The WAGGGS Western Hemisphere Regional Committee is elected by Member Organisation delegates at our Regional Conference.
The Regional Conference elects six members to the Regional Committee 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.
Marina De Mattey Derosa
Chair
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
Vice-Chair
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.
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. On a daily basis 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.
Alison Alvarado Porras
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.
Shonetta Lowe
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."
Margaret Burke
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 team member and 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, the beach, and remains committed to empowering girls through Guiding.