KOLTAEL FOUNDERS
Shannon and Andrew Mangeris, along with their four children, have been working and serving to meet the great need of indigenous communities for over a decade. They have built relationships of trust with the local leaders and authorities to ensure lasting and successful partnerships/projects with communities, touching thousands of lives. They are passionate about making a sustainable difference in the lives of the underprivileged.
PRESIDENT KOLTAEL MEXICO
Erich Diestel, a lifelong resident of Chiapas, Mexico, is the driving force behind the Koltael Foundation's success in serving the region's indigenous communities. While his professional career began in aviation, followed by the business sector and engineering, Erich's true legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to human development. For the past 17 years, he has cultivated deep, meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and community leaders, fostering growth and empowerment in impoverished areas. His profound love for his work and, above all, the people of Chiapas, has been instrumental in establishing Koltael's impactful presence, a dedication recently recognized with the "Humanitarian of the Year" award from the Crown Council. A devoted husband and father of two, Erich's dedication reflects a life deeply rooted in service and community betterment.
OUR NAME
KOLTAEL (kōl-tī-əl) is an indigenous Mayan word that means to help or to save.
In the native Mayan language of Tzotzil the word ‘koltael’ means to help, save or liberate. One word can have multiple meanings in the Mayan tongue, and all three of these definitions emphasize the power of the word ‘koltael’.
The reason we chose this word or name to represent this great work we are doing is because we aspire to help others that have been oppressed, to save them from the chains of ignorance, and to liberate them from the bonds of poverty.
OUR LOGO
A rising sun can be seen above the name in our logo, representing the importance that light has on all life.
The color yellow represents that light, as light is what gives life to everything around us. Just as light gives life, so does education. Education is the answer to helping others rise out of poverty.
The five rays of light coming off the sun represent the five fingers of the hand. We can use our hands to lift and serve others.
The triangles rays of light are stylized to represent the native indigenous cultures which have oppressed and denied opportunities from modern society.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
“if you will give of your own to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then shall your light dawn amid darkness and your night become as the noonday.”
Isaiah 58: 10