Our History

Founded in 1988 with support from Grupo Vidanta, the Delia Morán Vidanta Foundation has stayed true to its mission of enriching the lives of children in meaningful, dynamic ways. Furthering the goals of Professor Delia Morán, who dedicated her life to education, the Delia Morán Educational Center opened in 2013 and has provided enriching programs and services to more than 500 children and 1,000 families to date.

Who was Delia Morán?

Born April 22, 1913, Professor Delia Morán inspired hundreds of students with her integrity, values, and lifelong dedication to addressing the needs and inequalities in Mexico. As the mother of Daniel Chávez Morán, the founder of Grupo Vidanta, she made a positive, lasting impact that will be carried on for generations to come.

About Us

Daniel Chávez Morán, Founder

Daniel Chávez Morán is a civil engineer, philanthropist, and a luxury resort developer recognized for his contributions to the modernization of the Mexican tourism industry. He was awarded the Distinguished Leadership Award for Civic Engagement in the Americas from Inter-American Dialogue in 2015, and recognized by Mexico’s Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism as the Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016. Deemed by CNN as one of the 100 Most Important Businessmen of 2010, he founded Grupo Vidanta and went on to develop a number of renowned hotels, including Grand Luxxe, The Grand Bliss, and The Grand Mayan. As a philanthropist, Chávez Morán started the Delia Morán Vidanta Foundation with the goal of helping underprivileged children through quality education, state-of- the-art facilities, and developmental programs that enhance chances of future success.

Iván Chávez, Vice President

Iván Chávez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta – Mexico’s premier resort developer employing over 15,000 people in 7 beach destinations – is one of the most celebrated young business leaders in the Mexican Tourism Industry.
He is proud to continue the vision that his father started in honor of Professor Delia Morán, Chávez’s grandmother. As the Vice President, he’s committed to ensuring the growth of both the foundation and the critical developmental support it provides to area youth.

Anna Aurora Palacios, President

Appointed as President of the Delia Morán Vidanta Foundation in June 2016, Anna Aurora Palacios has been a part of Grupo Vidanta since 1978. With a Masters in Organizational and Human Development, Palacios helped to develop sales, marketing, and publicity for Grupo Vidanta, and is committed to furthering the goals of the Delia Morán Vidanta Foundation—a cause she’ll always feel a special affection for after personally knowing Professor Delia Moran.

Isabel Arana, Director

After working for the Universidad del Valle de Mexico, Isabel Arana came to Grupo Vidanta in 2011 and soon took on the role of Director for the Delia Morán Vidanta Foundation. Since joining the Foundation in 2013, Arana has made tremendous progress in ensuring a successful future for children in need.