Our Team – Ladyhawk Animal Foundation
Meet Our Team
Cecilia Lalinde
Founder & CEO
Andres Giraldo
Chair & Director
Gustavo Lalinde
Fundraising Director
Denisse Becerra
Legal Advisor
Vivian Borja
Treasurer
Our Founder & CEO Cecilia Lalinde
Cecilia has been a vegan and an advocate for animal rights for more than six years. Her perspective on life was transformed after her dog. Ladyhawk, passed away in 2016. She was a true companion who taught Cecilia to view the world through her heart and not just her eyes. This experience helped Cecilia discover who she truly is and her purpose in life. She is optimistic that a more compassionate world can be created for all animals, as we are all essentially the same beings, just in different forms.
“Those who know the purpose of their lives listen not to the crowd but to their hearts”
DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER Andres Giraldo
Andres has been concerned about the environment since he was very young and has questioned his relationship with nature. In 2018, while in college, he started an egg production business.
However, from 2020 he became aware of the deep cruelty that hens live in this industry, farm animals and all forms of exploitation they suffer. So he decided to go vegan and from that moment on he wanted to be the voice of the voiceless.
FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR Gustavo Lalinde
I have always felt a deep connection with animals, their presence brings me peace and comfort, even without words, we seem to understand each other.
I enjoy caring for them and earning their trust animals sense my emotions and respond with love. They teach me patience, compassion, and loyalty and being around them helps me feel calm and grounded. Being part of the foundation helps me understand much more about them, I learn from their instincts and gentle nature, my bond with animals is a special part of who I am.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR Teri Puentes
My journey into animal rescue began ten years ago when I found a dog wandering alone on a country road. As I called out to him, he ran straight toward me and leapt into my car—he somehow knew he was safe.
To my heartbreak, I discovered he had multiple BB gun wounds across his body. I was devastated that anyone could harm such an innocent soul. With three pets already at home and the dog needing urgent medical care, I reached out to a local rescue group for help.
Their compassion and immediate willingness to step in left a lasting impression on me. I soon began volunteering with them, which led to eventually serving on their Board of Directors. That one moment changed the course of my life, awakening a deep passion I didn’t know existed.
Helping animals is one of the most rewarding experiences imaginable. I hope to inspire others to join us in this mission of kindness—whether by feeding a stray, adopting, volunteering, or supporting local rescue efforts.
Please be kind to animals. You’ll be amazed how good it makes your heart feel.
TREASURER Vivian Borja
Vivian has been fortunate to experience and share love with her boy Beau. She adopted this beautiful golden doodle over 5 years ago when a family wasn’t able to keep up with Beau’s growing needs. Beau has been her master, showing her true joy and love for animals. Beau’s gentle yet playful nature made her aware of the deep bond humans and animals can create. Also the intense connection, understanding, and respect amongst all amazing creatures. Beau has been her calming north, her sense of joy, and constant companionship.
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Sofia Lalinde
I have loved animals for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I’ve worked as a dog walker and caretaker, and I rarely miss an opportunity to greet every dog I see on the street. I’m a passionate advocate for animal welfare and deeply aligned with LAF’s mission, committed to helping as many animals as possible. I believe the world becomes a better place when we treat animals with the love, dignity, and respect they deserve. My dedication has led me to participate in various animal walks and volunteer efforts supporting neutering and adoption campaigns in the United States, Peru, and Colombia.
EN 
ES