Michael Cipoletti

Michael Cipoletti is the Founder and Executive Director of FNE International (Facilitate, Network, Empower), a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable international development. With more than 30 years of experience in global development, Michael holds a bachelor's degree from Stonehill College and both an MBA and Master of Public Health (MPH) from Boston University. His work focuses on building long-term, community-driven partnerships in Nicaragua, Peru, and the Dominican Republic across health, education, infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture. His interests include the impact of NGO interventions in developing countries and chronic kidney disease in Nicaragua.

Global Work and Initiatives

FNE International works alongside local communities using a "hand-in-hand" approach that empowers community leaders and strengthens existing systems rather than replacing them. The organization collaborates closely with local nonprofits, community organizations, and Ministries of Education and Health to develop culturally and geographically appropriate solutions that improve quality of life.

A central focus of FNE's work is connecting educators, healthcare professionals, and volunteers from resource-rich settings with communities around the world to provide training, mentorship, technical assistance, and sustainable support. For the past 17 years, FNE has made significant investments in programs that serve children with disabilities and their families.

Nicaragua

Since 2009, FNE International has partnered with “Niño Feliz”, a public special education school in Chichigalpa, Nicaragua. Over the years, dozens of education professionals have traveled to collaborate with teachers, families, and students by providing professional development, evidence-based strategies, and educational resources to an underserved community. FNE has also supported infrastructure improvements, including the construction of classrooms, a sensory garden, and a bio-intensive farming plot for the school. Additional partnerships with universities and professionals have expanded services in expressive arts therapy and autism support.

In 2015, FNE launched “Salud Para Todos los Niños (Health for All Children)”, a comprehensive program that now supports more than 140 children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, and numerous other genetic conditions and disabilities. Pediatricians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and medical specialists travel to Nicaragua quarterly to provide follow-up care and ongoing support. The program also provides transportation, funds specialist appointments outside the public healthcare system, covers approximately 90% of medication costs for treatments unavailable through the Ministry of Health, and assists families with formula, diapers, home construction, and accessibility modifications.

These efforts have transformed the lives of children and their families by improving access to healthcare, increasing opportunities for formal diagnoses, and helping caregivers better understand and advocate for their children's needs. Michael notes that the program is highly scalable and could expand significantly with additional funding.

Peru

For approximately ten years, FNE International has partnered with organizations throughout the Cusco region, providing in-person and virtual workshops for educators, families, and community members. Through its health initiatives, the organization has helped numerous children obtain formal diagnoses and access services through Peru's healthcare system.

A major focus of the work in Peru is supporting families as they navigate the stigma that can accompany raising a child with a disability, while honoring local cultural perspectives and working within the community's context. Following the 2026 DISES Conference in Cusco, Michael and colleagues visited early intervention centers and schools, gaining a deeper appreciation for the remarkable work being accomplished despite limited resources. FNE hopes to continue partnering with these centers by supporting infrastructure improvements while expanding professional development opportunities for educators and caregivers.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of FNE International's mission. Rather than creating new systems, the organization seeks to strengthen existing community infrastructure through long-term partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.

Current collaborations include local organizations such as “Wiñaypaq”, “Asociación Latidos”, and “Yancana Huasy” in Peru, as well as numerous community organizations, schools, universities, healthcare providers, and government ministries across Nicaragua, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. Many of these partnerships have developed organically through personal relationships and years of ongoing communication.

Michael believes that meaningful partnerships are created by listening first, identifying community strengths, and working together to tailor solutions that are culturally responsive, sustainable, and locally led. FNE's goal is not to receive recognition, but to help communities succeed by supporting those already doing important work.

Goals

FNE International's ultimate goal is simple: “to one day no longer be needed.” By empowering local leaders, strengthening existing systems, and fostering sustainable partnerships, the organization seeks to build communities that are equipped to independently meet their own needs.

The organization also strives to bridge communities from the Global North and Global South, creating opportunities for educators, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and families to learn from one another. Michael believes that despite differences in geography and resources, families around the world share the same hopes for their children, and meaningful collaboration benefits everyone involved.

Impact

The greatest measure of success for Michael is not a single project but the long-term transformation of communities.

One example comes from Chacaseca, Nicaragua, where FNE began working in 1996. At that time, only 8 of the community's 73 teachers were local residents. Today, approximately 70 of the 78 teachers serving those same schools come from the community itself, a reflection of sustained investment in local capacity and leadership.

Across all of FNE's programs, communities increasingly lead day-to-day operations independently, demonstrating the organization's commitment to sustainable development and local ownership. Michael considers these lasting relationships and the growth of families, educators, and community leaders to be the organization's greatest accomplishments.

Additional Information

FNE International welcomes opportunities to collaborate with universities, school districts, healthcare professionals, and community organizations interested in international service, research, professional development, and sustainable global partnerships. The organization also offers customizable educational service-learning experiences and volunteer opportunities, both in person and virtually.

Michael emphasizes that meaningful change does not require extraordinary wealth. He believes that if each person contributes a small amount of time, expertise, or financial support, the collective impact can transform lives. Through this philosophy of shared responsibility and partnership, FNE International continues its mission of facilitating, networking, and empowering communities around the world.

Contact Information

Website: www.fneinternational.org

Email: ikecip@fneinternational.org

Phone: +1 (857) 205-0236