Leadership
The program is run by Nicaraguan surfers the community already knows.
The Team
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Matteo is a former head coach of Nicaragua's national surf team, a surf lodge owner, and an experienced local surf guide. He has deep relationships with surfers, families, businesses, and community leaders across Nicaragua's coastal communities. As Local Program Director, Matteo will oversee daily operations, staffing, scheduling, equipment management, community relationships, local partnerships, and coordination with the United States-based team.
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT
Loren leads Surf Club Nicaragua’s fundraising, organizational strategy, financial oversight, and U.S.-based partnerships. She works closely with Executive Director Matteo Blevins to support program quality, strong operations, risk management, and the long-term sustainability of the organization. Loren brings experience in nonprofit strategy, program design, fundraising, operations, and organizational growth. She also provides the adult leadership and oversight needed to help turn Benjamin’s original idea into a strong, sustainable program for Nicaraguan youth.
FOUNDER & YOUTH ENGAGEMENT LEAD
Benjamin founded Surf Club Nicaragua after spending time in Nicaragua and seeing the difference between the thriving surf community enjoyed by visitors and the opportunities available to local young people. He remains actively involved in shaping the program, fundraising, and building support for its mission. Benjamin works with Matteo and the local team to keep the program centered on young people, the experience they have in the program, and the opportunities Surf Club Nicaragua can create for them.
Surf Instructor and Mentor
Kevin is a professional Nicaraguan surfer who lives in Gigante. Young people in the community know and respect him. Kevin will lead surf instruction, support water-safety activities, mentor participants, and help young people develop confidence in the ocean.
Surf Instructor and Mentor
Jackson is a local surfer and role model for young people in Gigante. Jackson will help recruit and welcome participants, lead surf instruction, support equipment management, and mentor the first group of Surf Club members.
Structure & Accountability
Surf Club Nicaragua plans to operate as a sponsored project of a United States 501(c)(3) organization. The fiscal sponsor will contract with qualified Nicaragua-based individuals or organizations to operate the program locally.
A Nicaragua-based team will manage daily operations, instruction, staffing, family relationships, equipment, and local partnerships. A United States-based team will lead fundraising, planning, communications, financial review, and coordination with the fiscal sponsor.
Partner Recognition
Recognition will be developed in coordination with the fiscal sponsor and local program leaders. Partners may receive recognition on the Surf Club Nicaragua website and program materials, appropriate logo placement at the club or on shared equipment, updates on participation and outcomes, participant stories and photographs shared with proper consent, opportunities to learn directly from local leaders, and appropriate site visits coordinated with local leaders and the fiscal sponsor.
Recognition practices will protect participant privacy and keep the program focused on young people and their communities.