Laura Libman
Founder and CEO
Laura Libman founded the Tia Foundation after a career in global project management, knowledge engineering, and aerospace marketing. She earned her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University West, graduating summa cum laude in English on a full scholarship.
She went on to complete her M.B.A. at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, where she received multiple scholarships and concentrated her studies on International Development with a focus on Latin America. During her time at Thunderbird, she also became a certified Global Mediator. Laura is a member of the Border Trade Alliance, the Arizona-Mexico Commission, the National Hispanic Honor Society, and the National Society of Hispanic M.B.A.s. She is the recipient of Thunderbird’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Global Citizenship.
Her academic and professional background gave her extensive expertise in modern development models, social impact measurement, and monitoring and evaluation. She brings this knowledge into the classroom as an instructor at ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.
In addition to her work with Tia, Laura serves on the Board of Directors and as a Group Leader for The Washington Street Foundation, a Phoenix-based mentoring program for economically disadvantaged youth.
Dr. Roberto Martinez
Medical Director
Dr. Roberto Martínez is a physician specializing in Hospital and Health System Management. He has a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration along with a postgraduate certification in Social Project Management. His medical career has centered on academic medicine, community health, and serving underserved populations throughout Jalisco.
Roberto has collaborated with the Tia Foundation since the beginning of his professional journey. He previously served at Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) as the Academic and Public Health Director for the Community Medicine Program and as Head of the Mobile Unit Department for Healthcare and Brigades.
In 2014, he joined Laureate International Universities at the Zapopan campus as the Head of Social Service for Health Sciences. After years of partnership with Tia on numerous programs and field initiatives, Roberto formally joined the organization in 2017 as Medical Director.
Kate Bartholomeusz
Executive Director
Kate Bartholomeusz is Vice President of Development, Marketing, and Communications at Grameen Foundation, leading fundraising and philanthropic strategy for the organization.
She has more than 20 years of experience in development and fundraising at both regional and global organizations. Kate has a passion for helping individuals, families, and organizations realize their philanthropic goals as well as travel and experiencing new cultures.
Kate has a B.A. in Political Science and Business Administration from the University of San Diego and a M.A. in Global Affairs and Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Kate loves to travel and lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, and dog Wally.
