Victim Advocates Reaching Out (VARO) has officially inducted its 2026 Board of Directors, ushering in a new leadership team focused on strengthening partnerships and expanding support services for victims across Guam.
Elected as president is Trina San Agustin, who previously served as vice president, public information officer and secretary. Since joining VARO in 2020, San Agustin has helped organize the nonprofit’s signature Purple Gala fundraiser and volunteer appreciation events. Her priorities include strengthening board governance, expanding digital outreach, increasing grant opportunities and building stronger community partnerships while keeping VARO’s survivor-centered mission at the forefront.
Serving as treasurer is Jonathan Mendiola, a longtime volunteer who has also served as a hotline advocate, training chair and public information officer.
Tamuning Mayor Louise Rivera was elected public information officer. A VARO member since 2003, Rivera brings decades of public service and strong community partnerships to the organization’s outreach efforts.
Verna Zafra-Kasala will serve as volunteer support chair. A graduate of the University of Guam with a master’s degree in English, she has volunteered with VARO since 2018 and supported several outreach and fundraising initiatives.
Appointed vice president is Tina Esteves, a VARO volunteer since 2022 and former training chair. She also serves as vice president and marketing chair for the Guam Football Association and works as marketing manager at Triple J Enterprises.
Brianna Duenas has been tapped as training chair. She joined VARO in 2020 as a victim advocate and holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she focuses on trauma-informed care for veterans and their families.
They will serve alongside current board members Secretary Judith Won Pat, Fundraising Chair Ulysses Story and Member-at-Large Delbert Calvo.
