Our Story Of Hope

“A circle of love, where grief meets hope.”

“I want to collect donations and give them to a charity in Isaiah’s name.” These words, spoken by our Co-Founder Mona at her son Isaiah’s memorial, sparked the journey that became La Luz de Isaiah. Isaiah’s favorite show was The Kindness Diaries, a reflection of his own kind heart and the compassion he showed to anyone who needed a friend or support, even at just 13 years old. This is what Mona wanted to honor most, for his own kind spirit to live on in the lives of those in need.

Mona’s wish aligned with an orphanage in Honduras that was in need of a medical and dental clinic; one led by one of our now board advisors, who was serving as its director at the time. From there began a year-long campaign of raising funds through community fundraising, social media, and the support of those deeply touched by her story.

Throughout this process, Mona experienced love from every angle and discovered the power and value of community coming together for a shared purpose, something that would later become a foundational element of Dragonfly Wishes. Once the funds were raised, construction began, and one year later, the clinic was completed. When Mona was ready, we traveled to Honduras, where she dedicated the clinic in Isaiah’s name, calling it the La Luz de Isaiah Clinic. The clinic has since served this community that was in deep need of these now available dental and medical services. 

After returning home, it became clear how profoundly this experience impacted Mona’s healing. What began as one mother’s wish to honor her son became a deeply healing experience, one rooted in community, purpose, and love. Today, La Luz de Isaiah exists first and foremost to support grieving parents who have suffered the tragic loss of a child,  offering a way to honor their child’s life through compassionate action for communities in need. Each Dragonfly Wish is named in honor of the child it represents, carrying the light of their memory forward through “La Luz de their child’s name”, displayed front and center on each project. 

Our Mission

La Luz de Isaiah exists to walk alongside grieving parents who have experienced the loss of a child by helping transform their child’s passions and memory into meaningful acts of love. Through our Dragonfly Wishes, parents are supported in creating lasting charitable initiatives that honor their child’s spirit and keep their legacy alive.

Our Vision

We envision a world where grieving parents are met with compassion and, when they are ready, offered meaningful ways to honor their child’s memory through love and service. A world where each child’s life continues to inspire connection, community, and hope—and where no parent has to walk alone in finding their way forward.

Our Team

  • CO-FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Jessica Juliao spent many years working as a commercial fashion and beauty photographer and film director, collaborating with well-known brands and publications. But everything shifted as she walked closely alongside her best friend and Co-Founder, Mona Nieto, through the loss of her child Isaiah. Being present in that grief drew her away from her career and toward something she feels is deeper, and rooted in meaning.

    Now fully devoted to her role as Executive Director, Jessica leads the foundation with the belief that God continues to shape us in how we show up for others, especially those carrying unimaginable grief. Guided by faith and love, she is committed to serving parents in Mona’s shoes, and helping to turn grief into hope.

  • CO-FOUNDER

    Mona, a compassionate and bereaved mother residing in Arizona, channels her grief into a meaningful mission by creating positive changes in impoverished communities through the establishment of medical clinics. As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, she utilizes her skills to enhance the mental and physical well-being of individuals. Mona's journey is drive by a heartfelt desire to honor her son's memory, and her work reflects a commitment to improving lives through healthcare and community support. Additionally, Mona is devoted to aiding other grieving parents through the mission of La Luz De Isaiah, providing solace and support in their difficult journey.

  • BOARD MEMBER

    With a proven track record, Jocelyn is an adept Chief Operating Officer in domestic and international non-profit management, excelling in areas like Nonprofit Management, Intercultural Communication, Youth Development, and Program Evaluation & Development. A Portland State University graduate, she navigates financial management with precision for impactful and sustainable outcomes. Jocelyn's leadership emphasizes results, ensuring efficient and impactful fulfillment of missions. Residing in Oregon with her family, she seamlessly integrates global leadership with a deep commitment to local community development, embodying a holistic approach to positive change.

  • SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

    Chantia brings over six years of experience in social media management and more than eight years in the media industry, with a diverse background spanning museums, nonprofits, commerce, and music and television companies. After hearing Mona and Isaiah’s heartfelt story and watching the short film, “Chasing Dragonflies,” Chantia was immediately committed to advancing the mission. It was so moving for her, seeing a grieving mother transform her pain into purpose, pouring love and support into communities of children in need. Now, as the Social Media Director for La Luz de Isaiah, she is dedicated to amplifying their message, sharing the powerful stories of mothers and children worldwide, and building resource-rich platforms across multiple social media channels.

  • SECRETARY

    Tina is pleased to join La Luz de Isaiah as Secretary. With nearly 10 years working in the public sector providing clerical support to governing bodies and 15 years of business management, Tina is grateful to have the meaningful opportunity to support grieved with empathy, hope, and connection through her work with our foundation.

  • CREATIVE DIRECTOR

    A self-taught freelance designer with two decades of hands-on experience, dedicated to empowering startups and small businesses through innovative design. Proficient in both print and digital media, he takes pride in creating compelling visuals that communicate a brand's essence. His passion for design and keen understanding of entrepreneurs’ needs help transform ideas into stunning realities.