Board

Norma Schwenke Cortes

Board president

Norma Schwenke Cortes, Chilean, social worker, marriage celebrant in NZ, and co-founder of Mano Amiga. She deeply believes that social organizations are a true contribution to the well-being and happiness of people.

Claudia Molina

Treasurer

Colombian social communicator and journalist, has been living in New Zealand for nine years. She is a Spanish teacher for children and adults and a student of Early Childhood Education. She is convinced that support networks within the community are a very valuable tool for all immigrants, which is why she actively participates in the different programs of Mano Amiga.

Karen Bernal

Secretary - mental health coordinator

My name is Karen Bernal Jara, and I am from Chile. I am a psychologist with 5 years of experience in Chile, where I completed postgraduate training in child sexual abuse intervention and domestic violence, as well as a diploma in forensic psychology. In New Zealand, I have worked as an Enabling Youth Worker and Maternal Mental Health Support Worker. I currently hold provisional membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), and since 2023, I have also been a volunteer in mental health with Mano Amiga.

Our Volunteers

Our Volunteers Mano Amiga

Behind every success you find our incredible group of volunteers - committed individuals who contribute their time, effort, and heart to support the various initiatives. Thanks to their dedication, each small effort becomes a big difference to our cherished community.