Who we are
World Progress Now is a social benefit organization founded on the principle of responsible tourism. We believe that we are all tourists on this planet. As tourists, we have the power to help maintain and promote traditional identities, strengthen local economies, and become positive advocates for the environment.
Learn more about the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Alec Griffin
Co-Founder
Alec was raised on a large pig farm just north of Hollister, California. He received an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from San Diego State University and a Master’s degree in Sociocultural Anthropology at California State University East Bay, where his focus was the Identity of the Cancun Maya.
Alec also received a Master of Public Policy graduate degree from California State University Monterey Bay in collaboration with the Panetta Institute. His focus was on Education and Choice in local schools.
Alec spent his recent years working as a Model United Nations advisor, coach, and high school US History teacher in Seoul, Korea. After many years traveling abroad, Alec and his wife recognized the need for responsible tourism and decided to use their education and experiences to create World Progress Now.
Nicole Griffin
Co-Founder
Nicole was raised in the small town of Hollister, California where she met her husband, fellow philanthropist and co-founder of World Progress Now. She received her undergraduate degree in Economics from San Diego State University and a Master of Public Policy from California State University Monterey Bay.
Nicole began her career as a teacher and developed a community service club to support local organizations and promote student leadership. She spent her most recent years working abroad in Seoul, Korea for an international school.
As an Intern for the City Planning Department during graduate school, Nicole began studying tourism development and the economic impact of special events. She recognized the significant role tourists have in protecting and preserving destinations around the world. She currently lives in California and believes we all need to take responsibility when we travel.
Allacyn May
Integrated Marketing Specialist
Allacyn has more than seven years of marketing experience. She uses a range of marketing and public relations strategies to help organizations achieve their goals. Allacyn especially enjoys learning and managing digital marketing strategies including search engine optimization and social media. Allacyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from the University of Utah and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from San Jose State University. She is excited to join the World Progress Now team and help them to discover new ways to share their message!
Ingrid Yindali Manzanero
Cancun Ambassador, Coordinator of Special Projects
Ingrid was born in a small town in Yucatan, Mexico. A few months after she was born, her parents moved to Cancun where they built a beautiful little house. Ingrid currently lives with her parents, younger brother and two dogs while studying Business Innovation at the University of the Caribbean. Ingrid’s biggest goals in life are to know many people around the world, raise a family, and start a sustainable business someday. She thinks the care of the environment should be a lifestyle for all people living on this wonderful planet.
Ingrid nació en un pequeño pueblo de Yucatán, Mexico. A los pocos meses de nacida, sus padres y ella llegaron a Cancún en donde construyeron una pequeña y hermosa casa. Actualmente, ella vive con sus padres, su hermano menor y dos perros. Ella esta estudiando la carrera de Innovación Empresarial en la Universidad del Caribe. Su más grande meta en la vida es conocer a muchas personas alrededor del mundo, formar una familia y emprender un negocio sustentable. Ella piensa que el cuidado del medio ambiente debería ser un estilo de vida para todas las personas que viven en este maravilloso planeta.