Mentoring a Rising Generation of Leaders in Guatemala
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story Mentorship is one of the cornerstones of our work and is key to our success. It’s an investment in the soft skills that aren’t
April 17, 2024
Meet Ana Miriam, a 17-year-old Maya Kaqchikel woman from Sololá and MAIA Girl Pioneer who is getting ready to fly to Canada after winning a scholarship with AFS Exchange Programs.
Ana Miriam, who has five sisters, was raised in a family of only women where she learned to be strong and self-confident. “The role of my family in my journey towards education and empowerment has been fundamental, as they have encouraged me to fight for my dreams. They have been my greatest motivation to give my best in my learning process,” shares Ana Miriam.
After first hearing about the AFS Exchange Program at the MAIA Impact School, Ana decided to apply for the scholarship “because I enjoy challenges and taking risks to seize the opportunities that come my way. Also, studying in another country has been one of my greatest dreams since I was a little girl,” shares Ana.
Ana Miriam had to go through a competitive selection process that often tested her resilience. “I have experienced various emotions throughout this process, but I felt very confident in my abilities, and I trusted in them to continue achieving my goals,” she continues.
For Ana Miriam, winning this scholarship opens doors to new opportunities. Also, it inspires her peers and younger generations in her community, demonstrating that young Indigenous women and girls hold a unique power to achieve their most ambitious dreams despite the odds.
Ana Miriam’s story not only celebrates her success, but also reminds us about the importance of amplifying the voices and dreams of Indigenous youth, especially on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. By supporting their aspirations, preserving their cultural inheritance, and advocating for their rights, we lay the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate world where we can grow stronger together.
“In five years, I see myself as a professional with a stable job. I have many goals I want to achieve, one of which is graduating from university and becoming a political scientist. I envision myself being actively involved in spaces where I can support women’s political participation and improve the educational sector in my community and country. I want to make positive changes in my surroundings,” concludes Ana Miriam.
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story Mentorship is one of the cornerstones of our work and is key to our success. It’s an investment in the soft skills that aren’t
Lucero and Wendy, Girl Pioneers of the MAIA Impact School, participated as guest speakers at the 2023 Central America Leadership Initiative (CALI) Regional event.
They are demonstrating that increasing women’s leadership
María Florinda represents MAIA in an event with former First Lady of the United States and Founder of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance, in New York on October 25.
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story “We [a group of four MAIA Girl Pioneers] are developing REMARKABLE+, a website where we will be publishing impactful stories, reporting on environmental issues,
CELEBRATING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE In celebration of World Indigenous Peoples Day, we invite you to meet some of the incredible women who work at the
I am Marisol, a 17-year-old Indigenous girl from Sololá, one of the departments of Guatemala. I am proud to come from a family of hard-workers.
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story This January, MAIA Girl Pioneer Yessica and MAIA educator Celena embarked on the long journey from Guatemala to the UAE to attend the weeklong
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story At the MAIA Impact School, teachers are referred to as educators. This is a deliberate distinction made with the intention of creating completely new
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story While reflecting on the results of the 2019 Guatemalan presidential elections, the theme of representation is an important one to consider. On the national
Empowered to Empower Mayra is a MAIA graduate who is dedicating her career to supporting the next generation of Girl Pioneers. Join Mayra and MAIA as we embolden young women
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story Growing up, Ester was shy and reserved. She did not interact much with the kids in her neighborhood; she preferred the comforts of playing
Graciela grew up in a rural community 45 minutes away from Lake Atitlán. Coming from a family that believed in the importance of education regardless of gender, she knew she
By 6 AM, Ingrid is out the door to head to school. She meets another MAIA Impact School student, Zoila, so that they can walk to the bus stop together.
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story I am a twenty-eight year old woman living on the peak of a mountain from where I can see Lake Atitlán, how its waves
The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story This International Women’s Day we are celebrating the determination of Girl Pioneers by creating their Future Me profiles as career professionals in the fields
Summary
FAQ
Privacy Policy
MAIA USA
Tax Identification Number (EIN) 68-0652444
Asociación MAIA
Tax Identification Number (NIT) 6896913-9.
Guatemala Office:
Km. 137, Caserío Xolbé,
Cantón El Tablón, Sololá, Guatemala
US Office:
1031 33rd Street, Denver, CO 80205