Executive Director Shelby Kardas shares highlights from a recent visit to Retalhuleu, Guatemala, with StoveTeam’s incoming Board Chair, Heidi Groot, and other new StoveTeam Champions.

There is something powerful about sharing work you care deeply about with others.

This summer, I made a quick trip to Retalhuleu, Guatemala, inspired in part by an exciting transition in StoveTeam’s leadership. Our incoming Board Chair, Heidi Groot, joined us in the field to experience firsthand the work she has helped strengthen from behind the scenes for the past several years. Read more about Heidi’s background on StoveTeam’s website.

Heidi brings a tremendous amount to StoveTeam. As an experienced human resources executive, she has been instrumental in helping us build and strengthen our team as we have grown our programs in Guatemala. She has also helped us think creatively about expanding our network and bringing new people into the StoveTeam community.

For this trip, Heidi brought along her son, Luca, a bilingual high school freshman who quickly stepped into the experience, helping translate conversations and bridge connections throughout the visit.

We have been talking a lot lately about the many different ways someone can become a StoveTeam Champion, and Luca offered us an opportunity to begin exploring what engagement might look like for students and young people.

Our small group grew when our longtime friend and fellow Thunderbird School of Global Management graduate, Chris Press, joined us with his family Michelle and Miles. Chris, Heidi, and I share the Thunderbird connection, and it was especially meaningful to bring together old friends, our families, and the work that has become such an important part of our lives.

Seeing the Work Up Close

Over several packed days, our guests met the StoveTeam Guatemala team, visited families, saw stoves being built, and experienced the project from several different perspectives.

Their observations reinforced what I have come to appreciate every time I visit the field: this is an incredibly strong team.

Our guests commented repeatedly on the camaraderie among the staff, the efficiency of the operation, and the genuine pride everyone takes in the work. StoveTeam has grown considerably over the past several years, but the heart of the project remains deeply personal - local people working together to improve the health and well-being of their communities.

And that community connection may be one of StoveTeam’s greatest strengths.

One of our final conversations was with the community listmakers - local leaders who help identify families who need stoves and serve as an important connection between StoveTeam and the communities where we work.

That meeting reinforced something we increasingly believe is the superpower of the StoveTeam model: we don't simply build a stove and leave.

We begin with education and community participation. We work with local leaders. We return to families to see how their stoves are performing. We provide ongoing maintenance and repairs. And we continue learning from families about what works and what needs to improve.

That combination of upfront education, follow-up, ongoing maintenance, and community ownership is helping us significantly increase long-term stove adoption and use. Ultimately, a stove only improves a family's health and reduces fuel consumption if it continues to be used - and used well - for years to come.

Creating More StoveTeam Champions

This trip was also an experiment of sorts.

What happens when we invite students, parents, professionals, friends, and colleagues to experience this work and then ask them: How could you help us share it with others?

We came home with ideas for student ambassadors, school projects, workplace and corporate engagement, fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and new ways for people to introduce StoveTeam within their own communities.

Because being a StoveTeam Champion can mean many things.

It can be a student starting a project at school. A parent helping that student turn an idea into action. An employee introducing StoveTeam to their company. A church or community group choosing to support a stove project. Or simply someone who hears our story, believes in the work, and opens a door to someone else.

It is always wonderful to share what you care about. There is something even more meaningful about coming together around shared values and finding ways to put those values into action.

StoveTeam is looking for more Champions.

If our story resonates with you, please reach out and start a conversation. Tell us about your school, workplace, church, family, or community - and let's see what we might be able to do together.