Who We Are

Iowa-Yucatán Partners is a community of volunteers and members dedicated to connecting people to people - building friendships, understanding, and collaboration between communities in Iowa, USA, and Yucatán, Mexico. As part of the Iowa Partner State Program, we bring individuals together across cultures, languages, and generations to work shoulder to shoulder in creating a stronger international community.

What We Do

When Iowans travel to the Yucatán, they stay with host families, build relationships, and work side by side with local communities on projects they’ve identified—ranging from building school libraries and improving water access to hosting medical clinics and teaching sustainable gardening. Yucatecan partners also travel to Iowa, sharing their own expertise and experiences. Whether you're a skilled professional or a passionate volunteer, there's always a way to contribute and learn through shared purpose.

Our Culture 

A Culture of Shared Learning: The Heart of Iowa-Yucatán Partners

The Iowa-Yucatán Partners organization thrives on a deep-rooted culture of education, mutual respect, and lifelong learning. At its core is the belief that everyone has something valuable to share and something meaningful to learn. Whether through language exchanges, technical workshops, artistic collaborations, or agricultural knowledge-sharing, the group fosters an environment where talents are celebrated and teaching is a shared responsibility.

This spirit of collaboration empowers individuals from both Iowa and Yucatán to build lasting connections, strengthen communities, and open doors to new opportunities through education and mutual understanding.

Our Mission 

Our mission is to bring people together to learn, grow, and support one another, enhancing education, health, and sustainability in both Iowa and Yucatán. Through mutual respect and shared knowledge, we build the foundation for a brighter and more connected future.

Executive Committee

  • Jeff Wilson

    PRESIDENT

  • Ruth Waite

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Judy Fitzgibbons

    SECRETARY

  • William Edwards

    TREASURER

  • Sorrel Brown

    PAST-PRESIDENT

“Iowa-Yucatán Partners is great for all ages! Being able to support programs has been so rewarding.”

  • Yucatán Participant

“Iowa-Yucatán Partners offers a tremendous opportunity to engage with an entire community.”

  • Yucatán Participant

“Whatever your talent or interest, participating in the Iowa-Yucatán Partners gives you the opportunity to grow and share.”

  • Yucatán Participant