Category: Uncategorized

Life has a way of taking you on unexpected journeys, and for Jhonattan Maldonado, the path has led him across five countries, through diverse industries, and always toward one guiding purpose: making sustainability tangible. Today, we are happy to welcome him as Progreso’s new Operations Manager, bringing his global experience, curiosity, and heart for impact to our team.

Jhonattan’s professional story began in Mexico, working in food and logistics, where he first learned the intricacies of moving products, people, and ideas efficiently. But he was always looking beyond the immediate, to understand how systems could create real value for people and the planet. This curiosity took him to Sweden, where he pursued a Master’s in Sustainable Management, and later to the Netherlands, where he expanded his expertise across technology, real estate, finance, and banking.

Through each chapter, one thing remained constant: a drive to connect operational excellence with meaningful, human-centered outcomes. “What excites me most about joining Progreso,” Jhonattan shares, “is the tangible positive impact the organization creates for communities. I want to help build systems that are efficient and scalable, while always staying grounded in the realities and stories of the people we serve.”

In his new role, Jhonattan will focus on strengthening internal structures, improving coordination across regions, and ensuring that operations are not just smooth, but purposeful. His goal is simple yet ambitious: to support coffee and cacao cooperatives in becoming more professional, resilient, and fairly rewarded, so that sustainable practices are not just ideals, but lived realities.

But Jhonattan is more than spreadsheets and processes. Off the clock, you’ll find him immersed in music, books, or dance, or training for his next triathlon. And in quiet moments, he’s strolling through the streets of Utrecht with his dog, Mochi, soaking in life’s small adventures along the way.

Jhonattan’s journey reminds us that operations aren’t just about efficiency, they’re about creating the conditions for people and communities to thrive. We are excited to have him join Progreso, and we can’t wait to see how his energy, experience, and vision will help us grow stronger, together.