Drew Vogt

Drew Vogt is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Casa de Kids. His first experience in assisting Mexico’s children was with a successful fundraiser in 2003 benefitting an orphanage in Tecate, Mexico. Drew continued to explore ways to empower Mexico’s orphaned children and in 2007 became engaged with work in Oaxaca, Mexico, leading to a Directors’ position on the board of VIDA (Validating Individuals Deserving Autonomy), and later served for two years as President. This non-profit organization worked to improve the lives of children in Mexico through education and assistance with food and basic needs.

In 2008, Drew came to Oaxaca to work with orphaned children and fell in love with the city. Drew continued his work by leading annual retreats with people from the U.S. to Oaxaca to raise awareness and directly benefit children in need. His groups have donated over 1,500 items of clothes, school supplies and food. In 2015, Drew founded Casa de Kids.

Prior to founding CdK, Drew founded two successful spiritually-based non-profit organizations in Santa Fe, New Mexico and in San Francisco, California. He has assisted with community projects in Tibet, Nepal, and Tehran, Iran and in 2011 Drew studied grass roots solutions for communities in Guatemala with Rainbow World Fund. He taught English in Tokyo, Japan for one year, admires Japanese culture, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University, and is an oil painter in his spare time. He makes his permanent home in Oaxaca, Mexico, where he is dedicated to improving the lives of youth. Drew says, “Education provides people the dignity and independence that everyone aspires towards.”

In 2023-2024 Drew assisted Pamela Vazquez in co-founding Casa Vida Youth Foundation, Asociacion Civil, in Oaxaca. This Mexican organization has legal status as a non-profit with tax deduction benefits for donors, and expedites the mission goals of Casa de Kids of California. Drew was also instrumental in acquiring a property and establishing CV’s first multi-purpose facility in Oaxaca. 

Pamela Vazquez

Pamela Vazquez was born and raised in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. She earned a degree in Foreign Affairs from the Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires and upon graduation went to work in New Zealand, Canada, and Mexico for the next fifteen years. In these countries, she worked in marketing, strategic communications and event organization.

Pam’s community-focused positions and her passion for service and education led her to Casa de Kids. She began as a volunteer and was quickly promoted to Program Coordinator. She is dedicated to serving Casa de Kids´ mission and creating a safe and loving environment for disadvantaged youth.

In 2023-2024 Pamela assisted Drew Vogt in co-founding Casa Vida Youth Foundation, Asociacion Civil, in Oaxaca. This Mexican organization has legal status as a non-profit with tax deduction benefits for donors, and expedites the mission goals of Casa de Kids of California. Pamela also helped establish CV’s first multi-purpose facility in Oaxaca. 

Pam is married mother of two children, and makes her home in Oaxaca City, Mexico, where Casa de Kids is based.

Loren Rice

Loren Rice, a native of the Pacific Northwest (in the United States), graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and then earned graduate degrees in Hospital and Health Care Administration at the State University of Iowa. After completing a residency in Seattle, Washington, Loren served in medical administrative capacity at the Oakland, California Naval Hospital.

He left the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Service Corp and became Chief Executive Officer of John Muir Memorial Hospital in Walnut Creek, California. In 1978 he established Loren W. Rice and Associates, a consulting firm assisting non-profits achieve excellence through planning, growth, development, structure, fund raising, marketing, and community involvement.

Loren retired in Palm Desert, California, in 2000, but continues active community leadership in several non-profit organizations. Loren is a regular visitor to Oaxaca, Mexico, and assists in CdK activities.

Esteban Acevedo

Esteban Acevedo was born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico. He studied International Relations and holds a master’s degree in peace studies, international cooperation, and conflict resolution. He has 10 years of experience working with nongovernmental organizations in Mexico and Italy, working on social and environmental projects as a project manager. Esteban also has experience in fundraising.

He began working with Casa de Kids in July 2025, performing tasks related to graphic design, preparing support and follow-up documents, newsletters, organizing events, updating the website, and updating templates and processes.

Esteban is familiar with the social, political, economic, and cultural context of Oaxaca and has shown a passion for helping young students facing challenges to grow and reach their full potential.

Nahomi Ruiz

Nahomi Ruiz was born and rasied in Oaxaca, Mexico. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from La Salle University in Oaxaca and has international experience, having lived in Canada.

Throughout her career, she has worked in the public sector at the national level and on civil society initiatives. Nahomi is currently a member of the Casa de Kids team, where she manages  administrative functions, program logistics, strategic communications, and social media, actively helping to highlight the organization’s impact and support the development of its students.

She combines her professional work with her master’s degree studies in ICT Innovation Management at INFOTEC, focusing her expertise on digital transformation and organizational strengthening.