Creating Lasting Impact
Changing lives one JOURNEY at a time.
making a difference and building community
Journey to Refuge acts as a catalyst for change and connection by providing homes for families in need while bridging cultural gaps across the border. With every JOURNEY our group builds a sturdy home for families currently living without shelter. Each trip offers an opportunity to get a hands on approach to giving back, allowing volunteers to see their efforts manifest in a tangible way. This “work” fosters cross cultural community building as volunteers develop relationships with our partners and sponsored families. Every JOURNEY is also interlaced with fun activities providing a deeper experience of the local culture and and beauty that Baja, Mexico has to offer.
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Our Team
Candice Bottomley
Founder, CEO
Growing up in San Diego I was never exposed to Mexico or any other cultures. As I’ve grown older I have been fortunate to meet and become friends with people from all over the globe. I was exposed to a few third world countries on some humanitarian trips after becoming friends with someone who was working for a non profit in Mexico. Despite its bad reputation I was enthralled after one trip and things have never been the same. My love for the people of Baja has continued to grow steadily since that first trip as well as my desire to help the needy. I've worked and volunteered with numerous non-profits and orphanages and I am convinced that together we can make a difference. The ability to give back and change a life so dramatically in such a short period of time is so rewarding and I hope to share that experience with anyone who will take the journey with us.
Patrick Szydlik
Board Member
Patrick Szydlik is a lifelong entrepreneur that has specialized in Real Estate Marketing for the past 5 years. Patrick Recently Sold his Media company Film 360 where as CEO he has helped market and sell over 2 billion dollars of real estate in the last 5 years. Patrick (better known online as @real_estate_pat) is a marketing and Real Estate Leader that has a passion for helping others reach their potential as well as their real estate goals. Patrick Specializes in Real Estate: Branding, Media, Websites, Software, System Development, Advertising, Recruiting, Coaching, and Foundational Structure to close an Agents “Ecosystem”.
Susanna Leddo
Board Member
I’m a fitness and wine enthusiast, as well as a native San Diegan. Growing up so close to the border, I was given many opportunities to experience and travel to Mexico. I feel it’s a gift and our responsibility to use our resources to enrich our neighboring communities. Journey to Refuge is unique in that we provide a dual opportunity to not only make a life-changing impact by providing a family in need with a home but also allowing individuals to receive the privilege of connecting and celebrating the people and the culture of Baja Mexico.
Megan Sawamura
Board member
There is nothing I love more than community. Being able to share experiences of giving back is just as rewarding personally as it is to helping those in need. I work as a loan officer and I love being able to help people financially and in life. I have been on mission trips to Nicaragua and Bali but going down to Baja is so close to home as a California Native. A quick one hour drive and you’re in a completely different world. After building a home and handing a pair of keys over to a family knowing that their life has changed forever is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced. Journey to Refuge not only helps those in need but those who join.
