Stories Archives - MAIA

Ixchely Saloj: Leading through Resilience and Education

Katy Samayoa — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:21:43 +0000

Ixchely Saloj: Leading through Resilience and Education

August 11, 2025

Have you ever felt that everything you experienced had a greater purpose? Ixchely has. Today, as an English educator at MAIA, she is turning her story into a source of inspiration for many Indigenous women who, like her, grow up facing challenges and barriers, yet also dream of a different future.

Ixchely is a young Indigenous woman determined to build the future of her dreams. Her educational journey was not easy. From an early age, she knew that access to quality education was not a guarantee, but a constant struggle. “My school life was challenging,” she says, recalling how she had to face a lack of resources and inadequate vocational guidance. Even so, she kept studying, driven by the desire to thrive and change her story.

That desire led her to discover a new version of herself in the US Embassy’s Access program. As a trilingual woman (Spanish, Kaqchikel, and English) now, she began to develop leadership, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills. “It was a turning point,” she says. Through education, Ixchely discovered not only a professional opportunity, but also a cause she is passionate about: transforming the lives of more Indigenous girls and women through education that truly empowers.

The path to shaping the future she dreams of has not been easy. Studying and working at the same time was a challenge. Between academic responsibilities, work, and tight schedules, “I was surviving the best way as I could,” Ixchely recalls. But it was also a time of profound learning, where she understood that “the dreams of those of us who come from rural backgrounds require twice the effort, and yet they are still possible.”

A place of education and leadership

When she joined MAIA in 2021, she knew she had found a different space, a place where we not only recognize the importance of education, but also the value of Indigenous women’s leadership. “What motivated me to work here were the Girl Pioneers. I knew they came from the same background as me, and it was something I dreamed of—being able to contribute to the education of Indigenous girls and women.”

Since joining the team, Ixchely has experienced what it means to be part of a group of women who believe in the comprehensive development not only of students, but also of staff.

“Here (at MAIA), we don’t just talk about empowerment, we live it. I felt supported from the very beginning. Teaching English is valued and recognized, and that makes a big difference”.

Ixchely Saloj, MAIA English Educator

Today, Ixchely is proof that investing in Indigenous women has an impact. As part of our team, she has received coaching from colleagues and experts, ongoing training, and opportunities for feedback that strengthen her teaching practice. More than just a job, she has found a platform to amplify her voice, to find her purpose, and to project it to the Girl Pioneers who see themselves reflected in her.

Her Impact is crossing borders

Thanks to her work and commitment, this year Ixchely was invited to share her story and vision in international spaces.

On August 3rd, at an event with donors in New York, she represented us in her role as an English educator and shared how women create spaces for leadership through transformative education. But that wasn’t all. She was also selected to participate in the prestigious 30th edition of the AFS Youth Assembly on August 8th and 9th, where she presented her experience at the Action and Impact Hub, a space that brings together young leaders from around the world to drive change from the local to the global level.

“I had always dreamed of representing Guatemala abroad, but I never imagined it would be this year or that I would do so as a Maya woman. Thanks to MAIA, today I have that opportunity and I am happy, proud of who I am, where I come from, and what I represent.” She says with a smile that says it all.

Her message? Clear and powerful:

“We are all capable of bringing about positive change in our contexts, but there must be social awareness, willpower, commitment, and responsibility.”

From her classroom, Ixchely builds a new narrative every day for the young Indigenous women of Guatemala. A narrative where education is a right, not a privilege; where challenges do not stop us but strengthen us; and where dreaming big is not an illusion but a reality.

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

STEM: an engine for transformation How mathematics, logic, technology and science open new possibilities for Girl Pioneers At MAIA, we believe learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge—it’s about developing the ability

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Transforming Futures: Amelia’s Story

web-maiaadmin — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:20:46 +0000

Transforming Futures: Amelia's Story

From the MAIA Launch Program to Leader of Tomorrow

July 3, 2024

According to national statistics, Guatemala is home to 4 million Indigenous women, 48% of whom cannot read or write, and fewer than 20% graduate from secondary school. MAIA Girl Pioneers are changing this reality, leading a transformational shift to break cycles of poverty, discrimination, and injustice through education and empowerment.

We nurture the talent of young women to become a generation of leaders who impact their families, communities, the country, and the world. Our unique empowerment model integrates quality education, socioemotional support, and family involvement.

A key component of this model is the Launch Program, which provides vocational orientation, university preparation, workplace-readiness training, and paid internship experiences. We partner with local, national, and international allies to equip Girl Pioneers with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

Amelia’s Story

Amelia is a young Maya Kaqchikel woman, a MAIA Girl Pioneer graduate, and is currently in the Launch Program. She faced the possibility of not continuing her studies after primary school. In her community, many young women do not pursue education due to societal pressures and a lack of opportunities. Few have the power to decide their own future.

“I knew many girls hadn’t even studied because they were women,” shares Amelia.

Amelia was shy and reserved, but everything changed when she joined the MAIA Impact School. She broke the cycle and became the first daughter in her family to continue her education and graduate from high school.

With the tools and opportunities provided by the MAIA Impact School, Amelia underwent a significant transformation. She began actively participating inside and outside the classroom, developed critical-thinking skills, and discovered her empowered voice. She learned to be strong and self-confident, which helped her make good decisions and pursue her dream of furthering her education.

Today, Amelia is studying architecture at San Carlos University in Guatemala and has a very clear vision of what her future looks like in five years.

My dreams haven’t changed, but they have evolved and grown as I’ve become more confident. In 5 years, I see myself as a woman with more knowledge and professional skills, in the process of graduating from university. As an architect, I see myself contributing to my community through social projects. I am thrilled that more young women are studying at MAIA, and they motivate me to continue pursuing my dreams as I see myself reflected in them. I wish to inspire many more young women to know the power of their words and voices and be what they dream and decide.

Amelia, MAIA Girl Pioneer Graduate

Amelia’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity. When a girl has access to education and becomes empowered to empower, she will redefine her trajectory and become a catalyst for progress.

At MAIA, we envision a world where every woman has the opportunity to reach her full potential, is empowered to empower others, and ignites a positive change. By supporting young girls’ aspirations and dreams and developing their empowered voices, we build a better world for all.

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From Maya heritage to global inspiration: Ana Miriam’s journey of empowerment

web-maiaadmin — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:53:00 +0000

From Maya heritage to global inspiration: Ana Miriam’s journey of empowerment

Shining light on Indigenous young women’s potential

August 18, 2023

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.

Now Ana Miriam is ready to take off and build a future on her terms!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

The power of giving opportunities to girls

web-maiaadmin — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:11:00 +0000

The power of giving opportunities to girls

LUCERO AND WENDY SPEAK AT THE 2023 CALI REGIONAL EVENT

Lucero and Wendy, Girl Pioneers of the MAIA Impact School, participated as guest speakers at the 2023 Central America Leadership Initiative (CALI) Regional event on March 9. They discussed with fellows, funders, sponsors, and other regional leaders what happens when a girl has access to the opportunities she deserves.

Women’s leadership and voices are fundamental to MAIA’s work and programming. Through our mentorship curriculum, peer-to-peer support network, and monthly family home visits, our goal is that Girl Pioneers develop the internal strength, skills, and emotional intelligence they need to lead. They become empowered to empower.

Lucero and Wendy joined Martha Lidia Oxí, MAIA’s Co-Executive Director of External Relations, and María Kaltschmitt, MAIA board member and CALI fellow, in Antigua (Guatemala) to share their experiences and perspectives on the importance and power of increasing girls’ access to quality opportunities.

“When we ensure support to a girl, we gain a world, a mind, a heart, and a voice. We need to guarantee they are empowered and have a voice, vote, education, freedom, rights, childhood, health, and security,” shared Lucero.

Women are powerful agents of change, and as young female leaders and Girl Pioneers, Lucero and Wendy are demonstrating that increasing women’s leadership and participation at all levels of society is possible.

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION & RECOGNITION

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Girl Pioneers stand out in Girls Opportunity Alliance event and campaign

Webmaster — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:52:00 +0000

Girl Pioneers stand out in Girls Opportunity Alliance event and campaign

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. Ingrid is part of the global digital campaign called Get Her There. Both are Girl Pioneers of MAIA.

MARÍA FLORINDA MEETS MICHELLE OBAMA IN PERSON

María Florinda was chosen by the Obama Foundation to be part of an official event on October 25 in New York within the framework of the Get Her There campaign—a global call to action from the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance to empower and educate girls around the world.

Girl Pioneer, Infinite Impact. Get Her There.
“I feel very excited because I did not think I would travel abroad one day. I also feel happy because I am an example of the work and trust that many of our allies have placed in us. I am proud to represent MAIA in front of other organizations, specifically in front of the Obama Foundation,” shares María Florinda.

The process and getting to New York was not easy, but it was worth it—it was Maria Florinda’s first time on an airplane! Maria Florinda had to write a letter speaking to her 25-year-old self. In this letter, she shares that her dream is to be a doctor and help her community and her family.

“By participating in this event, I would like to demonstrate that when girls have the resources to develop their skills, they can achieve what they want, transforming their family, community, or wherever they go. Despite living in a society where gender, culture, and language inequalities are very present, they will know how to face them and even challenge and change these ideologies,” continues María Florinda.

INGRID IS PART OF GET HER THERE AND HAS A CONVERSATION WITH MICHELLE OBAMA

Ingrid, another student in our program, appears in the launch video for the Get Her There campaign. Ingrid was asked to write a letter speaking to her 25-year-old self, and she wrote about her professional goals and her hopes for the future.

Ingrid’s dream is to be a tourism manager and a pioneer in her community to break gender gaps and stereotypes that limit young Indigenous women in Guatemala from achieving their goals.

In addition, Ingrid participated in a conversation with Michelle Obama and actress Marsai Martin published in Elle Magazine, where she shared her story and highlighted the importance of girls having access to education.

Believing in the potential, leadership, and empowerment of Girl Pioneers and young Indigenous women of Guatemala allows us to build a world where ALL girls and adolescent women have a voice, participation, and vote for a more just and equitable tomorrow.

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

We are Girl Pioneers: Bridges To Empowerment to transform the world

web-maiaadmin — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:36:00 +0000

We are Girl Pioneers: Bridges To Empowerment to transform the world

The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story

September 1, 2022

In Guatemala, just 1 in 10 young Indigenous women complete high school. This leads to predictable cycles of early and frequent pregnancy. Coupled with entrenched discrimination and lack of education, it creates shackles of poverty and exclusion.

This is what we call arrested talent.

At MAIA, we are committed to identifying girls who are at risk of ending their education after primary school but have the power and tenacity to shift paradigms and set on a bold trajectory toward empowerment and opportunity. We call these young women Girl Pioneers.

Girl Pioneers are capable of igniting change within themselves and for themselves. They are their own heroes.

Listen to Amelia, Andrea, Angela, Diana, Estefany, Ixq’anil, Karen, and Lucero, Girl Pioneers of the MAIA Impact School. They are raising their empowered voices today and serving as examples for future generations by becoming a Bridge to Empowerment.

Become a Bridge To Empowerment and opportunity, and TOGETHER we will catapult these brave young women from the shadows and into a future of endless possibilities!

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Diana and Lucero raise their voices for all of Guatemala to hear!

web-maiaadmin — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 20:49:00 +0000

Diana and Lucero raise their voices for all of Guatemala to hear!

CLOSING THE GAP IN STEAM DISCIPLINES

August 3, 2022

For the second consecutive year, Girl Pioneers from the MAIA Impact School won at the CIMAT fair, an event in Guatemala for students between 8th and 12th grade meant to recognize and provide seed funding for projects in the areas of science, engineering, mathematics, arts, and technology.

In this year’s edition, Diana and Lucero, two 12th-grade Girl Pioneers, were awarded first place in the category of Arts with their project Raise Your Voice.

“The song Raise your Voice challenges the different stereotypes women face at different stages of their lives,” share Diana and Lucero. “It was born as a result of seeing, living, and feeling what women face every day. Women and adolescents who have had a terrifying past, who suffered, who live in silence,” they continue.

“The goal of this song is to empower women, sharing their voices with the world without fear. To carry an inspirational message that breaks paradigms and creates a positive impact in the world,” conclude Diana and Lucero.

“Girl Pioneers are very active and have a strong social conscience. Participating in the CIMAT fair is a great opportunity to recognize the different needs that exist in the communities and respond to them through innovative ideas and projects in one of the five areas. Thus they begin to generate a positive change,” shares Yolanda Yaxón, Academic Coordinator of the Impact School.

Once again, Girl Pioneers are demonstrating that they are not the problem, they are the solution!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Ruby, a Girl Pioneer who is changing her path

web-maiaadmin — Wed, 25 May 2022 18:21:00 +0000

Ruby, a Girl Pioneer who is changing her path

The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story

May 25, 2022

“How to use a computer is my favorite thing I have learned since I joined the MAIA Impact School,” says Ruby, a 14-year-old Indigenous girl. She is the oldest of 4 siblings and one of the 16 members of her family (including her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and siblings) who live in the same house in a rural community in Sololá.

After the selection process, in 2022, Ruby is a Girl Pioneer part of Proyecto Impulso, MAIA’s year-long preparatory program. She has been learning how to speak English and use a computer, specifically how to write and use the keyboard. She practices both skills at home with her youngest brothers and her mother.

Before MAIA, she used to study in the public school system of Guatemala, and for her, “it was very hard to understand most classes.” Her main tasks were focused on doing house chores: cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her younger brothers and baby sister. Today, her main task is to do her homework and practice her English with her family.

“For me, it’s very important to have the support from my family and especially from my mother. She was the one who encouraged me to study and apply to MAIA.”

“I’m happy here at MAIA, and I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.”

Empowered Women, an Infinite Impact!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Poetry: a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace!

web-maiaadmin — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 18:01:00 +0000

Poetry: a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace!

Girl Pioneers use poetry as a tool to express their emotions and break the bias

March 18, 2022

Poetry promotes literacy, builds community, and fosters emotional resilience. It opens venues to speaking and listening.

When Girl Pioneers use poetry to express their voices, they are not only using their creativity and growing their inner confidence, but also overcoming barriers by demonstrating that there are no boundaries to what a woman can do.

For this World Poetry Day and in celebration of #WomenHistoryMonth, we invite you to read some of the most powerful pieces that these audacious young women have composed as part of their coursework.

BEING A WOMAN

Being a brave and independent woman,
It is a gift of life.
It is life itself that is surrounded by people
They love us very much.

To be a woman is to be unique
Be brave and great.
We never give up,
And we bloom like a very pretty rose.

UNITED FOR THE FUTURE

With my voice I make a call to all women,
Let’s unite with the same interests, weaving a network,
Intertwining smiles of peace and hope.

Let’s fight for the freedom of our voices,
Exercising our rights
To live in a society without oppression or inequality.

MY WISH

I have thousands of wishes in my head.

I wish to sing.
I wish to travel.
I wish a good future.
I wish to graduate
And I want to be in a safe space
so I can unwind.

I wish to be on a stage
And express my feelings.
I like that others sing the songs
That I sing.
We all have thousands of wishes
To achieve a good future.

TOGETHERNESS BETWEEN WOMEN

We leave valuable footprints
So that more women do not get lost.
The day someone gets lost and is in danger
Let’s look for her, walk every path until we find her.

I think about my future and that of ALL the other women.
Let us unite our forces so that new generations
Have a better future.
Let’s not let our dreams be forgotten.

REBORN FROM MY SCARS

The past is forgotten,
The present is lived.
Memories will become more memories,
Self-portraits will be more than a painting.
The story of our life always lives in our body.
Each scar is of joy or pain.
I count the stars, and I feel that everything will be fulfilled.
Everything that friendship gives,
Is dear in my hands.
The dry times are the heavy ones,
Green times are joy.
What is born in the morning,
It is a blessing for the heart.

Amplifying the voice of Girl Pioneers #BreakTheBias!

5 Actions By and For Indigenous Women

International Women’s Day. Ensuring Access to Our Rights and Transforming Our Future.

March 5, 2026

STEM: an engine for transformation

February 9, 2026

Education That Drives Change

When we talk about education, we are not only talking about methods, content, or tests. We are talking about people, about educators who lead diverse classrooms filled with talent and

January 22, 2026

Adela – Her journey to discover her individuality and her voice!

web-maiaadmin — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 16:50:00 +0000

Adela – Her journey to discover her individuality and her voice!

The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story

February 19, 2022

Adela, like many Indigenous girls in Guatemala, was born in a society “where talent abounds [..] but women are silenced and prevented from exploring arts.”

Her transformational journey started long before becoming a Girl Pioneer. During “her search for answers about her identity, her voice, her resistance,” Adela came to discover a powerful way to express herself thanks to her father who first put a notebook and a pen in her hands.

“I didn’t understand the power these tools had, nor did I imagine that they would change my life.”

Adela, Girl Pioneer of the MAIA Impact School

Since then, Adela has been courageously exploring society, culture, and her role in it by telling the story of her childhood dreams through drawing and writing. When she then joined the MAIA Impact School, she met educators, classmates, and friends “realizing that they shared the same experiences and stories. Those of women who despite their struggles are forced to be in the dark and invisible.”

Motivated by a supportive network, Adela was met with the right opportunities to unlock her infinite potential when she joined the journalism program at the MAIA Impact School. This course is aimed at training Girl Pioneers to write opinion articles that will be then shared in local, national, and international media outlets.

Today Adela is using her voice by writing for herself and igniting social change – “I consider art as a friend, a world, a political weapon and a door to let out what is inside me!”

Read Adela’s full essay called Many ways to tell stories, directly from the latest edition of the Entremundos magazine here.