Who We Are

Barry Segal / Founder

Barry’s successful entrepreneurial career began over 45 years ago with the simple principle of always doing the right thing. When Barry sold his company, Bradco, in 2008, it had 150 branches. Barry continued this mantra in philanthropy as the founder of the Segal Family Foundation, Focus for Health Foundation and now Focus Central America Foundation. Each organization and project has something very important in common, a goal to improve the quality of life of as many individuals as possible.

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 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

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.

Executive Director

Jodi joined Focus Central America in September 2022. She has nearly 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

Operations Coordinator

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

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 youth 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

Director of Partnerships & Program Officer, El Salvador and Costa Rica

Doménica joined Focus Central America in February 2022, bringing nearly 10 years of experience as an internationalist and political scientist; over this decade, she has worked with governments, the private sector, civil society, and now philanthropy. Doménica works under the premise that "Social work is the most honorable way to dignify human life." This is how she has actively contributed to the design of public policies, fundraising strategies, and planning strategies with NGOs, and currently also dedicates herself to studying emerging trends. In her free time, she enjoys cultivating old and new friendships and learning about horticulture with her mother, who is her life pillar. Contact: domenica@focuscentralamerica.org

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

Communications Consultant

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