Team Excellence 2025

Team Excellence just wrapped up an unforgettable week in Guatemala, completing the installation of 152 stoves and water filters, bringing clean cooking and safe water to 152 families, but their impact goes far beyond numbers.



True to their name, this team brings unmatched drive and compassion, as they’re known for showing up with big hearts, strong hands, and the kind of energy that pushes boundaries—always asking how they can do more. And this week, they did exactly that.

As one volunteer shared, “This week with Team Excellence was truly life-giving—a reminder that goodness still exists in this world, even when it feels heavy.” Another reflected, “There are no words. If life ever offers you the chance to lift others up, take it without hesitation.”

Throughout the week, our team witnessed a truth that lives at the heart of IEP’s mission: “In Guatemala, what I notice most is that joy inspires action and change. People motivated by a sense of happiness and gratitude are often more inclined to uplift those around them, creating a ripple effect that can lead to incredible community improvement... that is exactly what the mission of IEP is creating every single day. This intertwining of poverty and joy illustrates the complexity of the human experience, where love, laughter, and connection can thrive even in the most difficult situations. I think all of us can attest that we saw this every single day, in every single home we served.”

From record-breaking impact to soul-filling connection, this team left behind not only healthier homes—but also a powerful message of compassion, humility, and love. Impact is not only about what we build-  it’s about how we show up for one another. We are deeply proud of their work, and already counting the days until next year.

Maria Paiz