Comments and Testimonials
This space gathers the words and memories of the people who have accompanied me through different stages of my life: in Active 20-30, and in my professional, academic, and personal circles.
Each testimony reflects unique experiences, sincere anecdotes, and perspectives that reveal who I am through the eyes of those who have walked alongside me.
Through their voices, an important part of my story is built—shaped by learning, collaboration, and the bonds I have formed along the way.
Marielos Brenes Oviedo (mother):
My daughter Maricruz:
Maricruz is the eldest of five siblings. From a young age, she was always helpful and understanding with her classmates. Full of a special charisma, she had a natural gift for serving others. Over the years, her enthusiasm and dedication to helping others became even more evident, and she has always been a leader.
She has carried out major projects for children and adolescents—she is unstoppable when it comes to making a difference. I am incredibly proud of her lifelong dedication. I remember she was only 13 when she began her work with the 20-30 Club of Tres Ríos, and to this day, she continues to give her all—because that is who she is.
Maribel Álvarez (Maricruz’s aunt, National Lifetime Member,
and Vice Mayor of the Cantón de La Unión)
Since her time at the Youth Club, Maricruz has understood the value of teamwork within the organization. Throughout her career, she has conveyed the conviction that one person can make a social impact individually; however, when a project is carried out by combining ideas and efforts among members, its reach multiplies socially, economically, and in terms of communication.
Edmundo Selva (40+ Member of the 20-30 Club of Tres Ríos)
Knowledge is acquired over time and through experience; this is what sets Maricruz’s leadership apart. How many members have had the opportunity to learn and grow within Active 20-30 since the age of twelve? As a youth member who has climbed every rung of the club, she possesses the wisdom to see the organization as it truly is and has participated in building the new era of Active 20-30.
That is what sets Maricruz apart: leadership sustained by her dedication to the club, a young woman who has shown deep commitment to serving her community and gives her all to help children in need. That is Maricruz… 25 years later.
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Estibaliz Hidalgo (University Friend,
Anthropologist, Guest Experience Manager – Marina Pez Vela):
I was 18 when I first heard about 20-30; I had no idea what it was or what they did. I just remember Maricruz, my new friend from college, speaking passionately about this organization she was eager to join.
That was 20 years ago—years in which our friendship has been forged through life’s ups and downs, and in which I have seen Maricruz turn her ideas and concerns into meaningful projects and actions.
Maricruz is a needle in a haystack. Her multidisciplinary vision makes her both the leader who dreams and the leader who acts. Her ethical standards guide her with humility and poise, and her interpersonal intelligence enables her to empathize with human needs, creating community wherever she goes.
Maricruz’s passion for 20-30 has evolved: being part of the group is no longer enough. She wants to transform it, strengthen it, and extend its impact to new communities and groups.
Now her sights are set on the international presidency, because her love for the organization and her hope for a better tomorrow burn like an intense flame—a flame befitting a leader whose inner fire illuminates the path for everyone around her.
Ester Mora (Friend of Maricruz, Lifetime Member -
Active 20-30 International):
Maricruz is a great leader because her way of serving comes from the heart. She doesn’t wait to be told what to do—she always finds a way to solve problems, move forward, and motivate others. What sets her apart is that she combines her commitment with genuine joy, which is evident in our friendship and in the organization’s projects.
And yes, she’s also the person who loves going to concerts and meeting new people; Maricruz is everyone’s friend, and that vibrant energy shines through in everything she does. Her leadership inspires because it is built on action, passion, and an infectious energy.
María Fernanda Hernández (CEO of Samsung Corporation):
My name is María Fernanda Hernández, CEO of Samsung Corporation. I have worked with Maricruz over the past several years on various Samsung social responsibility initiatives. Even before I joined, Maricruz was already in charge of all volunteer programs and local support in Costa Rica for educational programs, executing everything with excellence.
After I joined in 2019, Maricruz helped us strengthen the presence of our programs in that community, also in collaboration with the Curridabat municipality, in everything related to Samsung Innovation Campus and Solve for Tomorrow.
I highly recommend Maricruz for any endeavor she chooses to pursue. She has been an invaluable and unwavering support in executing all our programs. Always committed to supporting the community, she is a person with leadership, empathy, and the ability to connect with people, turning even simple initiatives into something extraordinary.
With my full support and recommendation, I can say that Maricruz is truly one of the best things we have—and that I have—in Costa Rica.
Ligia Bobadilla (Founder and President of Proyecto Daniel):
On behalf of Proyecto Daniel, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young people between the ages of 13 and 25 diagnosed with cancer, we would like to express our deepest appreciation for the work of Maricruz Álvarez, who has been an invaluable ally in our mission to provide hope and support to those who need it most.
As President of Club 20-30 in Tres Ríos, Maricruz has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, marked by her genuine commitment, strategic vision, and social sensitivity. Her ability to mobilize volunteers, build partnerships, and execute projects with real impact has been key to strengthening our relationship with Club 20-30 and implementing initiatives that have directly benefited our young patients.
What distinguishes Maricruz as a leader is her active empathy: she not only listens, but acts with determination. Her leadership is based on service, community-building, and the conviction that every action can transform lives. She has promoted activities that not only raise funds, but also raise awareness about the realities faced by young people with cancer, generating a cultural shift in their environment.
For all these reasons, we at Proyecto Daniel enthusiastically support her nomination as International President of Club 20-30, confident that her leadership will make a significant global difference, just as it has in Costa Rica.
Luis Solano (President of the Active 20-30 Club of Tres Ríos)
One of Maricruz's outstanding leadership qualities is her ability to inspire and motivate others. She makes people feel part of a shared purpose, encouraging them to give their best with enthusiasm and commitment.
Nuria Rojas (Lifetime Member – Active 20-30 International)
One of Maricruz’s greatest leadership qualities is that she is unafraid to take risks. Many leaders move cautiously, afraid of failure. Maricruz envisions new possibilities and takes bold steps forward to achieve them, even if she has to build everything from scratch along the way.
Laura Villalobos (Geologist, Municipality of Escazú):
Maricruz has the ability to inspire others to become better people. She is a leader who always encourages those around her to pursue their dreams. In addition, she always sees opportunities for growth, even in the midst of challenges.
Bonus track: She is the best travel companion because she always has the energy to keep moving forward.
Anghis Murias (Former Captain – Wak Rugby Club – Costa Rica National Rugby Team)
As captain and member of the rugby team, I have had the privilege of sharing the field, the team, and countless moments with Maricruz Álvarez, a person who embodies everything this sport represents: dedication, leadership, and heart.
Maricruz is an exemplary teammate. Her commitment to the team is unwavering, always ready to give her best and support those around her. She has a unique ability to lift the group in difficult moments and to celebrate shared achievements with humility. Her leadership is evident not only in her voice on the field but also in her daily actions, in the way she listens, advises, and motivates.
As a friend, Maricruz is loyal, authentic, and supportive. Her dedication and closeness have made every training session and every game a more human, stronger, and more united experience. She is one of those people who remind you why it is worth fighting, sweating, and giving everything on the field.
Maricruz Álvarez is not only a great player—she is a natural leader, an invaluable teammate, and a friend who leaves a lasting impact. Her presence inspires, her example teaches, and her friendship is always appreciated.
