Our organization was founded by Kush Parmar '02 and Sheila Parmar '01 in 1999 with an idea to coordinate support from the Princeton community in order to serve impoverished communities in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, an area where the two founding students grew up. Our grassroots knowledge of the people, government, and organization of the Veracruz community gave us reason to believe we could make intelligent and substantial changes with relatively little financial support, much of which is sought from private donors (see Giving).
Since the the initial project in 2000, CBI has taken groups of Princeton undergraduate students to Mexico on a yearly basis during their spring break to initiate new projects described in the Projects section. CBI is now in its seventh year of operation.
Zinzi Bailey ‘06
Member, CBI 2005
"My experience with the Cruz Blanca Initiative allowed me to contribute financially, creatively and physically to sustainable advancement in Santa Cruz, Mexico. I am excited and happy to tell people that I helped built a well in a town where it meant so much more than the physical structure. It meant water, a basic element necessary for survival. It meant reducing burdens on women within the household, by making water retrieval much more efficient...It meant cooperation and coordination, on a small grassroots level, between Mexico and the United States. I am grateful for the opportunity to help make that happen. None of us as individuals, or even single groups, could have achieved what CBI and the city of Santa Cruz did together. I hope that the Cruz Blanca Initiative continues to encourage more civic involvement of Princeton students in their global communities, for it is one of the few organizations on this campus that truly supports 'Princeton in the service of all nations.' "
Zinzi Bailey ‘06
Member, CBI 2005
"My experience with the Cruz Blanca Initiative allowed me to contribute financially, creatively and physically to sustainable advancement in Santa Cruz, Mexico. I am excited and happy to tell people that I helped built a well in a town where it meant so much more than the physical structure. It meant water, a basic element necessary for survival. It meant reducing burdens on women within the household, by making water retrieval much more efficient...It meant cooperation and coordination, on a small grassroots level, between Mexico and the United States. I am grateful for the opportunity to help make that happen. None of us as individuals, or even single groups, could have achieved what CBI and the city of Santa Cruz did together. I hope that the Cruz Blanca Initiative continues to encourage more civic involvement of Princeton students in their global communities, for it is one of the few organizations on this campus that truly supports 'Princeton in the service of all nations.' "
Owen Fletcher
Member, CBI 2005
"The trip was unforgettable. Both the land and the people were beautiful. When we were given around six million flowers on our arrival, I realized how much it meant to the people that we had come and appreciated that much more the opportunity to be among them."
Michael Wolff '02
Member, CBI 2001
"We had a great opportunity to become acquainted with elements of Mexico, and of its people, which are closed to the usual visitor. My fondest memories areof the goat-roast and of our friendly, humbling pickaxe-competition with the locals."
Lauren Sun '03
Member, CBI 2001
"Applying for this trip was one of the best decisions in my life. I learned about so many different things and was able to help further a cause in which I strongly believe. Mostly though, I am grateful for the way in which the Cruz Blanca Initiative has helped shape my perspective on life."
Sean McGowan ‘06
Member, CBI 2005
"The Cruz Blanca Initiative trip to Santa Cruz during Spring Break of 2005 was an excellent experience. This Initiative represents one of the few movements on campus that legitimately attempts to make a difference in the world in a tangible, practical manner. It is sad to note that, while Americans use drinking water in their showers, people in towns like Santa Cruz must walk two hours each way to procure safe, clean water. This well-designed project, and those like it, attempt to bring about real change at the local level, where it is needed most...Kush’s work in this area is impressive, and it is important that alumni continue to assist CBI through both leadership and financial support. In addition, it is important that Princeton students, as the future political and business leaders of tomorrow, have experiences like this one."
Jevon Harding '07
Member, CBI 2005
"CBI was an absolutely incredible experience and I feel honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in it. I have performed community service of many different varieties and in various capacities, but never before have I felt that I had made as big a difference as we did on CBI. Because our presence and our work were accompanied by a significant monetary donation, we were able to help the people of Santa Cruz achieve an otherwise distant and, likely unachievable, goal for the community – clean drinking water. The well we helped build, our contribution to this small town in rural Mexico, will remain for years to come, providing safety and health for generations...I am proud to have been a part of this life-giving project."
Jennifer Liddell '03
Member, CBI 2001
"The CBI trip was especially rewarding because it really had a sense of an intercultural exchange; not only were we able to help the people and especially the children of Palma Sola and Cruz Blanca, but we were also able to interact with them--working alongside them, playing games with kids, trying out our Spanish..."
Jennifer Liddell '03
Member, CBI 2001
"The CBI trip was especially rewarding because it really had a sense of an intercultural exchange; not only were we able to help the people and especially the children of Palma Sola and Cruz Blanca, but we were also able to interact with them--working alongside them, playing games with kids, trying out our Spanish..."
Bernardette Arellano '02
Member, CBI 2001
"The CBI trip was one of the most touching experiences of my life. It truly made me feel like I could make a difference in the condition of people living in Palma Sola. The act of physically constructing something that is going to make a difference in people's lives added an extra dimension...I hope to stay involved with CBI."
Steven Andrews '04
Member, CBI 2001
"...I collapsed winded and beat... In awe I watched as the men of the community effortlessly swung against the hard ground, quickly making progress...I will never forget the dedication and desire of the Palma Sola people and the Parmar family as they were able to make considerable improvements in the lives of the youth and indeed the entire community."
Jevon Harding '07
Member, CBI 2005
"CBI was an absolutely incredible experience and I feel honored and blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in it. I have performed community service of many different varieties and in various capacities, but never before have I felt that I had made as big a difference as we did on CBI. Because our presence and our work were accompanied by a significant monetary donation, we were able to help the people of Santa Cruz achieve an otherwise distant and, likely unachievable, goal for the community – clean drinking water. The well we helped build, our contribution to this small town in rural Mexico, will remain for years to come, providing safety and health for generations...I am proud to have been a part of this life-giving project."
Lauren Sun '03
Member, CBI 2001
"Applying for this trip was one of the best decisions in my life. I learned about so many different things and was able to help further a cause in which I strongly believe. Mostly though, I am grateful for the way in which the Cruz Blanca Initiative has helped shape my perspective on life."
Bernardette Arellano '02
Member, CBI 2001
"The CBI trip was one of the most touching experiences of my life. It truly made me feel like I could make a difference in the condition of people living in Palma Sola. The act of physically constructing something that is going to make a difference in people's lives added an extra dimension...I hope to stay involved with CBI."
Alexandra Connell ‘07
Member, CBI 2005
"The Cruz-Blanca Initiative was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Some of the best friends I have here at Princeton were made on this trip partly because it was a great group of people and partly because the entire week was so amazing and intense. The week we spent in Santa Cruz was incredible. The culture there was so interesting to observe and I learned a lot about the issues that face lower income communities in countries where racial and economic disparities are so strong...I would recommend the Cruz Blanca experience to anyone. It was a rare chance to step outside my comfort zone and really use my hands to make a difference."
Bryan Oh '02
Member, CBI 2000 and 2001
"My experiences in Palma Sola were so unforgettable, that not even a 103 degree fever could take away from them. The things we were able to accomplish in that community will benefit generations to come."
Beverly Prewitt '02
Member, CBI 2001
"The great thing about CBI is that it really is a partnership with the people that it aims to benefit. The people of Palma Sola more than matched what was given to them, on a personal level as well as in terms of labor and resources. I learned so much and have so many good memories of people I met during my week there."
Beverly Prewitt '02
Member, CBI 2001
"The great thing about CBI is that it really is a partnership with the people that it aims to benefit. The people of Palma Sola more than matched what was given to them, on a personal level as well as in terms of labor and resources. I learned so much and have so many good memories of people I met during my week there."
Steven Andrews '04
Member, CBI 2001
"...I collapsed winded and beat... In awe I watched as the men of the community effortlessly swung against the hard ground, quickly making progress...I will never forget the dedication and desire of the Palma Sola people and the Parmar family as they were able to make considerable improvements in the lives of the youth and indeed the entire community."
Sean McGowan ‘06
Member, CBI 2005
"The Cruz Blanca Initiative trip to Santa Cruz during Spring Break of 2005 was an excellent experience. This Initiative represents one of the few movements on campus that legitimately attempts to make a difference in the world in a tangible, practical manner. It is sad to note that, while Americans use drinking water in their showers, people in towns like Santa Cruz must walk two hours each way to procure safe, clean water. This well-designed project, and those like it, attempt to bring about real change at the local level, where it is needed most...Kush’s work in this area is impressive, and it is important that alumni continue to assist CBI through both leadership and financial support. In addition, it is important that Princeton students, as the future political and business leaders of tomorrow, have experiences like this one."
Michael Solis ’07
Leader, CBI 2005
Member, CBI 2004
"I cannot even begin to explain how much CBI means to me. I went on the trip last year as a freshman and came back a different person...I served as group leader and made sure we were completely enmeshed in the cultural experience. We lived, ate, and slept in Santa Cruz, and our presence meant so much to the townspeople. Upon our arrival they showered us with tropical flowers and stared hopefully at us when we spoke. They accepted us as a part of their family and told us stories of their suffering and how much the well would bring to them...and being a part of their lives made me realize once again just how special CBI is. CBI has taught me so much about who I am and what I am capable of accomplishing. This organization has been one of the highlights of my life, and I will never forget the memories, the laughter, and the joy of changing so many lives for the better."
Michael Solis ’07
Leader, CBI 2005
Member, CBI 2004
"I cannot even begin to explain how much CBI means to me. I went on the trip last year as a freshman and came back a different person...I served as group leader and made sure we were completely enmeshed in the cultural experience. We lived, ate, and slept in Santa Cruz, and our presence meant so much to the townspeople. Upon our arrival they showered us with tropical flowers and stared hopefully at us when we spoke. They accepted us as a part of their family and told us stories of their suffering and how much the well would bring to them...and being a part of their lives made me realize once again just how special CBI is. CBI has taught me so much about who I am and what I am capable of accomplishing. This organization has been one of the highlights of my life, and I will never forget the memories, the laughter, and the joy of changing so many lives for the better."
Alexandra Connell ‘07
Member, CBI 2005
"The Cruz-Blanca Initiative was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Some of the best friends I have here at Princeton were made on this trip partly because it was a great group of people and partly because the entire week was so amazing and intense. The week we spent in Santa Cruz was incredible. The culture there was so interesting to observe and I learned a lot about the issues that face lower income communities in countries where racial and economic disparities are so strong...I would recommend the Cruz Blanca experience to anyone. It was a rare chance to step outside my comfort zone and really use my hands to make a difference."
Amaya Capellan '03
Member, CBI 2001
"The nature of the project allowed the group members to actually participate in and initiate the work we had made financially feasible through benefactors; being able to immerse ourselves in the culture and people we were touching made the initiative so much more valuable and memorable for all involved."
Awilda Mendez ‘06
Leader, CBI 2005
Member, CBI 2004
"Having led the Cruz Blanca Initiative’s service excursion for 2005, I’ve received an entirely different perspective from last year’s trip since I helped to bring together people from two different worlds, but with a common goal. It was inspiring to see how Princeton students were able to forego their most basic accommodations and work in service of the people of Santa Cruz while maintaining bright smiles and enthusiastic spirits. The conversations and experiences we shared with the people in Mexico and with one another resonated long after our time in Santa Cruz had ended."
Awilda Mendez ‘06
Leader, CBI 2005
Member, CBI 2004
"Having led the Cruz Blanca Initiative’s service excursion for 2005, I’ve received an entirely different perspective from last year’s trip since I helped to bring together people from two different worlds, but with a common goal. It was inspiring to see how Princeton students were able to forego their most basic accommodations and work in service of the people of Santa Cruz while maintaining bright smiles and enthusiastic spirits. The conversations and experiences we shared with the people in Mexico and with one another resonated long after our time in Santa Cruz had ended."
Bryan Oh '02
Member, CBI 2000 and 2001
"My experiences in Palma Sola were so unforgettable, that not even a 103 degree fever could take away from them. The things we were able to accomplish in that community will benefit generations to come."
Amaya Capellan '03
Member, CBI 2001
"The nature of the project allowed the group members to actually participate in and initiate the work we had made financially feasible through benefactors; being able to immerse ourselves in the culture and people we were touching made the initiative so much more valuable and memorable for all involved."
Owen Fletcher
Member, CBI 2005
"The trip was unforgettable. Both the land and the people were beautiful. When we were given around six million flowers on our arrival, I realized how much it meant to the people that we had come and appreciated that much more the opportunity to be among them."
Michael Wolff '02
Member, CBI 2001
"We had a great opportunity to become acquainted with elements of Mexico, and of its people, which are closed to the usual visitor. My fondest memories areof the goat-roast and of our friendly, humbling pickaxe-competition with the locals."