With great sadness, Progreso says goodbye to Angel Mario: a warm personality, a natural connector, and a dear colleague and friend.

Angel Mario was involved from the early days of Stichting Green Development, the predecessor of Stichting Progreso, where he grew into an indispensable force within the network. As our Supervisory Board member Huub Keulen recalls: “He was happy with his job, happy with the team and happy with Amsterdam, where he had found his place. His positivity and thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on everyone.”

Supervisory Board member Minke van Rees remembers how they grew together in their work: “We grew together in our work. Both of us eventually even in a director’s position. This wasn’t even a specific goal or ambition for either of us, as long as we could have impact.” And impact, he certainly had. Huub adds: “Angel Mario gave a lot, but also got a lot done in return, and in doing so he left an essential mark on the work and impact of Progreso.”

As a natural relationship builder, Angel Mario effortlessly connected with others. Minke recalls how he navigated with ease “between African cooperatives, traders, financiers or government institutions.” His dedication, his warm approach, and his ability to build bridges will always be remembered.

On a personal level too, many of us felt deeply connected to him. As Minke shares: “I am so grateful that he got to experience fatherhood. And that his children got to experience him as a father, only for far, far too short a time.”

With Angel Mario, we lose more than a colleague. As Huub puts it: “As if a part of ourselves has disappeared.”

We cherish the memories and wish his family, friends, and loved ones much strength.
Angel Mario, you will always be in our hearts.