Gretchen Villegas – CEO of Horizon Empowers: Empower the Orphaned
Historically constrained by inheritance laws, limited education, and patriarchal norms, women have been underrepresented as drivers of philanthropic change. Thankfully, this story is evolving. More women are now leading efforts to channel wealth—whether owned or managed—toward meaningful social impact. In this global movement, Gretchen Villegas shines as a dedicated champion, empowering marginalized communities to overcome poverty and live dignified lives.
As the CEO of Horizon Empowers: Empower the Orphaned, Gretchen commits herself tirelessly to identifying and meeting the unique needs of every child in their care, following a compassionate rescue-restore-empower approach. Support at Horizon Empowers does not end as children age out of traditional care; young adults beyond 18 receive continued coaching, mentorship, and financial assistance to pursue trade schools, universities, or start businesses. Moreover, through social enterprises, the organization creates employment opportunities for local families, strengthening economic security while generating revenue to sustain operations.
With over 23 years at the helm of Horizon Empowers Initiative, Gretchen has held leadership roles in international development focused on creating sustainable economic growth and dignified incomes for vulnerable families. She shares, “I’ve learned that families empowered with increased income usually make sound decisions. This differs greatly from subsidies, which are short-term fixes that don’t break the cycle of poverty.” Horizon Empowers is laser-focused on fostering lasting, transformative solutions rather than temporary relief.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through Holistic Care
Horizon Empowers aims to disrupt generational poverty cycles affecting orphaned, vulnerable, and at-risk youth by rescuing them from abuse and neglect and placing them in safe, temporary housing within their Micro Communities. Under Gretchen’s visionary leadership, the organization restores holistic health—physical, emotional, and educational—both to the children and to their families whenever possible.
A key feature of Horizon Empowers’ model is its on-site Christian, bilingual private school, which acts as an anchor for their holistic approach. Gretchen emphasizes, “Education is the most powerful tool to break the poverty cycle. The children we serve give back to their communities at ten times the investment we make.” The organization also partners closely with national governments to provide a trusted placement solution for children removed from dangerous situations, ensuring coordinated, ongoing care.
Gretchen leads a dedicated executive team that marshals resources and maintains strong staff support across the Micro Communities. Frequently traveling and working on-site alongside her teams, she prioritizes staff training to enhance child welfare and foster comprehensive well-being.
Resilience During the Pandemic
The pandemic tested Horizon Empowers’ model, yet Gretchen observed remarkable resilience. Children remained safe within family-like units, supporting each other through daily activities, virtual schooling, and community engagement despite limited internet access. Teachers and staff went above and beyond to sustain education, even as the organization shifted from in-person schooling to virtual learning with minimal resources. Gretchen reflects with admiration on the communities’ collective effort to keep these vulnerable children connected and cared for during this isolating period.
Roots of Service and a Dream-Making Mission
Raised with a curious spirit in the American Midwest, Gretchen’s passion for diverse cultures led her to serve in the US Peace Corps in Suriname, South America. There, children became her greatest teachers—guiding her in local languages and ways of life, while exposing her firsthand to the devastating effects of poverty and loss on young lives. These experiences deeply moved her and inspired her lifelong commitment to uplifting children facing hardship.
Grounded in faith, Gretchen lives by the belief that “God is not looking for dreamers; He is looking for dream-makers.” This conviction fuels her work to empower those less fortunate to realize their dreams—not only for themselves but for future generations. “God gives us gifts to be dream-makers, not just dreamers without action,” she affirms, embodying a purposeful mission to extend opportunity and hope where it is needed most.
Gretchen Villegas’ leadership at Horizon Empowers exemplifies the powerful impact of women driving philanthropic change—creating sustainable pathways out of poverty and opening doors for vulnerable children and families to thrive with dignity and hope.
