San Miguel Women: Louise Gilliam — Building Homes. Creating Opportunity.

San Miguel Life
4 days ago
4 min read

Meet Louise

Some women arrive in San Miguel seeking adventure and find a deeper purpose once they arrive.

Before settling in San Miguel sixteen years ago, Louise built a wide-ranging career that spanned industries and cities. She worked in corporate communications for a major airline, went on to own a European-style café in Chicago, later founded an executive search firm specializing in the aviation industry, and even held a role as an executive with Playboy. After years in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas, she arrived in San Miguel ready for a new adventure.

Through her leadership with Casita Linda, Louise has helped transform one of San Miguel’s most impactful charities—an organization dedicated to building sustainable homes for families living in extreme poverty. With passion and determination, Louise has helped shape Casita Linda into one of the most respected and well-run nonprofits that continues to change lives across our city.

What first brought you to San Miguel—and what made you stay?

I came to San Miguel looking for adventure. At the time, I had been living in Dallas and felt ready for something new. I considered places like Spain or Portugal, but they felt too far from my children in Texas. San Miguel felt close enough that I could still be present in their lives while creating a new chapter for myself.

I moved here permanently in 2008, originally planning to work remotely and travel. But life had other plans. A few years later, I became involved with Casita Linda, and what started as volunteer work gradually grew into a much bigger role.

What kept me here was the community. The friendships I’ve built and the sense of purpose I found here made San Miguel feel like home.

What are you building, nurturing, or contributing to here?

My greatest focus has been Casita Linda. When I first became involved, the organization was much smaller. One of the things I worked hard to do was surround myself with smart, committed women who truly wanted to work—not just sit on a board, but roll up their sleeves and contribute.

This is what impact looks like—one family, one home, and a community that shows up.

Over time, we built what I like to call a “working board.” Many of the people involved are women and men who bring incredible talent, energy, and dedication. Together we’ve helped the organization grow into one of the most respected and impactful charities in San Miguel.

One of the initiatives I’m particularly proud of is the Spirit of Hope Gala, which we launched about fourteen years ago. That event alone has helped fund the construction of homes for families who desperately needed safe, sustainable housing.

What drives all of us is the belief that every family deserves dignity and stability.

How do you connect with or support the community?

For me, community is everything.

The people of San Miguel are incredibly generous and compassionate. Over the years, I’ve experienced that kindness firsthand. When I faced a health challenge, the support I received was deeply moving. Women from the rural villages served by Casita Linda walked in a pilgrimage in my name, offering prayers and encouragement. At the same time, friends and neighbors checked in constantly with messages and support. In every way, I felt surrounded by care.

So many of the women around me here are extraordinary. They are smart, adventurous, well-traveled, and deeply committed to the projects they believe in. Many left their home countries to create meaningful lives here, and that shared sense of adventure connects us.

We support one another. We give to each other. And that is something truly special.

The kind of friendships that define life in San Miguel.

What does a typical day in San Miguel look like for you?

My days often revolve around Casita Linda—working on communications, fundraising, and outreach for the organization.

I also try to spend time outside every day. My doctor encourages it, and luckily San Miguel makes that easy. The weather is wonderful, and being outdoors is part of the rhythm of life here.

I usually have lunch with friends several times a week, and I love entertaining in my home. I built my house about seven years ago, and gathering people around the table is one of my favorite parts of San Miguel life.

What has San Miguel given you—and what do you hope to give back?

San Miguel has given me something extraordinary: community.

The friendships and support I’ve experienced here are unlike anything I’ve known before.

Even though my three children and eight grandchildren—each building their own successful lives—live in Texas, I’ve never felt far from them. With three major airports nearby, I can be there in just a few hours, and they visit often. They’ve come to love San Miguel as well and fully support the work I’m doing here.

The Spirit of Hope Gala is more than an event—it’s a reflection of years of dedication and impact. Louise with her children, celebrating the work and the community behind it.

What I hope to give back is simple: helping families build better lives through safe housing and opportunity.

Fast Five

One word that describes San Miguel: Community

Your favorite place to gather with friends: My home. I love entertaining—it’s such a big part of life here.

The season you love most in town: All of them. There is always something happening, and the weather is beautiful year-round.

A local business or place you love supporting: The small tienditas, flower stands, and fruit and vegetable shops along the roadside. Supporting local businesses matters.

A view you never take for granted: The mountains around my home—especially Los Picachos during the rainy season, when everything turns green.