Volunteering that transforms lives: John Moore’s story in El Salvador

Published on August 18, 2025 by Glasswing

John Moore, the chairman of Glasswing’s Board of Directors, is dedicated to making a lasting impact.

He does that through a tireless commitment to lifting up communities—which has shone through during years of volunteering, mentorship, and giving back. We are deeply grateful to John for his constant work to empower young people and transform lives.

Years of service in El Salvador

In 1987, John spent a year in El Salvador, working with a foundation that promotes development there. The experience deepened his understanding of the country and Latin America and affirmed his determination to unlock sustainable social impact there.

John, who is Morgan Stanley’s Head of Latin America and the Chairman of Global Capital Markets for the Americas, attended the Glasswing Gala in 2017. There, he met Glasswing founders Diego de Sola, Celina de Sola, and Ken Baker and learned about Glasswing’s work in education and community development in Latin America.

Soon after, John visited El Salvador with Glasswing to see the programs firsthand. In 2018, he implemented volunteer engagements between Glasswing and Morgan Stanley in New York City and Mexico City. Morgan Stanley has remained a close partner ever since.

John joined Glasswing’s Board of Directors in 2019 and became its Chairman in 2020, succeeding Diego de Sola. In this role, he guides Glasswing as the organization carries out its mission, ensuring its sustainability and planning for a future of enduring impact.

Volunteering that amplifies change

Every summer, with Glasswing, John and his family travel to El Salvador to participate in volunteer days at public schools. Together, the volunteers paint walls, plant gardens, and restore school equipment, while sharing life experiences with students.

During a recent trip, he and his family improved the facilities at San José de la Montaña School in San Salvador, benefitting 157 students and many more members of the community. They repaired bleachers, cleared up weeds, painted the first basketball court in the school’s history, and made other changes to enhance the school environment and promote safety and community.

John told us that the energy from the students and teachers always leaves a lasting impression. They greet him with smiles and a strong dedication to working together to enhance their educational environment. 

“I could spend the whole day at the school,” he said. “I love the books, the tables, the materials. Above all, I love what they represent: the future.”

“What we do here is tangible, physical, and visible. Volunteering connects me to reality that is concrete.”

Challenges and opportunities in volunteering

A major challenge for community-development programs is the need for funding. John encourages the private sector and civil society to support initiatives dedicated to social development and education.

As an example of how to do so, John is heavily involved in Glasswing’s Sponsor a School initiative. He sponsors Centro Escolar Marcelino García Flamenco, a school in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, with 530 students from kindergarten to ninth grade. His support allows the school to implement programs and changes that build students’ skills and confidence, such as:

• After-school clubs that help students discover their passions and potential through sports, technology, the arts, and more
• Teacher training in self-care and student-centered learning
• Life-skills development: leadership, job readiness, and problem-solving
• Urgently needed repairs and school resources

Anyone—individuals, groups, or organizations—can sponsor a school. To get involved, please reach out to Glasswing’s Director of Engagement, Bridget Kane, at [email protected].

John also calls on all those who want to and are able to become volunteers. 

“My advice is simple: take a leap into a new community. It may seem intimidating at first, but it all starts with a smile, a greeting, and a conversation. Next is the fun part of rolling up your sleeves and learning how to do something useful at a school or other community space. In the end, my only request is this: don’t forget to come back, let your responsibility take root, and commit to consistency. That’s how you can make a lasting difference.”

Thank you so much to the volunteers who make our work possible, and to John for the countless ways that he has brought hope and change to others’ lives.