Hands Across Borders is powered entirely by volunteers. Every member of our team serves without compensation, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to supporting communities in need.
Our Team
Iriabel López Estrada Nailen
Executive DirectorA native of Costa Rica, Iriabel López Estrada Nailen (she/her) has dedicated her career to strengthening communities around the world. As a diplomat, Iriabel led international cultural exchange initiatives, consular strategy, and regional crisis leadership, including directing human protection initiatives for the Costa Rican government across the Middle East.
In Washington, D.C., Iriabel later directed and mobilized volunteer-driven humanitarian networks supporting refugee integration at a community level, connecting families to long-term resources and stability after formal agency assistance concluded. Her leadership emphasized empathy, cultural fluency, and practical problem solving to strengthen each family’s transition to self-sufficiency.
In Costa Rica, her nonprofit work has been centered primarily in Guanacaste, collaborating directly with local child and youth development programs, supporting education-access initiatives, and helping institutions strengthen their operational sustainability and community impact.
As the Executive Director of Hands Across Borders, Iriabel is committed to community-centered leadership that prioritizes empowerment, cross-cultural respect, operational resilience, and building sustainable support systems that allow local programs to thrive for the long term. She believes that global progress is most meaningful when it strengthens communities from within, honors cultural identity and creates lasting opportunity for future generations.
Board of Directors
Charles Nailen, III
PresidentFor more than two decades, Charles has consistently invested time and energy in efforts that strengthen families, support vulnerable populations, and build meaningful connections across cultures.
Based in Washington, DC, Charles is a Managing Director at Stanton Chase, a global human capital advisory firm. He previously spent 10 years in Doha, Qatar, leading External Relations and Community Engagement for Georgetown’s first international branch campus.
Charles has served as a Refugee Care team leader helping Syrian refugee families navigate resettlement and build stability in their new communities. His service reflects a long-standing interest in global engagement and cross-cultural understanding, shaped in part by his years living and working internationally.
Charles holds degrees from Georgetown University and remains committed to using his experience to support organizations and individuals seeking to make a lasting impact on the world.
Charles Nailen, Jr.
TreasurerAfter 2 positions in private industry, he and his wife developed and grew a Fast-Food Franchise into a business of 40 restaurants employing nearly 1,000. Although they sold their business in 2019, he has not slowed down.
Charles has served in many National, State and Local Leadership Roles over the years. Currently his community service includes the Dothan Houston County Airport Authority (since 1995) where he serves as Chairman; Troy University Board of Trustees (since 2003) where he chairs the Finance Committee; Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) where he serves as Vice President. Charles has always been active in the Leadership of his local church. Charles is a graduate of Leadership Alabama and was inducted into the Dothan Alabama Business Hall of Fame.
He will tell you he has “done a lot of things,” but the most important thing you need to know about him is that he is a “Child of God.”
Charles holds a bachelor’s degree from Samford University. He is the proud father of 2 children and 2 grandchildren and resides in Dothan, Alabama with his wife Kay.
Sally Bolden
With decades of experience in ministry leadership and international missions, Sally Bolden has devoted her life to serving communities both locally and abroad. Her heart for global outreach has taken her across borders and cultures, where she has consistently demonstrated compassion, faith, and a deep commitment to sharing hope.
Sally’s experience with international service began in Sarajevo in June 2000, as the region focused on rebuilding after the end of the Bosnian War. From English language training to leading women’s retreats, she returned repeatedly to deliver support, training and encouragement for local families at a time when communities were recovering from deep social and economic disruption.
From 2005 until 2014 , she also served as Missions Director at Wiregrass Church, where she mobilized teams domestically and internationally, including leading multiple service teams to Bosnia & Haiti.
Through her faithful leadership and hands-on service, Sally has impacted countless lives with the love for Jesus. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to faith, community, and empowering others to serve with purpose.
A graduate of Auburn University, Sally and her husband Donald are the proud parents of 3 children and 5 grandchildren and reside in Dothan, AL.
Board MemberWilliam Canary
Board MemberWith more than forty years of experience in leadership, public service, and consulting, Billy has dedicated his career to helping communities and organizations thrive.
He began his public service in New York, where his integrity and collaborative spirit allowed him to serve in several elected positions before advancing on to national leadership roles. These included serving in the White House as Special Assistant to President George H. W. Bush and Chief of Staff for the Republican National Committee.
Throughout his career, Billy has been a strong advocate for business and economic growth. He has led important organizations, including the Business Council of Alabama and the American Trucking Associations. Today, through his consulting work, he continues to provide guidance to leaders and organizations, drawing on his wisdom and experience, along with his commitment to service.
Billy earned his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Touro Law Center/ Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in New York.
Beyond his professional achievements, Billy is a devoted husband and father who brings faith and purpose to everything he does.
Maria Laura Alvarado
Board MemberMaria Alvarado was born in Costa Rica and is currently based in Washington, DC, where she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She works in clinic-based early intervention supporting children with autism and developmental disabilities, focusing on building communication, independence, and meaningful daily skills.
Maria completed her International Baccalaureate at UWC Costa Rica, where she lived and learned alongside students from over 68 countries. During this time, she participated in service projects with Indigenous communities, supporting efforts to improve accessibility by helping build pathways connecting remote villages to nearby towns.
She later earned her undergraduate degree from Wartburg College. Growing up in Costa Rica and studying and working in the United States has shaped her passion for culturally centered work and creating more equitable access to care and education.
As a board member of Hands Across Borders, Maria is excited to support initiatives that expand opportunities for individuals and families in under-resourced areas.