
Meet the Team
Claudia Salas
PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER OF CRYSTAL WINGS USA
About Claudia
Claudia Salas is a professional leader with expertise in construction administration and project management. She holds a bachelor’s in architecture from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, bringing a global perspective to her work.
An active community leader, she strengthens networks within the Latino community, volunteers at her church, chairs the St. Jude’s Walk in Seattle, and directs development for Fundación Alas de Cristal Internacional. She also co-founded Seattle’s Colombian Independence Event to promote cultural awareness.
Currently enrolled in the Nonprofit Manager program at Clover Park Technical College, Claudia aims to enhance her impact as a Vocational School Coordinator at LETI- Latino Educational Training Institute and launch Crystal Wings USA, a nonprofit supporting those affected by lupus.
Gloria Salas
PRESIDENTE ALAS DE CRISTAL INTERNACIONAL COLOMBIA
CO-FOUNDER OF CRYSTAL WINGS USA
About Gloria
Gloria Lucía Salas is a visionary leader and tireless advocate for the health and well-being of people in vulnerable conditions. As the founder of Alas de Cristal Internacional, she has dedicated her time to providing support, guidance, and resources to those affected by lupus and other autoimmune diseases, creating a global community of hope and resilience.
Her commitment to service was born from her own experience and a deep desire to transform pain into purpose. With years of managerial experience in the healthcare sector in Colombia, Gloria Lucía has developed a profound understanding of the needs of patients and their families. Through her foundation, she has led numerous significant aid campaigns for underserved communities through programs such as Alas Kids, Años Dorados, and Mujeres Empoderadas.
Now, as co-founder of Crystal Wings USA, Gloria Lucía combines her passion and expertise with the organization’s mission to continue expanding her work in the United States.
On social media, Gloria Lucía describes herself as a woman who “lives one day at a time,” reflecting her life philosophy rooted in gratitude, faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others.
Sonia Izquierdo
MARKETING DIRECTOR OF CRYSTAL WINGS USA
About Sonia
Sonia Izquierdo was born and raised in Mexico City, in the Benito Juarez neighborhood. She obtained a B.S. in Computer Science from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Sonia has background in software engineering, and worked for big tech for the majority of her career. Around the time covid hit, she decided to change her focus to the non-profit world and marketing.
In 2023, Sonia founded Raise for Love, a communications agency that specializes in non-profits and other good causes.
Besides marketing and business, Sonia is an Interior Design aficionado and is passionate about helping those in need.

"Family love is the anchor that holds us through life's storms, the light that guides us home, and the strength that lifts us when we fall."
Photo: The Salas sisters: Gloria, Claudia, and Lina

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