Who We Are

Focus Central America was founded in 2021 by Philanthropist, Barry Segal, as his third foundation. Wanting to do more to address the issues that cause people to flee their homes, Barry’s idea is simple: empower community leaders to solve the issues in their communities.

Meet the Team

Our Founder

Barry Segal

Founder 1935-2025

Barry’s successful entrepreneurial career began with the simple principle of always fighting for fairness. Barry carried this ethos into philanthropy when he sold his company, Bradco, in 2008. He went on to found the Segal Family Foundation and Focus for Health Foundation and at, the age of 86, created Focus Central America. While each foundation is centered around a different region, they each are designed to directly fund and support community led solutions.

More on Barry's Legacy

Our Board

Martin Segal

President

After graduating from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2004, Martin worked to become the Vice President of Operations for Bradco Supply. Bradco Supply is the nation’s third largest distributor of commercial and residential building materials. From 2008-2010, he served as the Vice President of Acquisitions negotiating numerous strategic and financially important acquisitions for Bradco Supply. In 2010, Martin joined the Segal Family Foundation full-time as a managing director. In Central America, Martin focuses the Foundation on making efficient investments in projects that will make a lasting difference to help improve lives of people around the world. In addition to his role with the Segal Family Foundation, Martin is a real estate investor and manager of several real estate partnerships. When Martin is not working or spending time with his lovely wife Kristen, he enjoys fishing, skiing, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends. Martin and Kristen reside in Summit, NJ.

Sharon Harrison

Vicepresident

Sharon earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology at Binghamton University. She began her career working for New York State division for youth in Binghamton, NY and later in Queens, NY. Her original plan was to study for a master’s in social work but after spending summers and spare time at Bradco, she joined her family business. Deciding to focus on Real Estate, she worked in commercial real estate as an agent then at Bradco. This will be Sharon’s first time working on a board but has been very active with the SEGAL Family Foundation and Focus For Health Foundation. She is active in her current Temple, as well as her past temples in fundraising, event planning and real estate decisions. Sharon resides in Randolph New Jersey. She and her husband have three children, one grandson and two dogs. Sharon enjoys hiking, playing tennis, art, puzzles and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Shore

Board Member

Jen joined the Focus for Health team in January 2019. Jen has spent most of her career in the field of human services, specifically working with high-risk populations and people with disabilities. Throughout the years, she has incorporated her interest in wellness and nutrition into her career. Jen has partnered with various organizations throughout the last 25 years and has written numerous cookbooks and wellness manuals geared towards people with disabilities, as well as WIC and SNAP recipients. . In 2021, Jen helped Barry form Focus Central America and is excited to serve on the board. When Jen is not working, she can be found cooking, gardening, and driving her kids to sports practices. Jen has degrees in Psychology from Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Team

Jodi Ringel

Executive Director

Jodi joined Focus Central America in September 2022. She has over 20 years of experience in nonprofits, with a focus on women’s rights, youth development and resource mobilization. Jodi has a long history of engagement with Central America including two and a half years spent serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama. Prior to joining Focus Central America, she served as the Executive Director of Princeton in Africa for seven years, where she helped develop fellowships focused on responsible engagement across the African continent. Jodi holds a master’s degree in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies from The George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs. Contact: jodi@focuscentralamerica.org

Jhoan Gracia

Director of Operations

Jhoan joined Focus Central America Foundation in December 2023 and holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Business from Universidad del Tolima in his home country of Colombia. He has over 8 years of professional experience and brings a management, marketing, communications, and community outreach background. He previously worked to support Latin American organizations to track grants and receive funding from international sources. Jhoan is very passionate about his work, and when he is not working, he enjoys hiking, writing, podcasting, and working out at the gym. Contact: jhoan@focuscentralamerica.org

Doménica Chévez

Director of Partnerships

Doménica Chévez joined Focus Central America Foundation in February 2022 and brings more than 10 years of experience in strategic alliances, international cooperation, and high-impact project development in the public, private, and civil society sectors. She has promoted cross-sector initiatives that strengthen philanthropy, social innovation, and sustainable development in Latin America, collaborating with international and multilateral organizations and corporations. She has managed public policies aimed at social transformation, generating significant results in communities and regional ecosystems. Contact: domenica@focuscentralamerica.org

Viviana Jaikel

Communications Director

Viviana is a public relations specialist and has a degree in communication with an emphasis on marketing. Throughout her career she has worked in communications and marketing for multinational companies, advertising agencies and NGOs. Viviana joins our team from Costa Rica, passionate about cultures and projects with the aim of contributing something good and different to the world. Social Media Management is her forte, so you will be seeing more about FCA in our social media channels, like our current projects and the impact we are making thanks to our partners, team, foundations and grantees. Contact: comms@focuscentralamerica.org

Verónica Yat

Program Officer: Guatemala

Verónica has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a master's degree in Human Resources, with extensive experience working in governmental and non-governmental organizations. She also has experience working closely with young people and families in the Ixil region of Guatemala. She believes that education is a fundamental pillar for the development of individuals and the community. She believes that through Focus Central America she will be able to contribute to the empowerment of organizations through ongoing support. Contact: veronica@focuscentralamerica.org

Jayson Mena

Program Officer: Honduras, Nicaragua and Panamá

Jayson has a Honduran Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a concentration in Public Policy and a Master's degree in Public Administration. He also studied theology and has experience in the field of agriculture and coffee farming. He has a commitment to his country, to fight injustice, inequality and poverty. He feels it is necessary to promote a culture of community development, considering that the lack of opportunities for the community is due to poverty and inequality. He remains confident that through Focus Central America he can contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities with a promising future. Contact: jayson@focuscentralamerica.org

María José Castro

Program Officer: Costa Rica & Belize

Maria José is a passionate and dedicated social worker with a strong background in program management, community development, and educational facilitation. With extensive experience in leading impactful initiatives and mentoring future professionals, she has developed strategies that enhance financial sustainability, establish partnerships, and empower community based organizations. Her passion lies in developing and empowering the skills of the teams she collaborates with, working within communities, and, above all, in the daily fight for social justice. Contact: mariajose@focuscentralamerica.org