Meet our Team
Meet Ivan Vila-President:
Ivan was born in Peru and has been living in the United States since the year 2000. He has a masters degree in Counseling and Education and works for a nonprofit company helping the immigrant community. Helping others has always been in his blood and he feels confident in the success of HUGS being that everyone on the team is willing to go the extra mile to help others!
Meet Emma Vila Gillam- Vice-President:
Born and raised in a small town in the mountains of Huancayo, Peru, Emma cultivated her passion for helping others at a young age as she witnessed the many life-changing works they brought to her hometown.
Her passion for helping the Latino community grew as she moved to Philadelphia, PA and earned a
Meet Emma Vila Gillam- Vice-President:
Born and raised in a small town in the mountains of Huancayo, Peru, Emma cultivated her passion for helping others at a young age as she witnessed the many life-changing works they brought to her hometown.
Her passion for helping the Latino community grew as she moved to Philadelphia, PA and earned a Masters of Arts in Counseling and post-graduate ABA program at St. Joseph's University.
Her 18+ years of experience at one of Philadelphia's largest non profit organizations, Children's Crisis Treatment Center, led to the development of the nonprofit H.U.G.S. (Humanity United for Global Support)
Meet Emily - Director of External Affairs:
As a graduate from Temple University with a degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Emily has developed a passion for youth and young adult empowerment. With previous experience leading major organizations such as Asociacion de Estudiantes Latinos during her undergraduate years, Emily has
Meet Emily - Director of External Affairs:
As a graduate from Temple University with a degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Emily has developed a passion for youth and young adult empowerment. With previous experience leading major organizations such as Asociacion de Estudiantes Latinos during her undergraduate years, Emily has a love for serving the Latino community in Philadelphia. Through her work with Puentes de Salud and other immigrant-focused organizations, she has been able to successfully strategize and implement fresh approaches to grow HUGS' networking immensely.
Meet Michael Barbera- Director of Financial Affairs:
Michael has worked as an investment advisor since 2015. He enjoys helping people reach their financial and retirement goals. With Series 7 and Series 63 certifications, Michael is also working on his Enrolled Agent certification to become a licensed tax advisor. After visiting Huancayo,
Meet Michael Barbera- Director of Financial Affairs:
Michael has worked as an investment advisor since 2015. He enjoys helping people reach their financial and retirement goals. With Series 7 and Series 63 certifications, Michael is also working on his Enrolled Agent certification to become a licensed tax advisor. After visiting Huancayo, Peru during one of HUGS' trips, Michael discovered his love for the Latino community and looks forward to helping HUGS in their financial planning.