Our Founding Team
Jefferson was born and raised in the challenging city of Caracas, Venezuela. Despite the circumstances surrounding him, he pursued his academic dreams, earning a law degree and proving that determination can overcome any obstacle.
In 2016, a turning point came in his life. The escalating political, economic, and social crisis in Venezuela, a result of 24 years of oppressive dictatorship, led him to seek a brighter and safer future. Along with his wife, Sophia, he made the heart-wrenching decision to leave their homeland, finding refuge in the vibrant and welcoming country of Costa Rica. Here, Jefferson and his wife found a place to start anew.
Guided by his profound faith and a firm belief in the power of family and the sanctity of freedom, Jefferson has always believed that everyone deserves a shot at a better future. This conviction is the foundation of his dedication to Brighter Community Resources.
As one of the founders of BCR, Jefferson walks with a deep understanding of the realities faced by the communities he serves. His work is rooted in lived experience, not just theories. He sees himself not only as a part of the organization but as a fellow traveler on the journey towards a brighter future.
Jefferson’s mission with BCR goes beyond mere community development; it’s a mission of hope and transformation. He aims to empower communities by providing the necessary tools, resources, and support to foster resilience and strength.
Jefferson’s story, filled with courage, determination, and unwavering optimism, stands as an inspiration to all. His leadership at BCR reflects his personal journey and his steadfast belief in the potential within everyone to shape their brighter futures.
Brett is a husband, father and sports fanatic! He loves to spend time outdoors, especially in the mountains.
Since Brett was young his parents have always been great examples to him of service by being involved in their communities and helping others. He has many memories of visiting elderly, lonely and sick members of his faith community on a regular basis. He and his family would bring words of encouragement, love, and hands to help with yard or housework. He grew up in Idaho and Montana where the winters are long and cold. Ever since he was old enough to use a snow shovel, he and his family would help 2-3 widows every time it snowed. He and his brothers have all grown up and moved away from home, but his parents continue that service.
Brett’s most transformational service experience was choosing to serve a two-year full-time volunteer mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was assigned to live with and serve the people of Santiago, Chile. Those two years completely changed his perspective on life. He saw the transformative power of service not only in the lives of those he served, but also in his own life. He completed his full-time service when he was 21. That was over a decade ago, but those experiences still influence the way he lives and the decisions he makes today.
The other person that has inspired Brett to serve is his wife. Kensi. She serves Brett and their four children daily. She is kind and loves to meet people in her community and serve them however she can. She is an incredible inspiration to him.
When Brett and Kensi met Jefferson and Sophia they became fast friends. They quickly learned that they all had a common desire to do more and serve the community they are now a part of. They have each had their own unique experiences that have taught them the power of service and the value of each human life. From that common desire Brighter Community Resources was formed. Brett feels honored to serve alongside his wife Kensi, and their dear friends Jefferson and Sophia and fervently hopes to uplift and serve the community he is in.
Understanding the human experience, relationships with others, and our relationships with ourselves has always intrigued Kensi. From a young age, she found herself pondering why people respond in certain ways, what makes some people “fit in” or not, why there are differences in personalities, and many other things. She began her degree in marriage and family studies to learn about these very things but put it on hold when she married Brett so that they could start a family and she could stay home with their boys. She feels grateful to Brett for working so hard to make her dream of being home with their kids while they were young a reality.
As the kids got older, She found herself drawn to continuing in her previous direction. A lot of really incredible opportunities fell into her lap. She was able to start school again and will finish her degree in December ‘23! They sold their house in Texas, said reluctant goodbyes to dear friends there, and moved to Costa Rica! Moving there has been a gift for them. We have been challenged, pushed out of our comfort zones, and continue to learn new things every day. It is incredible. AND… It. Is. Hard.
While she has been in Costa Rica, she’s had the privilege of meeting wonderful and amazing people. She describes the locals as genuine and kind. While they live in very humble circumstances and don’t have much, they are generous with whatever they can offer, whether that’s going out of their way to help a random tourist get unstuck from a small stream (Yes. That was her… It’s size was deceptive… haha!), helping to explain something with their broken English, or giving away produce, they are always willing to lend a hand. They exude a peace and contentment that seems almost out of place, due to the struggles that poverty heaps on them. They inspire her. They have so much goodness and wisdom to offer, and she wanted to be able to offer something in return. For this reason, She, along with her husband and their friends, started Brighter Community Resources.
She believes that as we work collaboratively with the communities in Costa Rica, and around the world, we will be reciprocally blessed.
Brighter Community Resources has been a dream of hers for several years, but it always felt lofty and out of reach… because on her own, it was. But she’s seen that when people pool their skills, knowledge, and resources together, God really can make great things come to pass. Brett and her feel blessed by their sweet friends, Jefferson and Sophia, who were also willing to jump on this train. Their story is one that opened her eyes to the deficit of opportunities and solutions available to many Latin Americans.
Born amidst the vibrant hues and lively rhythms of Caracas, Venezuela, Sophia embodies resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. As a young woman, Sophia’s dedication and perseverance saw her earn a diploma in physiotherapy, navigating the academic rigors with grace and determination.
However, the city that had given her so much also bore witness to heartrending changes. Over the years, the escalating political and social turmoil, intensified by an oppressive dictatorship that held Venezuela in its grip for over two decades, cast a shadow over Sophia’s dreams and aspirations. The situation became a crucible, testing not just her dreams but her very spirit. The homeland she loved was altering before her eyes, forcing her to make an agonizing decision.
In 2016, alongside her supportive husband, Jefferson, Sophia found refuge in the verdant landscapes of Costa Rica. The nation, with its warm-hearted inhabitants and breathtaking beauty, didn’t just offer them sanctuary; it offered them a chance to rebuild, dream, and start their family.
Yet, in the embrace of her new home, Sophia never lost sight of her roots, or the hardships others continued to face. Her faith, deep seated in her belief in God, the sanctity of family, and the power of freedom, compelled her to act. These convictions, combined with her personal journey of grit and grace, led her to co-found Brighter Community Resources.
Sophia’s mission with BCR is as clear as her conviction: to provide a beacon of hope to those ensnared in life’s harshest trials. For her, every individual, when offered a hand of support, can find strength to surmount challenges and build a brighter, more robust future.
In her role, she doesn’t just offer aid; she offers empathy, understanding, and a testament to the fact that with faith and tenacity, one can rise from adversity. Through her story, Sophia doesn’t just inspire – she invites us all to become part of a grander narrative of hope, change, and boundless possibility.
Contributors
We would be amiss if we did not acknowledge the following individuals for their efforts and contributions to the BCR community:
Kim Fisher = For helping us form the non-profit, file all the requisite paperwork, and giving us expert advice and guidance (visioncatalyst.org)
Tara Whitely = For photography
Steven Williams = For the design and creation of our website