Who are We?
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization aimed at supporting vulnerable adult women and their families through educational programs, microenterprise development, emotional support, mentoring, and a chess club for children and the community.
Our Mission
To provide educational, emotional, and social support to women and their families, promoting economic independence and personal development through educational programs, workshops, and tutoring, with the support of a chess club for their children and the community.
Our Vision
To be a leading center in the educational and economic empowerment of women and families, offering reliable resources and opportunities that contribute to a dignified and self-sufficient life, strengthening both individual potential and family unity.
Before being a refuge, a learning space, or a place for second opportunities, Catelin is a name with its own history. Its origin goes back to the ancient Greek Aikaterine, and its linguistic meaning is as simple as it is profound: 'pure,' 'clear,' and 'immaculate.'
Far from any embellishment, the root of this name speaks to us of transparency, of an incorruptible essence, and of that firm lamp that knows how to guide our steps even when circumstances become complex.
It reflects the lucidity of someone who knows where she is going and the honesty of acting with her heart always first.
That is why, when we chose this name for the foundation, we wanted it to be much more than an identifier: we wanted it to be a promise and a mirror for every woman who walks through our doors.
Why is the foundation named Catelin?
Because this space was not built from comfort, but from the hardship and struggle of having walked the same difficult road.
We know that life often brings moments of deep darkness:
1) The barrier of a language you don't understand.
2) The weight of raising children alone.
3) The fear of not knowing how to start over.
4) The feeling of being trapped with no way out.
5) That is why this refuge bears the name Catelin: to remind you that, no matter how dense the shadows you face today may be, the light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it, because your essence remains intact and pure, waiting for the chance to reveal itself.
THE MEANING OF OUR NAME: CATELIN
Here, we come to ignite hands and dreams
Through training in trades—from beauty and manual arts to the precision of new technologies—every woman who crosses this threshold finds real tools to generate income, achieve independence, and take back the helm of her life.
You are not alone in the darkness. You come in looking for a way out and leave having learned how to shine, ready to transform your own destiny and that of your family with the radiant strength of your own work. We walk together in one spirit, keeping the clarity in your heart always alive.
The Purpose and the Origins
(Effort, Language and Trades)
“Our founder, Catelin, came to the United States with a big dream and a firm determination to work hard from day one. At the beginning, she had to face the huge challenge of the English language while she started to make her way doing house cleaning jobs. Instead of getting discouraged, she combined that daily effort with long hours of study and dedication.
Her path already had a solid base: in Argentina, she had studied Podiatry at the University of Buenos Aires. Once settled in the U.S., she continued her training until she overcame all barriers and obtained every professional license in Virginia as an instructor, cosmetologist, nail specialist, esthetician and master barber.
With her salon and school in Purcellville as a base, she created this foundation with a very clear mission: to empower women by providing training in trades that lead to real job opportunities. Through practical courses in beauty, handmade candle and soap making, 3D printing and card design, we aim for every mother to gain real tools to generate income, achieve independence and, eventually, obtain their own professional licenses.”
THE LEGACY OFF CHESS AND THE FUTURE OF YOUTH
(MASTER JUAN MANUEL SALAS AND THE NEW BOOK)
“The passion for personal growth doesn’t stop at trades. Catelin’s story with discipline and strategy begins with her first great teacher and father, Teacher Juan Manuel Salas. He was the one who taught Catelin and her sister, Gisela Vanesa Salas, to play chess when they were 5 and 7 years old, guiding them until they became provincial champions in Chubut, Argentina
Today, that legacy is more alive than ever: Catelin and her sister Gisela are working together on a book dedicated to teaching chess to children from Kindergarten to 3rd grade.
In addition, 30 years after those beginnings, Catelin has returned to the chessboard with her 12-year-old son, Henry David Gómez Salas, actively competing in the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
Honoring her father’s teachings, the foundation promotes a chess club dedicated to the children of the moms in the program, with the goal of stimulating their cognitive development, encouraging strategic thinking, and giving them tools to make solid decisions when facing life’s challenges.”
Empowered Education
Unlocking potential through hands-on training practical skills and vocational education tailored for resilient women.
Microenterprise Hub
Supporting small business dreams with practical training and essential development mentorship.
Emotional Support
A nurturing network of group mentorship that provides guidance and builds emotional resilience.
Community Chess Club
Bringing the community together through chess.
As we are just starting out, we are launching our first activities with a community chess club for kids and youth on special dates.
Making chess accessible to everyone and developing players with a growth mindset.
SECRETARY:
MARIBEL GONZALEZ QUINTERO
OUR TEAM
PRESIDENT
CATELIN ELIZABETH SALAS
