About Us | Pathways to Prosperity

Laura Vásquez and Mateo Calderón with youth from the community

Founders

Hal & Denise Young

What began as a simple vacation to Nicaragua with friends in 2006, became the project that today coordinates schools, community leadership councils, vocational training,and economic development for over 500 families in Northern Nicaragua.

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Team

Board of Directors

Angie McMillan

Angie is dedicated to empowering individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to create lasting change in their lives. As the director of Pathways to Prosperity, she has played a key role in expanding the organization from a small nonprofit into one that serves over 500 families through education and workforce development programs. A graduate of Brigham Young University, she has used her Spanish fluency to build meaningful relationships during humanitarian work in Nicaragua. Angie is especially passionate about creating generational impact through education and is inspired by the opportunity to help families achieve long-term self-sufficiency and success.

Hal Young

After 40 years in education and business, Hal and Denise Young started their foundation in Nicaragua in 2005. Over the years, they built a community center, and offered programs to create opportunities for impoverished families in northern central Nicaragua. Their children, grandchildren, and many friends continue to be involved in the effort to provide pathways to prosperity.

David Sargent

David Sargent earned his B. A. in History and M. A. in American History from the University of California at Davis. He spent 36 years in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, and site principal at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. After retiring in 2005, he has enjoyed work as a Board member and officer of several non-profit organizations. Currently he serves on the Board of his Rotary Club, as President of the Cameron Park Rotary Community Foundation, and on the Board of Pathways to Prosperity.

Jayna Hendershot

Jayna has been traveling to Nicaragua and working in the La Calle Real for over 13 years. She is passionate about the Special Needs program and loves the work we have been able to do with some of the most vulnerable children in the community. She is also our treasurer and enjoys working with the financial team in Nicaragua. Jayna graduated from the business school at Brigham Young University. She is the mother of 6 children, and she learned Spanish while serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Venezuela.

Michael Wilson

Michael is a retired engineering geologist from Sacramento, California, with over 40 years of experience working on projects such as high-rise buildings, highway interchanges, and remote dams. He has a strong commitment to community service, having served 28 years as a board president of an educational nonprofit, 15 years as a Rotary Club member, and currently contributing through Pathways to Prosperity. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he volunteers as a baseball coach for American River College and plays in a local men's baseball league. Michael has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 40 years, and together they have three grown sons. As empty nesters, they enjoy traveling and attending as many baseball games as possible.

Blake Andersen

Blake is a retired executive with extensive leadership experience in the corporate sector, most recently serving as COO of a major sports and entertainment organization and previously as President of a theater company. Throughout his career, he received multiple industry awards and recognitions for his leadership and operational excellence. He is actively involved in humanitarian and nonprofit work, supporting causes such as war relief in Ukraine and serving on the boards of several organizations. In his free time, Blake enjoys skiing, traveling with his wife, and their grandchildren.

Heather Massey

Heather Massey is a school-based occupational therapist who is passionate about helping children and families thrive. She serves on several nonprofit boards and leads the internship program for Pathways to Prosperity, creating meaningful opportunities for service, growth, and community impact.

Our Team on the Ground

Carlos Sandoval

Carlos has been the full-time director of our community center since August 2025. Apart from managing all the day-to-day operations of the center, he is in charge of our English classes, youth council, and scholarship program. He also teaches four life skills classes at the local secondary school Instituto Nacional Xilonem. Carlos has a degree in English, and he is currently studying to be an electrical engineer. He lives with his wife in Malpaisillo, Leon. He hopes to one day own his own farm.

Hermes Reyes

Hermes manages our computer, adult council, and business development programs at the community center. Hermes is an entrepreneur and owns a restaurant in La Calle Real de Tolapa as well. Hermes has a degree in Aquaculture Engineering. He describes himself as a family man with a deep love for his wife and two daughters, who are his main motivation for continued personal and professional development.

Harold Pinell

Harold has worked at the community center in Calle Real de Tolapa since 2022, where he manages the finances including income and expenses. He is also in charge of our agricultural projects including the vertical gardens and community garden. Harold was married and sealed to his wife in the Tegucigalpa, Honduras temple, and he currently serves as the stake executive secretary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Leon, Nicaragua. Harold and his wife have four children and three grandchildren in total.

Our Reach

Where We Serve

Our work is rooted in northern Nicaragua, where we operate a community center and run programs reaching hundreds of families each year.

Areas We Serve

We operate a community center in Nicaragua, providing services such as English and computer classes, support for special needs children, small business development, agricultural initiatives, and leadership training for local community led councils.

Get in Touch

Angie@pathwaytoprosperityinc.org
620 Ridge Top Lane, North Salt Lake, Utah 84054