Notes From Latin America: Expanding Care, Building Capacity and Celebrating Impact 

Across Latin America and the Caribbean, communities are full of color, culture, music and resilience. Children grow up surrounded by vibrant traditions and communities that support one another. Among all the beauty, there are also challenges, like access to timely, high-quality surgical care.

On average, the region has just two medical providers per 1,000 people, a number below global standards for safe, timely care. But things are changing, and we are hopeful for the future and the changemakers committed to leading this lasting impact across Latin America and beyond. 

When it comes to her role at Operation Smile, Indiana Siu has three essential rules: “Lead with heart, make sure we’re delivering top-notch care, and constantly look for ways to improve.”

After more than 15 years with the organization, Siu is regional associate vice president of Operation Smile for Latin America and the Caribbean, and she is doing just that: helping guide teams that work across 12 countries, partnering with local health systems and working tirelessly to bring high-quality surgical care to every community. 

Operation Smile is proud to work alongside local leaders and communities, bringing high-quality surgical care closer to home, strengthening local health systems and investing in locally led solutions.

From Mexico to Brazil, more than 1,100 dedicated volunteers and local partners are at the heart of this work, helping children and families access the care they need and deserve. 

We caught up with Siu to ask her about how the organization’s work in Latin America extends beyond surgery — investing in locally led solutions, providing gold-standard care and building lasting partnerships that bring high-quality care closer to home. As she says, “It’s a moment to celebrate both the beauty of a smile and the transformation behind it — a life full of possibilities.” 

Learn more about Operation Smile in Latin America and the Caribbean.  

Where are you from and how long have you been involved with Operation Smile? 

Indiana Sui: I’m from Nicaragua, and I’ve had the privilege of working with Operation Smile since 2010. I started as a program coordinator, supporting surgical programs and hospital-based care. Over the past 15 years, I’ve grown with the organization through multiple roles: first at the country level, then across Central America and now overseeing all of Latin America and the Caribbean.

What has kept you inspired to stay and grow? 

IS: What keeps me here is the realization that this work isn’t just about surgeries; it’s about transforming entire health systems, equipping local leaders and ensuring families feel seen and supported. Each stage of my journey has deepened my commitment. 

Access to safe, high-quality care should never be determined by where a child is born. My “why” is rooted in equity: the belief that every child deserves the same chance to smile, thrive, and belong, no matter their circumstances. 

Can you share a story that captures the impact of our work in Latin America?  

IS: There are so many, but what stays with me most is not one single patient, it’s the families. I see myself in every parent who travels hours, sometimes days, prioritizing health and a better future for their child. The relentless determination of mothers and fathers, willing to sacrifice everything to give their children a fighting chance at life, is the clearest reflection of why our work matters. 

What makes our work in Latin America unique, and what opportunities do you see for greater impact?  

IS: Our work here is unique because it goes beyond individual surgeries. We are building local capacity close to patients’ homes. By strengthening hospitals, equipping local leaders, and training providers, we are not only ensuring access to cleft care but also reinforcing national health systems. This means our impact extends well beyond cleft; it translates into better quality of life and stronger healthcare for entire communities. 

How are local volunteers and community leaders growing along with the organization?

IS: We are seeing volunteers evolve into national champions, hospitals take ownership of cleft programs, and local leaders set the pace for innovation. For example, in Brazil and Mexico, local teams are not just delivering surgeries but shaping policies and education pathways for future surgeons. That locally led, globally supported model is what makes our approach credible and lasting. 

As you look ahead, what gives you the most hope for the future? 

IS: What excites me most is the shift from dependency to autonomy, seeing countries build their own systems, train their own leaders and ensure no child waits. My message of hope is simple: the future of Operation Smile in Latin America is bright because it rests in the hands of local heroes: doctors, nurses, volunteers and families, who carry this mission forward every day. 

From the vibrant colors of festivals to the warmth of everyday life, Latin America is a region full of energy, tradition and resilience. We are proud to work hand in hand with local leaders, volunteers, partners and families, building stronger health systems and a future where every child in Latin America has access to the care they need and a life full of possibilities. 

We are inspired by the impact we see every day — and with your support, we can continue celebrating smiles and fostering resilient communities.