Step Into a Season of Impact Purpose, Culture, & Connection
A Message from the Fundación Panamá President
As spring unfolds and the world around us begins to bloom, we are reminded of the beauty of renewal, growth, and new beginnings. In that same spirit, after a season of quiet reflection, our foundation is awakening to a vibrant new chapter—one filled with purpose, impact, and joy.
It is with great honor and excitement that I welcome you to our first newsletter of the year. As your 2026–2028 President, I am inspired by the strength of our community, the richness of our culture, and the generosity that continues to guide our mission.
This season invites us to reconnect, to build new relationships, and to expand our network with intention. Whether you are a longtime member or someone newly discovering our foundation, there is a place for you here. Together, we will continue to celebrate our heritage, uplift one another, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
As we grow, we are also excited to welcome new members into our community. We invite you to join us—bring a friend, share our mission, and be part of the impact. Your presence, your voice, and your generosity are what make this foundation truly special.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a season of connection, joy, and purpose.
With gratitude,
Mylene Mayuly Marrone
President 2026-2028
Fundación Panamá
General Assembly and Board Election Highlights
We are pleased to share the successful completion of our General Assembly and Board of Directors election, held on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
The meeting took place at 2500 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA, graciously hosted at the home of our president 2023-2025, Alberto Wilson. The event brought together members for an important moment of collaboration, reflection, and leadership selection.
We were especially encouraged by the strong engagement from our community, with members participating both in person and virtually. This hybrid format allowed for broader involvement and ensured that more voices could be included in this meaningful process.
During the assembly, key discussions took place and members participated in the election of the new Board of Directors, reinforcing our shared commitment to transparency, unity, and continued growth.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all who attended—whether in person or online—and contributed to the success of this important gathering.
📸 Please enjoy the photos below highlighting moments from the event and the wonderful members who joined us.
Fundación Panamá Baby Gift Baskets (Canastillas)
to DC Health
Baby gift baskets were presented to newborns at DC HEALTH in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Panama Foundation. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your kind donations and generosity, which made this initiative possible.
📸 Please enjoy the photos below highlighting moments from the event and the wonderful members who joined us.
World Thinking Day 2026: Celebrating 100 Years!
We were invited to attend the 100th Anniversary of “World Thinking Day” hosted by the GSA Servicing Unit 21-11 on February 21, 2026 in Upper Marlboro, MD. The Foundation was beautifully represented, and the young ladies were delighted with all the prizes we raffled.
Our board member, Leticia Evans, graciously brought a wonderful selection of items from Panama to display and share at the event. These included small handbags, beaded bracelets, and traditional sweets such as huevitos de leche, cocaditas, queques, and more. Leticia also shared insights about traditional Panamanian attire and the country’s diverse ethnic groups. We are deeply grateful to Leticia for her contributions, which helped make this event a success.
Additionally, the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Panama supplied us with brochures, postcards, and playing cards to display at our table. Ariel Coburn, board member, dressed in a traditional “montuna” and presented an engaging showcase and explanation on Panama’s history and demographics. Several members attended in folkloric dresses representing different cultural groups from Panama, including Josefina Jaén Pinzon, Sandra Seargent, Dominca Roman, Alma Holley, Leticia Evans, and Ariel Coburn.
Overall, it was a joyful and memorable event. Both the mothers and the girls were very happy with our presentation and participation. We certainly had an abundance of Panamanian sweets and we all enjoyed quite the sugar boost! We also had a refreshing “saril”, which was Mayuly’s personal favorite.
Member Spotlight: Maria del Rocío Vallarino
Our spotlight member works for LCPS and lives in Leesburg, VA. She is the founder of “Irene’s Prom Closet”, a volunteer-led organi-zation that provides prom attire & accessories to both young ladies & young men, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to attend prom with confidence & joy. All services are provided with confidentiality & on an honor-based system. 100% of donations are shared with the community.
Irene’s Prom Closet was founded in 2014 by Ma. Del Rocio, her mom, Yoly Vallarino, & sister, Belinda “Bella” Cermola, in loving memory of Irene Picota Vallarino—her daughter, a young lady with a beautiful, giving heart who left us far too soon. This organization is truly a labor of love, created to honor her legacy.
You can support IPC by simply sharing our mission with friends, family, & neighbors. You can also follow us on Facebook & Instgram.
If you know a HS student that would benefit from our services please have them call/text us at 571-989-3108 or send an email to: irenespromcloset@gmail.com.
If you would like to donate or volunteer, please connect with us at anytime.
Some members of Fundación Panamá have supported our mission since we were established & can attest to our work & mission. We are very grateful to all.🫶🏼
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