanitarian organizations in need.
Who We Serve
We assist underprivileged children and their families in poverty across the U.S., Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Brazil by providing essential food, healthcare, education and guidance to be a member of society.
Board of Directors
Our board members are dedicated volunteers who provide guidance, strategy, and accountability, keeping our mission on track.
What We Do
Through donations, events, and collaborations, we raise awareness and provide critical aid through grants and partnerships.
Mission Statement
Eyes of a Child is devoted to providing both immediate relief and long-term support to those experiencing hardship, locally and globally. We build philanthropic resources and offer vital grants to individuals, families, and humanitarian organizations, ensuring help reaches those who need it most.
Through the founder’s eyes…
Antonio Covarrubia is a businessman, devoted husband, father, and Eyes Of A Child Founder and CEO.
Antonio Covarrubia's heart for children was forged in his own difficult past. Born in Chile and raised by Rebecca and Gabriel Bitran, he knew the struggle of growing up without the basic necessities of food and education. This raw, personal experience became his driving force. In 2007, he founded Eyes of a Child Inc. with friends, dedicating his personal resources to ensure that no child would have to face the same lack of hope he once knew. Today, Antonio lives his life to give vulnerable children what he never had—a foundation for a brighter future. The organization remains a testament to his passion, running 100% on the dedication of volunteers.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors is the heart of our organization. As dedicated volunteers, they guide our mission, make key decisions, and ensure transparency—working selflessly to create lasting impact.
Antonio Covarrubia
Founder
Born in Chile and raised by Rebecca and Gabriel Bitran, Antonio founded Eyes of a Child Inc. in 2007 to support communities in Brazil, Malawi, Mexico, and the U.S. After over two decades at The John Stewart Company managing affordable housing and training staff, he retired in September 2025.
Karine Avila
President
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Karine is the daughter of Antonio and lives in California with her husband and children. A histotechnologist at Kaiser Permanente since 2000, she began supporting Eyes of a Child in 2007 and became President in 2022.
Jelga Lorena
Vice President
Originally from Chile, Jelga joined Eyes of a Child in 2007. She serves as Community Outreach Manager at the Child and Family Guidance Center, a nonprofit mental health organization in Los Angeles, where she has worked for over 30 years.
Rodrigo Gutierrez
2nd Vice President
Born in Chile and now residing in Los Angeles, Rodrigo has worked in the logistics industry for several years. He began volunteering with Eyes of a Child in 2022 and, through his dedication and leadership, became the Second Vice President in 2024.
Danielle Johnny
Executive Director
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Danielle, daughter of Antonio, has supported Eyes of a Child since 2007 and became a Director in 2016. She lives in California with her husband and son and works as a Process Business Consultant at Kaiser Permanente.
Estela Franco
Secretary
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Estela moved to Los Angeles in 2016 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She was introduced to Eyes of a Child through its board members and now serves as Secretary while working as a Housing Coordinator at USH.
Carolina Alvarez
Financial Director
Born and raised in Chile, Caroline has lived in California since 1991 with her husband. She joined Eyes of a Child in 2013 and finds joy in simple moments, especially spending time with her dog, Oso.
Clair Pizzi
Treasurer
Born and raised in Brazil, Clair Pizzi lives in California with his wife, Nelci Schallenberger (a member of the Board Committee), and their daughter. He works at Fogo De Chão, a Brazilian steakhouse, and has been a dedicated member of Eyes of a Child since 2011.
Matilde Soto Lopez
Corporate Philanthropist Director
Born in Sinaloa, Mexico, Matilde holds a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and has lived in California since 2001. She serves as Senior Asset Manager at East LA Community Corporation and has volunteered with JDRF since 2012, mentoring Spanish-speaking families. She lives with her three daughters and dogs.
Anderson Gobbi
Corporate Philanthropist
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Anderson is a passionate connector dedicated to helping others achieve their goals. He joined Eyes of a Child in 2018 through board member Hercules Souza. With over 20 years at Microsoft as a Senior Business Program Manager, he helped launch the “Because Homeless Lives Matter Too” project during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mauro Valencia
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Bio Under Construction. This bio is currently being updated. Please check back soon to learn more about this board member’s background and role with Eyes of a Child.
Cintia Ohanganian
Fundraising Specialist
Bio Under Construction. This bio is currently being updated. Please check back soon to learn more about this board member’s background and role with Eyes of a Child.
Hercules Desouza
Operations Manager
Born in Ipatinga and raised in Governador Valadares, Brazil, Hercules moved to the U.S. in 1992, followed by his wife, Lourdes, now a Board Committee member. They built a family with two sons. He has worked at the John Stewart Company for over 13 years and joined Eyes of a Child in 2008, remaining an active member ever since.
Nancy Lacerda
Corporate Philanthropist Director
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she now lives in Florida and works as a Realtor with a flexible schedule. Embracing this season of giving, she is dedicated to using her time, talents, and resources to serve others. She believes life is richer when shared and looks forward to making a meaningful impact together.
Mayra McMahan
Director of Sponsorship Programs
Bio Under Construction. This bio is currently being updated. Please check back soon to learn more about this board member’s background and role with Eyes of a Child.
Jovany Diaz
Capital Campaigns Director
Bio Under Construction. This bio is currently being updated. Please check back soon to learn more about this board member’s background and role with Eyes of a Child.
Estefany Hernandez
El Salvador Project Director
Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, Estefany moved to Los Angeles in 2011 and began working as a translator for LAUSD. After her son’s birth in 2015, she became a licensed esthetician and launched her own business. Her passion for helping children led her to support Eyes of a Child events and later join the Ahuachapán Project, where she is dedicated to helping EOAC expand its impact.
Brenda Biceno
Social Media Director
Born in Peru and raised in Los Angeles, Brenda has over seven years of experience in social media and marketing. Passionate about giving back, she’s been involved in community work since high school. After attending her first Eyes of a Child Gala in 2023, she was deeply inspired by the organization’s mission and began volunteering soon after. In May 2025, she officially became EOAC’s Social Media Director, using her creativity to share its message and connect with communities.
Nelci Schallenberger
Director of Sete Lagoas Project
Born and raised in the south of Brazil, Nelci is a devoted wife to Clair Pizzi, a loving mother, and a successful businesswoman. With experience as a party planner and in the culinary industry, she has shared her skills and passion with Eyes of a Child for several years. In 2022, she became the Project Director for the Sete Lagoas, Brazil initiative, leading with dedication and heart.